Church, Society and Ministry

Whether you're called to be a pastor, an organic farmer, a sociologist, a teacher — or just about anything — you're an essential part of the life and work of God's church. The church, society and ministry program helps you explore how your calling intersects with the work of the church in service to God's kingdom. In this program, you'll learn how to be an active member in the life of the church.

Overview
Courses
Scholarships
Faculty
Contact

Overview

The church, ministry and society minor is ideally combined with studies in other areas. It consists of eight courses, including one internship in a ministry or non-profit setting.

Careers in Church, Society and Ministry

Nurse
Engineer
Artist
Business person
Be whatever God calls you to. Do it as an extension of your life identity in and through the church.

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Become a worship apprentice; volunteer at your home church or a church in Grand Rapids; participate in on-campus bible studies; offer to be your floor's Barnabus.

Course Requirements 2012-13

Church, Society, and Ministry

CMS-151 Church and Society
CMS-201 Interpreting Church Practices
CMS-251 Theological Reflections on Ministry Practices
One internship course from:
- CMS-381 Internship in Congregational & Ministry Studies
- CMS-378 Proclaiming Jubilee As Christian Leader
- IDIS-385 Comenius Scholars Internship
Courses from other departments are taken to complete the minor. Please see the college catalog for complete information.

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2012-13 academic year.

Julius and Sylvia Becksvoort Scholarship

amount of award: $2,000
junior or senior
pursuing a pre-seminary course of study; planning to attend Calvin Theological Seminary
GPA 3.00+
financial need considered
apply through the Calvin Portal

Bolt Family Scholarship

award amount: $3,200
junior or senior psychology major or pursuing a pre-ministry program
GPA 3.3+
financial need required
psychology students apply through the psychology department
pre-ministry students apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey J. Bratt Medical and Missions Scholarship

award amount: $2,500
junior or senior
GPA of 3.00+
financial need considered; interest in service to the poor and needy
apply through the Calvin Portal

Jerry and Judy Cooper Family Scholarship

award amount: $2,500
first-year
GPA 3.0+
financial need considered; express an interest in pursuing studies that will lead to youth ministry in a church, community or school setting; demonstrate commitment to impacting youth with the gospel, Christian values and discernment skills; preference given to an international student (not from North America)
automatic consideration

John and Marjorie Cooper Family Scholarship

award amount: $2,200
junior or senior
GPA 3.0+
financial need required; dedicated to the cause of Christian missions
apply through the Calvin Portal

Eugene and Joan Deur Scholarship

award amount: $2,400
sophomore or junior education major, pursuing a pre-ministry program or missions
GPA 3.0+
financial need required
apply through the Calvin Portal

Elizabeth and Wesley DeYoung Scholarship

award amount: $2,400
sophomore, junior or senior; currently doing youth ministry
GPA 2.5+
financial need required
apply through the Calvin Portal

Rev. Donald J. Drost Memorial Scholarship

award amount: $2,000; $4,300
first year
HS GPA 3.3+
financial need required; first preference graduates of Western Michigan Christian High School
automatic consideration

Reverend Bernard Haven Memorial Scholarship

award amount: $3,200
first-year
HS GPA 3.0+
financial need considered; child of missionary
submit a letter to the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calvin.edu) describing your qualifications by February 1

Haverkamp Family Scholarship

award amount: $2,500
first-year
financial need considered; demonstrate commitment to and evidence of volunteerism or student leadership
automatic consideration

Jacob and Kathryn S. Hekman Scholarship

award amount: $2,200
junior or senior
GPA 3.0+
financial need required; planning to attend Calvin Theological Seminary
apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. and Mrs. Lee S. Huizenga Memorial Scholarship

award amount: $1,800
junior or senior
GPA 3.2+
financial need required; interest in missions or service work
apply through the Calvin Portal

Jennie and Sylvia Stielstra Scholarship

award amount: $2,500
any class level
HS GPA 3.0+; Calvin GPA 2.7+
financial need required; preference given to children of missionaries
prospective students submit a letter to the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calvin.edu) describing your qualifications by February 1; returning students apply through the Calvin Portal

James and Dolly (Hofman) Strikwerda Family Scholarship

award amount: $1,900
junior or senior
GPA 2.5+
evidence that the scholarship is needed to help meet educational expenses
apply through the Calvin Portal

John R. and Annie Struyk Family Scholarship

award amount: $2,000
junior or senior
financial need required;demonstrate Christian character and involvement in extracurricular activities in the community and college
apply through the Calvin Portal

William and Anna Vanden Bosch Scholarship

award amount: $2,050
junior or senior
GPA 2.70+
financial need required; have a record of being active in ministry in their local congregation or other Christian ministry; preference to those who plan to pursue ministry in the CRC
apply through the Calvin Portal

Arnold and Janice VanderBok Family Scholarship

award amount: $2,700
first-year
financial need required; speak Spanish fluently; preference to Hispanic students
prospective students submit a letter to the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calvin.edu) describing your qualifications by February 1; returning students apply through the Calvin Portal

John S. Vander Heide III Memorial Scholarship

award amount: $1,500
senior
GPA 2.67+
financial need not required; planning to seek ordination through Calvin Theological Seminary
apply through the Calvin Portal