Bethany BOLD Students Embrace Service and Leadership

Bethany BOLD students are engaged in service and leadership at a variety of non-profit organizations in Richmond. BOLD (which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare) challenges students to put their faith and education into practice while completing their graduate work by seeking tangible solutions to real-world problems like poverty and racism. Following are some examples of students’ service engagements during the fall of 2024.

Joe Buohl, a third-year MDiv student from central Pennsylvania, works with Open Arms Ministry, an organization that serves individuals in crisis who are living in apartments, but having difficulty paying their bills. Buohl worked for more than 20 years as a case worker prior to entering seminary. He says his work as BOLD student draws on those skills but with a difference.

“I haven’t had much opportunity to work closely with people living in poverty. The intake process is similar to the work I did for the state, but the experience allows me to see a bit more of the outcomes for the people we serve. I also make a lot of calls to churches to learn what services they provide, or might be able to provide. I really appreciate being able to work with others as a group to take action and help people.” 

Camille Dubler, a first-year student in the Master of Arts in Theopoetics and Writing program works with children at both Girls Inc. and Townsend Community Center, providing homework help and a positive presence in the lives of kids who may not have the support they need at home. Before coming to Bethany, Dubler had engaged in service at safe houses, in a prison, and at a program for at-risk students.

“This is a great opportunity to serve and invest in the community,” she says. “It is important to remember that life is happening everywhere, and that if you look, you can find ways to make a difference.”

Omar Gadzhiev volunteers at Hope House, working with men who are in recovery from substance abuse. Gadzhiev, a master’s degree student, is teaching a life skills class. He wanted to help his students work on resumes and cover letters as they search for employment, but Hope House did not have computers for residents to use. Gadzhiev arranged for to use a computer lab at Morrison-Reeves Library for the session, and fellow student Connor Ladd helped mentor the students.

Director of Community Engagement Derek Parker praised the students’ resourcefulness in gaining access to the resources that the Hope House residents needed. “By networking community resources, our students discovered how to overcome obstacles and meet an important need in the community.  It is a skill that will serve them well elsewhere.”

Participants in Bethany BOLD have opportunities to reflect on their experiences in service and also take excursions around Richmond to learn more about the community. Students receive full-tuition scholarships, free housing, and a monthly living stipend.

Prospective students may apply for admission to the seminary here.

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