A SUMMER OF SERVING WITH FBC JC AND CBF
Looking back on my time as the College Ministry and Facilities Intern here at First Baptist Church Jefferson City, I’m very grateful for how much this summer shaped me. FBCJC is my home church, and I have been attending for as long as I can remember, so getting to serve this community that basically raised me made this internship pretty special. It gave me a whole new perspective on what actually goes into running a church week in and week out.
My job was a split between relational ministry and hands-on facilities work, which turned out to be a great mix. On the college side, I planned and hosted events for our FBCJC Young Adults group and led our Sunday morning Bible study class. Honestly, coming right off my freshman year at Mizzou, I was on the younger side of our group, so stepping into that teaching role was a little intimidating at first. But watching people keep showing up week after week to hang out and dive into the Bible was huge for me. It was so encouraging to see real friendships grow and see God work in that room.
On the facilities side, I spent a lot of time getting my hands dirty around our 120,000-square-foot building. Working under Mark Leesman and alongside Mickey Petershagen, I learned a ton of practical skills—everything from painting and general repairs to flushing heat pumps and cleaning bathrooms. Mark and Mickey made the hard work fun, and they showed me how much behind-the-scenes effort it takes to keep a place like this running smoothly.
I think the biggest takeaway for me was realizing how much I enjoy a job that balances desk/planning work with active, hands-on tasks. I also realized that ministry isn't just about preparing a lesson; it's also about doing the practical work that creates a welcoming environment for people. I’m walking away from this summer with a lot of great memories, better practical skills, more confidence as a leader, and a much deeper appreciation for our church family.
Read Garrett's reflection posted on the CBF Blog on August 14, 2026.