Masters in Ministry Degree Alumna Works as YouVersion Copywriter

As far as Natalee Riggins is concerned, her gifts of writing and teaching exist for her to further the Kingdom of God. In the masters in ministry program at Grace Theological Seminary, she developed her skills for instruction and discipleship in the church. Now, she uses her gifts as a copywriter at YouVersion, a Christian ministry that provides God’s Word for free to millions around the world through its website and Family of Apps, including Bible App, Bible App Lite, and Bible App for Kids. 

Originally from Sleepy Hollow, Illinois, Riggins found Grace while searching for midwestern Christian colleges. A campus tour confirmed she had found the right school. Riggins, who originally planned on becoming a teacher in her hometown, began her classes as an elementary education major in August 2020. Knowing she’d like ministry training, she enrolled in Grace’s accelerated dual degree program, in which she’d earn both her bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in ministry studies upon graduation.

2020-2021: A Major Switch and an Internship

After a semester of education classes, Riggins began the first half of the spring semester in three core Bible classes. They lit a new kind of fire in her. She discovered she was fascinated with studying the Bible’s themes and interpretation as well as theological doctrine. After each class, she’d research more of that day’s topic at the library.

“I loved the content,” said Riggins. “I loved doing the work.”

But when Riggins found herself back in education classes during the second half of the spring semester, she realized she wanted to focus on biblical doctrine instead. So she met with Dr. Christy Hill, professor of spiritual formation and women’s ministries, and Hill recommended an educational ministries major. Riggins could still teach, but it would be biblical instruction and discipleship in a ministry setting.

Riggins switched to educational ministries and added a Master of Arts in Ministry degree In May 2021, she received an email from Grace’s marketing team about job openings. The first was for a content writing internship, and the second was for driving the Grace speedboat.

“Tempting,” joked Riggins. “But I emailed back about the writing position, completed a test project, interviewed over the phone, and began the job that summer.”

Riggins’ duties included conducting interviews, writing copy for promotional materials, and producing content for Grace’s blog. Given her experience as a seminary student, she was also asked to contribute to Grace Theological Seminary’s website.

When she wasn’t working, Riggins spent the summer preparing to be a growth group leader the following school year. As she pored over her Bible and study resources, she felt even more confident that educational ministries was her calling.

In fall of 2021, Riggins began the courses for her major. She enjoyed instruction from professors Dr. Tiberius Rata, Dr. Rock LaGioia, and Hill. Hill’s classes were particularly formative.

“I was in her mentor group, and I absolutely loved all her classes, especially Foundations of Educational Ministry,” said Riggins. “We did lesson planning in that class, and the experience, along with Dr. Hill’s feedback, solidified my desire to teach the Bible.”

2021-2023: Two Bible Studies and a Job Application

At the beginning of 2022, Riggins began to pray about internship opportunities. The Lord repeatedly brought her mother’s friend Barb Wilson to her mind. She knew that Wilson, who had authored several women’s Bible studies, had a wealth of experience in biblical counseling, instruction, and writing.

So, taking a leap of faith, Riggins offered to help Wilson with any upcoming projects. Wilson took up Riggins’ offer, inviting her to help put the finishing touches on Wilson’s study of Luke. Riggins spent the summer assisting with researching, writing extra material, adding quotes, and finding images.

She returned for her third year at Grace in fall 2022. With only this school year and a semester left, Riggins continued searching for opportunities in ministry education.

In January 2023, Riggins and her mother had lunch with Wilson, who mentioned that she was working on another study about belief and behavior. In March, she invited Riggins to work with her again, but this time as a co-author. Riggins jumped at the opportunity and spent the following summer writing with Wilson.

“I did a lot of research and preparation, sat in on biblical counseling, and participated in a lot of meetings,” said Riggins. “We broke down the doctrine of God, Christ, man, sin, and all those things.”

Riggins began her final semester in fall 2023. While job-hunting one day in September, she applied for a copywriter position at YouVersion.

“I was sitting on my balcony in Kent when I got the email about an initial phone screening and just freaked out,” said Riggins.

Riggins completed the phone screening and a test project. In November, she was invited to an in-person interview at the organization’s headquarters in Oklahoma. She flew out, completed the interview, and prepared to wait for their decision. The next day, 10 minutes before boarding her flight home, she received a call from her interviewer. YouVersion had decided: The team was impressed with her work, and the position was hers if she accepted it. She did.

2023-2024: Global Impact at YouVersion

After graduation, Riggins moved to Oklahoma and began work in January of 2024. She writes emails, push notifications, in-app messages, app store events, and social media scripts to encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout each day.

YouVersion currently employs about 180 people, and its reach spans across the world. The Family of Apps have been installed on more than 855 million devices, and according to a June 2023 press release from the ministry, daily Bible use in North America continues to grow while the majority of current downloads occur outside of North America. 

Each minute, “the Bible App is installed 95 times, a verse is shared 1,070 times, and a verse is highlighted, bookmarked, or annotated 3,200 times,” according to that same press release.

Working at an organization so influential requires thorough theological accuracy and a heart to invite others into an authentic relationship with God. According to Riggins, she received that training from the masters in ministry degree at Grace.

“I got a really solid foundation of knowing how to talk about and explain the Bible,” said Riggins. “I also get to bring my excitement about the Bible into my writing.”

Her marketing internship at Grace lent itself perfectly to the copywriting aspect of the job, teaching her to identify her audience, adapt her message to it, and develop a strong writing voice that aligns with a brand platform and inspires others.

Riggins thinks back to her original career plans and when they dissolved to make way for something better that God had in mind.

“I thought I would be moving back to Illinois and working with kids, and now I’m sitting in the YouVersion office, living out my calling,” said Riggins. “It’s not what I expected, but I’m so glad this is how it worked out. What I get to do involves honoring God, knowing His Word, and helping others draw near to Him. It is very cool and humbling to be a part of YouVersion’s mission to share the Gospel with everyone, everywhere, every day.”

Learn more about a masters in ministry Degree at Grace Theological Seminary.