Using Every Gift: How Social Work and Business Degrees Are Transforming Ministry in Mexico City

When Michael and Olivia first chose their academic paths, global missions wasn’t yet on the horizon. But God was already weaving their stories together—shaping a calling that would one day take their professional training far beyond the traditional boundaries of ministry.

For Michael, that journey began unexpectedly. As an undergraduate Youth Ministry major, he suddenly found himself short 19 credits after a program change. While praying about what to do next, “social work popped into my head,” he remembers. The minor required exactly 19 hours. That small moment of obedience opened the door to professors who had served overseas and internships that broadened his understanding of what it meant to care for a community. Over time, God expanded his calling from youth ministry into community development, eventually leading Michael to pursue a Master of Social Work during the pandemic.

Olivia experienced a similar redirection as she wrestled with what major would best honor God. “In response, God gave me a new lens to see business,” she said. She began to understand business as something deeply connected to people’s everyday lives—a place where God is present and active. That insight later drew her toward exploring global opportunities, including CMF’s REACH program, which planted a seed for what was ahead.

Today, Michael and Olivia serve in Mexico City—each using their “non‑ministry degrees” every day. Olivia serves on the Marketplace Ministries team, equipping entrepreneurs through Emprende 31. Her business training helps her coordinate team operations, mentor business owners, and develop systems that strengthen the ministry. “It has been so fun to use my business degree in my ministry daily,” she said. “We started something from the ground up, and everything from project management to marketing helps us serve entrepreneurs even better.”

Michael, serving with the Church Catalyst team, draws on his social work background at Manos de Vida, a community center connected to a local church. He uses a strength‑based, community‑driven approach to build programs, gather feedback, and empower local volunteers. One moment stands out: helping a church member struggling with addiction find resources for housing, employment, and family restoration. “My training showed me practical tools that can be part of God’s toolkit,” he shared. “The Bible and the Holy Spirit work in tandem with these tools to bring transformation.”

Looking ahead, both dream of expanding how their degrees shape ministry. Olivia hopes to continue modeling how faith and work intertwine—sparking transformation in individuals, families, and communities. Michael hopes to build trauma‑informed resources for teens and young adults, especially those deeply affected by poverty.

Their story is a reminder that God uses all kinds of degrees—not just ministry ones—to build His Kingdom. In Mexico City, a social worker and a business major are witnessing lives change every day, simply because they said yes to using the gifts God placed in their hands.

Every Degree Has Mission Potential

If Michael and Olivia’s story sparks something in you, we’d love to help you explore what God might be inviting you into. Whether your background is in business, social work, engineering, education, the arts—or something completely different—your skills may have a place in global ministry. You can also explore current opportunities at cmfi.org/personnel. And if you’re curious about how your degree could be used on the mission field, reach out to us at mobilization@cmfi.org. We’d be honored to start that conversation with you.