Hearing and responding to God’s desire to raise up leaders in the Church
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
The Call is about hearing and responding to God’s desire to raise up leaders in the Church. Discerning His call is the foundational purpose of this program.
For those students who feel God is moving them in the direction of church leadership (as pastor, youth minister, Christian education director, worship leader, etc.), the Call is the perfect opportunity to explore that call and to prepare for seminary and ministry.
More About the Program
The Call pre-seminary program is offered in cooperation with Ashland University’s Center for Religious Life and Religion Department. Its goal is to help undergraduate students prepare for seminary.
Through prayer, study, and practice, the Call provides the chance for students to grow spiritually into the types of leaders the church needs today. Through the Call students become part of a community in which they can explore and affirm the direction of their calling. Practical ministry experience will be gained through leadership opportunities in campus ministry and through an internship in a local church.
Participants will get a step up in theological studies by completing at least a minor in religion and gaining exposure to biblical languages, and completing a personal ministry project. Students will also have the opportunity to take seminary level classes as an undergraduate.
Program Elements
The Call seeks to work cooperatively with the Holy Spirit to engage all Christian students in discerning whether they are called to leadership.
For that reason many activities and events of The Call are open to all Christian students. These events will focus on exploring deeper encounters with God and introducing students to the trials and rewards of ministry.
There are, however, certain elements of the program which are reserved for those students who are fully committed to participating in The Call:
- Major or Minor in Religion (academic instruction)
- Active in Religious Life Network and/or local church
- Cohort sessions
- Mentorships
- Internships
- Personal Ministry Project
- Retreats
- Guest speakers
- Church visits
- Fellowship events
- Introductory classes to biblical languages
At this level, participants will focus on maintaining a high level of passion and personal integrity as followers of Christ through intense spiritual encounters, rigorous study of scripture, and genuine, loving friendships.
The Call participants will develop as leaders through a model of increasing responsibilities in planning, organizing, and implementing ministry.
To talk with someone about your call, contact:
Dr. Dan Lawson, dean of Religious Life | 419.289.5480
