Ministries Inquiry Program

The Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP) enables students at Goshen College to spend three months in ministry with a congregation.

The goal of MIP 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.

Students in MIP will experience:

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.

“Even though I didn’t come away from MIP certain that I’m meant to become a pastor (or go to seminary after college) I still learned a lot about the functions of the church and had the opportunity to reflect on what role ministry might play in my life in the future.” – Kate Bodiker, 2023

“I know that this inquiry experience has changed me and equipped me with tools for living…I am excited to see how this experience will continue to guide me in the coming years.” – Andrew Pauls, 2015

“After such a wonderful experience, I am seriously considering going to seminary after college. I felt purpose and meaning, which is powerful…I am grateful to have had such a blessed summer…” – Halle Steingass, 2015

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) and final (January 31). 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!

If you are a student:

Speak with Campus Pastor Jen Shenk
Let your academic adviser know you would like to participate in the program and explore the option of earning academic credit.
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:

Contact MIP administrator Jen Shenk through phone or email 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 MIP through Goshen College.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the program work?

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 $3,000 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:

$750 from Goshen College
$750 from Mennonite Church USA
$750 from the student’s home congregation
$375 from receiving church conference
$375 from sending church conference

The host congregation will also provide food, housing, and a $500-$750 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 or higher. Students from all faith traditions are warmly invited to participate in MIP and may negotiate an assignment with an other-than-Mennonite congregation.

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

Yes – if the MIP Administrator Jen Shenk, 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.

“MIP provided a way for new and old connections to be cultivated. It grounded my beliefs in real life– in the experiences of those on the margin, in my own experiences, and in my academics and research. Specifically, it expanded my beliefs concerning theology. For me, theology, and therefore its influence on my life, will always be shaped and influenced by my learnings and experiences from this summer, and I have MIP to thank.” – Madeline Kauffman, 2018

“I am very grateful for my time in the Ministry Inquiry Program. Although I have not felt a strong call towards a career in ministry, I have felt a deepening in my commitment to an active church life.” – Hannah Yoder, 2015

“My time at College Mennonite Church has taught me many things, but perhaps the most meaningful of which is how to stand for one’s own values while simultaneously engaging with those who do not share them. Spending the summer at CMC while witnessing the broader goings-on of the Mennonite Church has deepened my desire to be involved in the church in a meaningful way in the future.” – Jenae Longenecker, 2015