Pre-Ministry

Discern your calling

Being called by God into a career of Christian ministry can be both exciting and daunting. Finding your way through this call requires prayer and introspection as well as conversation in community—with family members, pastors, fellow church-members, friends and professors. 

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

If you are hoping to become an ordained pastor in a particular denomination, it is wise to learn early on about the process and ordination requirements of that denomination (check their website or talk to a pastor), as well as to talk with the appropriate people in that denomination about your hopes and goals.

Church resources

Candidacy Committee
Christian Reformed Church

Discerning your Call
Calvin Theological Seminary

Call Waiting
Reformed Church in America

Preparation for Ministry
Presbyterian Church USA

Ask the Question
United Church of Christ

Vocation and Education
Evangelical Lutheran Church

Explore Calling
United Methodist Board of Higher Education