Hillary Watson ’09

Ypsilanti, Michigan
MAJORS: Bible & religion, Philosophy
Pastor, Shalom Community Church; Program consultant, Nonprofit Enterprise at Work

How did your experience at Goshen College inform your vocational calling and/or approach to ministry?

Goshen allowed me to explore the breadth of the Anabaptist tent and find my place in it. Goshen also supported me with opportunity, funding, connections and learning opportunities over my four years.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?

I’ll be honest, it’s not always satisfying, and satisfaction won’t sustain you for the long haul. But I love watching people change — their minds, their behaviors, their vocations — because of the way they’ve encountered God in community.

What advice would you have for GC students interested in ministry?

Make sure you are well-funded! It is too easy to enter ministry with a heavy debt load or end up struggling financially because you’re being underpaid. Negotiate your salary, ask for funding for seminary and advocate for yourself!