MURFREESBORO, TENN. — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Let me arrange the scene for you — or at least offer as good a view as you can get from a short college student from Middle Tennessee.
I joined the Bagdad Church of Christ following the death of my late father, Stacey Rodenbach. I grew up within the church but found a new home in a congregation nestled among the rolling hills of Pleasant Shade, Tenn.
In a season of loss, I found a family that welcomed my mother, Tracey, and me with outstretched arms and countless illuminating smiles. That fellowship helped me climb out of a hole, following the passing of someone who shaped who I am now.
Bagdad elder Tim Agee opens a worship service with a Scripture reading during the church’s 200th homecoming.
Every time I entered the small wooden church, an open handshake at the door and laughter shared among friends generated something many in my generation seek — genuine connection. That sense of connection led me to The Christian Chronicle.
Through countless headlines amid an ever-changing media landscape, the Chronicle provided a place for community with people who share and proclaim the love of Jesus. Every article offered a new perspective on God and how his Word impacts our lives.
With the Chronicle constantly filling my inbox and becoming a regular topic of discussion around my dinner table, I somehow completely missed the opportunity for the very internship I am writing about today.
One of my greatest journalism mentors from Smith County High School, Jason Robert Smith, suggested I apply for the internship.
Rodenbach enjoys Nashville barbecue with Chronicle President and CEO Erik Tryggestad, Managing Editor Calvin Cockrell and correspondent Ted Parks.
Without missing a beat, I filled out the application, hoping to spend my summer strengthening my faith.
What I didn’t expect was a call — or rather, email — back and the subsequent meetings confirming me as one of two summer interns for the Chronicle.
Ephraim Rodenbach, second from right, and fellow MTSU Sidelines staffers meet in Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
The reason for my surprise was hilariously simple: I do not attend Harding University, where many interns before me began their journalism careers. Now you may wonder — or not — where else a Chronicle intern could possibly attend college?
I attend Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, where I serve as managing editor of the student newspaper, MTSU Sidelines. I previously worked as the co-sports editor.
Rodenbach sorts issues of The Christian Chronicle at the 2026 Evangelical Press Association convention in Franklin, Tenn.
Throughout my sophomore year, I tackled everything from covering MTSU’s club hockey program to photographing events around campus.
However, my goal at the Chronicle is to tell stories that glorify God and the good work of the Gospel. With this endeavor in mind, I’m blessed to learn from members of the Chronicle staff who proclaim God’s work through storytelling.
I may not have expected this opportunity, but perhaps that’s the beauty of it all. God often creates paths far greater than the ones we plan for ourselves.
Now, as I pray before this immense opportunity, I hope that same connection, encouragement and love that first drew me to the Chronicle shine through the content that I create.
EPHRAIM RODENBACH, a sports journalism major at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., is a Christian Chronicle intern. Contact ephraim@christianchronicle.org.
