“How do we continue to meet needs and be there for people despite challenges? There are still needs, and there are still people in need even though it seems like the world is changing and, in some moments, it has come to a halt. So how can we creatively and effectively continue that service despite challenges ahead?” said Emily Shoemaker, Coordinator for Service and Events.
Shoemaker started working in the Office of University Ministries (OUM) in August of 2018 as the Administrative Assistant. Recently hired as the Coordinator for Service and Events, she is now seeking to answer these questions.
While she is just beginning her third academic year on Union’s staff, Shoemaker has been a part of Union’s community for much longer. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as her master’s degree in Social Work from Union.
Beginning her college career, Shoemaker did not anticipate remaining at Union and taking a position in the OUM. However, her degrees have equipped her perfectly for this role. They taught her how people work, common needs people have and how to meet those physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Shoemaker is thankful that the Lord prepared her background so that she could confidently transition into her new position. Her role as Coordinator for Service and Events entails leading the Serve Team, assisting in coordinating and facilitating Campus and Community Day and planning expos for on-campus visits from outside organizations.
While Shoemaker’s job title places her as leader and organizer for these ministries, she has also set for herself a greater purpose: to build personal and intentional connections and have Christ-centered discussions with every student who walks through her door.
Callie Teague, senior public relations major, has known Shoemaker since middle school. Shoemaker led Teague’s small group at church at that time, and now they get to work together in the OUM.
“She is such a servant and always goes out of her way to make sure the people around her are taken care of,” said Teague. “I think she will do an incredible job with that. With the community members she is working with but also with the students. She’s super busy, but she always has time for people who want to stop and talk. She is always there to ask intentional questions and make sure you’re doing well.”
Shoemaker’s educational and work background paired with her devotion to intentional relationships are what make her a great leader for the Serve Team. Serve is a Union ministry that provides an opportunity for students to receive hands-on learning about how to reach the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of a population. While the students volunteer at local partner organizations, they also seek to grow as a team and as individuals. To accomplish this, they are each working through the book Cross-Cultural Servanthood, engaging in team meetings twice a month and having monthly one-on-one discussions with Shoemaker. These efforts are taken in order to develop a lifestyle of service in each student.
While she is committed to the individuals of the Serve Team, Shoemaker is passionate about helping every student who comes to her with a need.
“We in the Office of University Ministries and Union in general, faculty and staff, care so deeply about each student. Our doors are always open, and if you’re looking for whatever the next step is in with your relationship with the Lord or your life in general, we’re here for you and we’re available to help delve into whatever that looks like,” said Shoemaker. “And always, if you’re interested in Serve, come talk to me.”
