Congregational and Ministry Studies

Professors W. Lee (chair), J. Witvliet

Associate Professor T. Cioffi

The Department of Congregational and Ministry Studies aims to provide opportunities for classroom learning, research, and internships to help students critically examine how every other major and program in the university contributes to the life of the church and its ministries. Along with other contributions in culture and society more broadly, academic preparation for knowledgeable contributions to the church is crucial. This is accomplished through the offering of ministry studies courses, an internship program open to students in all majors, and ministry-related summer courses as determined.

The department offers students an integrated ministry leadership minor that can be combined with nearly any other major program on campus. This flexible ministry minor allows students either to explore several areas of ministry or to focus studies in areas such as community development, congregational studies, missions, music in worship, pastoral ministry, worship, and youth ministry. Students in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s Ministry Leadership Cohort are well positioned to complete a ministry leadership minor.

Students in the minor benefit from interdisciplinary study of congregational life (CMS 372 ), courses that explore multiple ministry areas, liberal arts cognate courses that will provide essential supplemental perspectives on their area of emphasis, and an internship course with placement in their area of interest (CMS 381 or CMS 378 ).

The department does not offer any majors. We encourage students interested in careers in congregational and other ministries to attend seminary (see information below on pre-seminary advising), and to pursue a broad liberal arts education at Calvin University, with particular attention to the study of religion.

Discerning a Call to Ministry

Discerning a call to ministry often occurs through a confluence of prayer, conversation, courses, and many other factors, but always occurs in community. The Congregational and Ministry Studies Department can connect you with mentors to guide you on the journey to ministry. On-campus mentors and guides include:

Todd Cioffi, Congregational Ministry Studies Department
Mary Hulst, University Pastor
Moon Bae Kim, Pastoral Partner and Pastor of Korean Grace Christian Reformed Church
Tarence Lauchiè, Pastoral Partner and Pastor of Grace for the Nations Church
Won Lee, Religion Department
Satrina Reid, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Paul Ryan, Worship Pastor
Laura Smit, Religion Department
Noel Snyder, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Sarah VerMerris, Assistant Director of Discipleship
Joanna Wigboldy, Director of the Ministry Leadership Cohort

When one discerns a call to vocational ministry, seminary is often the next step. We encourage students to lean into the liberal-arts education offered at Calvin in preparation for theological education. Graduates from a variety of major programs at Calvin have gone on to seminary, but a solid foundation in religion and practical experience through Campus Ministries is encouraged.

To explore seminary programs, or to discuss preparation for ministry with a mentor, contact the CMS office (Hekman Library 315) or email Cindy DeBoer.

Jubilee Fellows Program

The Jubilee Fellows Program is a selective opportunity for Calvin University juniors to explore futures in ministry leadership. Each fall, junior-level students are selected to participate in the program. A summer seminar style course is followed by a 10-week summer internship. During the fall of their senior year, fellows use their leadership gifts in service to the Calvin community.

Ministry Internships

We offer for-credit and non-credit ministry internships for those who want to explore church ministry. For-credit internships are described more fully under CMS 381 . For non-credit internships, the relationship between student and church will be similar to that between a hospital intern and a teaching hospital. It will be an onsite experience with close supervision. Find out more about non-credit internships through the Career Center. Make an appointment to see Rev Joanna Wigboldy or visit the Career Center to explore your options.

Ministry Resource Center

The Ministry Resource Center, located in the northeast corner of the fourth floor of the Hekman Library, provides resources for all students and regional community members involved in Bible studies, prayer ministries, worship leadership, urban neighborhood ministry, volunteer service, and more.

Programs

Minor

Ministry Leadership Minor

Courses

Congregational and Ministry Studies