Pastoral Ministry

Some students may feel especially called to ministry—for example, working with youth, serving parishes in various ways, joining a campus ministry team, or attending to those who face illness or other challenges. Those who do see this in their future, either upon graduation or with further education, are urged to consider the pastoral ministry concentration within the theology major.

The primary strength of this concentration is the theological grounding and breadth one receives through the major itself. But the concentration also helps students develop skills appropriate to ministry, especially in culturally diverse settings, through an introductory course, an internship designed to meet each student’s needs and aspirations, and course requirements centered on the life of the Christian community.

In addition to stressing the importance for ministry of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, cooperation, and leadership, department advisors also encourage students to draw on the resources for ministry offered through other disciplines, such as the social sciences, communications, and philosophy.