When Suzanne Pape decided to take an internship at Blacknall, she wasn’t afraid of what it might require — like working with children’s and youth ministries. Instead, "I was actually really afraid that I was going to enjoy it," she said, reflecting on three semesters of learning and serving at the church. "That it would make me realize that maybe I want to do something like this."
A former elementary school teacher, Suzanne once imagined herself working as a chaplain or at a faith-based nonprofit. But as she enters the final year working toward dual master’s degrees from Duke (Master of Divinity) and UNC-Chapel Hill (Master of Social Work), her time at Blacknall has reshaped her sense of calling and how she hopes to serve. Surrounded by women leaders who have mentored and supported her personal, professional, and spiritual growth, her goals have shifted.
“My experience at Blacknall has helped shape this part of me that realizes I could really see myself working in a church in some sort of pastoral capacity, which is really exciting and life-giving to me,” she said. “I feel closer to God than a few years ago when I started divinity school. This time has brought back to the forefront of my mind that I am a child of God and renewed my motivation for how and why I want to be involved at a church.”
Suzanne highlights the opportunities she’s had to preach as especially formative for her growth as an intern and believer. With guidance from Senior Pastor Goodie Bell and Director of Youth Ministry Kat Burgett, delivering a 20-minute sermon went from her “biggest fear” to something she came to enjoy — “the icing on the cake” of discovering what she was capable of in church ministry.
“I’ve learned all kinds of leadership skills like effective communication, leading meetings, and what it means to have a consistent pastoral presence in people’s lives,” she said. “I came here with my whole being, emotionally and spiritually.”
Suzanne’s semesters as an intern extended a long-standing connection she’s had at Blacknall. Her parents, Mary and Woody McLendon, have been ministry partners since the early 2000s and she started attending regularly during her master’s degree program in 2023. This time hasn’t just deepened her connection to God and the church, but given her new hope for what she can accomplish in the years to come.
“I’m thankful for finding a renewed sense of meaning,” she said. “I think this time has helped me start to see more joy in how we’re all together with God. Being at Blacknall has helped me grow in new ways."