Ministry
In the context of academic learning and spiritual formation
What does it look like to minister in Jesus' name? There is one gospel, one Lord, one salvation. The end of the road is the same: "make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). As we pursue this in the Holy Spirit's power and guidance, we find that our footfalls differ as we remain on the same path as those around us.
Ministry is as diverse as those doing the work--we touch lives around us in various ways according to the gifts and opportunities given to us. Ministry is also as diverse as those to whom we minster. The one gospel, delivered once for all, is brought into lives as dissimilar as the president of the United States, a homeless person, a Wall Street executive, and a rancher in rural Montana. Our membership in the Body links us irrevocably; the diversity of our experiences, gifts, skills, and opportunities is a testament to the beauty of the Lord who called us to himself.
Ministry is various and changing, and yet there is a constant. God is working through broken vessels to draw others to himself. Regardless of the manner, the means are God's power and our humility. Read about one TEDS graduate who learned this lesson in Trinity Magazine.
Types of Ministry
Students at Trinity are regularly preparing for the following types of ministry, among others:
- Pastor / Teacher
- Academic Professor
- Counselor
- Youth Leader
- Hospital, Prison, or Military Chaplain
- Missionary
- Church Planter
- Higher Education Leadership
- Witness within a Secular Occupation
Community, Practice, & Praxis
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School seeks to foster a learning environment that will prepare you for ministry. We have found that preparation for ministry occurs best:
- within a learning community,
- where classroom work includes both academic content and ministry praxis,
- while classroom learning is put into practice under the guidance of a mentor,
- when involvement in a local church and in personal spiritual development do not become secondary matters.
Church Involvement
We encourage new students to immediately look for a local church to be involved with while they are here, not only for spiritual health, but also as a local body within which you may minister. Depending on your ministry interests, this may include meeting Field Education and Internship requirements:
Field Education
For two to three semesters (depending on your program), you will be engaged in ministry for 3-5 hours per week in a context of your choosing. You will work with a mentor who will assist you in discerning reasonable goals for this time, and then assess your success at meeting these at the end of the semester.
Internship
A number of the programs at Trinity require an internship: full time for one semester, or half time for two semesters. Like Field Education, you will be engaged in ministry within your partiular context, and will work with a mentor who will help to guide your ministry. If your interest is in academics, develop a relationship with one of the professors. If it is intercultural studies, check out the many opportunities to work with internationals in Chicago. There are many opportunities on campus and in Chicago.
Significant Relationships
Many leaders of the church worldwide have studied at TEDS. We are privileged to invite you to study with a multinational, multiethnic student body in a major urban setting. TEDS will stretch you to think about ministry cross-culturally as you develop friendships with others who desire to make a difference for God’s kingdom.