Ministry Inquiry Program

Spend a summer in ministry and receive up to a $2,000 scholarship and a $500 stipend.

"I knew ministry was an interest of mine, and this summer showed me that it is something to seriously consider someday . . . . The congregation was very open and willing to let me try new things, both in worship and in general participation." - Nathan Grieser MIP 2007

The Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP) enables students at Goshen College to spend three months in ministry with a congregation. The goal of the Ministry Inquiry Program is to facilitate significant student engagement with congregational ministry through the tutelage of an on-site pastoral mentor and with the church’s support. Students are expected to learn from both their active participation in ministry and from their observation of others engaged in ministry. Depending on the student’s interests and gifts, MIP activities can include worship planning, worship leading, teaching in Bible school and Sunday school, leading music, pastoral visiting, community service and preaching.Interested students may complete and submit an application form as a first step toward participation in MIP.

About the Program

Students in MIP will experience:

"Coming into this summer, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew I would be working with a diverse, urban congregation, but I didn't really know what form that would take. It turned out that I was blessed in many more ways than I ever would have expected." - Peter Koontz MIP 2007

• Direct ministry to others in a congregational setting
• Creative responses to perplexing human problems
• Encounters with a wide variety of people
• Insight into the challenges facing ministers
• New relationships with a congregation

At the end of the ministry period, the supervising minister will write a report for Goshen College and the student, evaluating the student’s performance and potential for future experiences in ministry. Students should meet with their academic advisers to learn about the possibility of earning academic credit for their MIP experience.

How do I apply to participate in the Ministry Inquiry Program?

Registration Deadlines:

Though we would love to provide placements for all students who apply, we are only able to accept 5-8 applicants per Inquiry Program. There are two deadlines: early-bird (December 1, 2007) and final (January 31, 2008). Students who complete their applications by the early-bird deadline will be processed (accepted or not accepted) first. Depending on the number of applicants in a given year, the possibility exists that all slots might be filled even before the final deadline! Therefore, it is in the best interest of the student to apply early! Complete the application NOW!

If you are a student:

"Whether or not I'll go into pastoral ministry is hard to say, but what is sure is that in my placement at MMF through the MIP program, I've been roped in--I think I'm now a lifer!" - Morgan Kraybill MIP 2007

• Visit the Campus Ministries office and speak with Bob Yoder, the MIP administrator.
• Let your academic adviser know you would like to participate in the program.
• You can earn academic credit through Goshen College with your adviser’s support.
• Discuss your ministry interests with the pastor of your home congregation.
• Complete the online application form.

If you represent a congregation as a pastor or youth leader:

• Call or write to the Ministry Inquiry Program administrator at Goshen College, and nominate an excellent student candidate from your congregation who would benefit from MIP.
• Encourage students from your congregation with potential for ministry to participate in the Ministry Inquiry Program through Goshen College.

Congregations desiring interns should apply to the Ministry Inquiry Program through the program administrator.

How does the program work?

"Laura was highly motivated and very willing to jump in and be involved in any aspect of church life. She had a great attitude and was a complete joy to work with. I will miss her greatly!" -Rachel Gerber MIP 2007 Supervisor

The Ministry Inquiry Program is designed to be a summer-long learning experience for Goshen College students. It calls for full-time involvement for 11 weeks.

Each MIP intern will receive a scholarship of $2,000 to be applied to college expenses during the academic year following the term of ministry. Ideally, the funds for the scholarship will come from the following sources:

$500 Goshen College Campus Ministries $500 Mennonite Church USA $500 Student's home congregation $250 Receiving church conference  $250 Sending church conference

The host congregation will also provide food, housing, and a $500 personal stipend.  The student will be responsible for travel expenses to and from the location of the host congregation.

Who may participate?

The Ministry Inquiry Program is designed for Goshen College students who have completed two to three years of college. Ideally, candidates for the program should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students from all faith traditions are warmly invited to participate in MIP and may negotiate an assignment with an other-than-Mennonite congregation.

"Amy immersed herself in the experiences of congregational life and city ministry this summer. She asked good questions and developed a good understanding of this congregational and ministry context." - Duane Beck MIP 2007 Supervisor

May I participate in the Ministry Inquiry Program at times other than the summer?

Yes - if the MIP Administrator, your academic adviser at Goshen College, and a congregation agree on another 11-week period during the year or 11-week equivalent. However, the program's primary intention is for a summer experience.

How many students will participate in one year?

Mennonite Church USA provides support for five Ministry Inquiry Program participants from Goshen College each year, although more may participate if funds are available.

Inquiry Program Administrator

Bob Yoder Campus Pastor and Inquiry Program Administrator Office: AD 12 Ph: (574) 535-7542