No matter what profession Furman students enter, their faith and values influence their life path. Exploration of Vocation and Ministry (EVM) is for students who wish to explore their sense of calling in life, have a desire to examine their faith critically, and integrate their classroom learning with their beliefs. EVM offers students of diverse religious backgrounds the opportunity to examine their beliefs and values; explore connections between their faith and the classroom; and experience internships in fields of service, justice, and ministry. Students do this alongside a community of peers and the university chaplains who will challenge and inspire them.
Students in EVM come from diverse cultural backgrounds and various majors. Paths after Furman include but are not limited to ministry, nonprofits, academia, legal, medical, and corporate professions. Internships are chosen in consultation with the chaplains and customized toward students’ goals for further learning and engagement.
Program Requirements
- All students agree to participate in weekly gatherings of the Exploration of Vocation and Ministry program on Tuesdays at 6:30pm.
- First-year students agree to also participate in weekly sessions, known as Exploration cohorts, led by the Associate Chaplain.
- After completing the first year Exploration Cohort, students will participate in an approved internship each year. Students devote four hours or more per week to these internships.
- Students are expected to stay in good academic standing with the university.
Internships
During years 2-4 in the program, students will work with chaplains to find a supervised, off campus internship that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Potential internships include:
- Non-profit organizations (alleviating poverty and homelessness, legal aid, after-school programs, re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated, art and marketing for nonprofits)
- Pastoral, youth, music, or children’s ministries in local congregations
- Participation in a local religious community
- Chaplaincy at Greenville area hospitals
- Research and projects with University chaplains or other campus staff or faculty
Leadership
Each year, a President, Vice-President, and Treasurer/Religious Council Representative are elected. After your first year is complete, you are welcome to serve in one or multiple of these positions where you can help the Chaplains with programming, retreat planning, purchasing for the group, and general administrative tasks.
Apply for Exploration of Vocation & Ministry (EVM) program
Does EVM sound right for you? Contact the chaplains for more information or apply now for EVM. Applications will be open from April 1-July 24, 2026. You will be contacted after applications close to schedule an interview.
