Sarah Bush tutors a student. Photo courtesy of the Baptist Standard.

We like this article  the Baptist Standard and this article from J. Weekly.com about social workers who combine their faith and profession.

The Baptist Standard talked to Sarah Bush, a 2008 Baylor University School of Social Work graduate who is now a minister of congregational development in Virginia.

Bush  had an internship at Fredricksburg Baptist Church and was offered a full-time job before her intership ended. She began work as a community church liaison for Micah Ecumenical Ministries,  a coalition of downtown churches that provides basic care services and emergency shelter.

“I see so clearly that God is at work in this,” Bush said. “It’s really exciting for me to see the church take this role and partner with other groups in the community to meet these needs together.”

Jon Gilgoff. Photo courtesy of Brothers on the Rise.

J. Weekly.com profiled Jon Gilgoff, who graduated from Columbia University’s School of Social Work. Gilgoff moved to Oakland, Calif., and founded Brothers on the Rise. 

Brothers on the Rise promotes responsible male empowerment with 200 boys in Oakland public elementary and middle schools.

“Continuing this rich tradition of service and justice and change work makes me proud to be Jewish,” he added. “We (Jews) have struggled, and we are surviving. To be an ally for communities struggling is … the biggest part of my identity as a Jew.”

Q: Did your faith influence your decision to become a social worker?