Kansas Wesleyan University is launching a new Ministry Studies major for fall 2014 to prepare students to engage in hands-on ministry.
“We want to encourage more of our graduating seniors to enter seminary,” said Dr. Phillip S. Meckley, Department Chair and Professor of Religion and Philosophy. “This Ministry Studies degree program will give them practical experience and prepare them to succeed in ministry.”
The practical side of ministry has long been emphasized at Kansas Wesleyan. Each KWU student enrolled in a Religion or Philosophy class is required to perform, and then reflect upon, eight hours of community service each semester. The new Ministry Studies major extends that service experience to include participating in ministry under the guidance of ordained clergy or other mentors. Close partnerships with congregations and other agencies will provide KWU students with the opportunity to put their faith into action in real world settings via field placements in meaningful local and regional internships.
There is a genuine need for younger students to be trained to follow a call into full-time ministry. Meckley and his wife both are second career seminary graduates with clergy experience, and they are excited about what this new program will do for the Church.
This distinctive major combines coursework in four core areas: Bible; Religion and Philosophy; Ministry; and Educational and Social Sciences. These are designed to prepare well-rounded leaders to meet the challenges that the Church faces today.
The Ministry Studies major gives students the chance to tailor their learning experience to focus on such areas as counseling, church administration, or Christian education. Kansas Wesleyan University combines solid classroom learning, personal attention from dedicated faculty members, and valuable mentoring experiences with experienced leaders in the field.
For more information about the Ministry Studies program at Kansas Wesleyan University, please call (785) 827-5541, ext. 2340, or email [email protected]. Online at www.kwu.edu/ministry-studies
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Story from Kansas Wesleyan University / John Elmore
