Ministry Inquiry Program

what students say

Read EMU student Taylor Stutzman’s reflection on his time in the Mountain States Mennonite Conference
Seminary grads, now Mennonite pastors, host undergrads in the program

Thinking about ministry? MIP is for you!

The Ministry Inquiry Program is an exciting opportunity of the Mennonite Church USA for college-age young adults to explore pastoral ministry. The program offers you the opportunity to experience first hand what ministry is and to test your own gifts and sense of call. Participants work under the supervision of a pastor, and are involved in many aspects of a minister’s life and work. Effort is made to place you in the congregation, or congregational setting of your choice—urban, rural, large, or small. For students of mission, an overseas assignment can be considered.

The Ministry Inquiry Program also offers pastors and congregations a specific way to be involved in helping students experience leadership in the church. Pastors serve as mentors and examples. Students learn by both observing and doing. At the conclusion of the summer, all participants and the pastor or supervisor submit a report and evaluation of the program.

Who directs the program?

Heidi Miller Yoder, Assist Professor of Spiritual Formation, Worship and Ministry in the Bible and religion department, serves as the director for the Ministry Inquiry Program at EMU. Heidi has supervised, mentored, trained, and taught students in ministry for twelve years. She also has served as a pastor. In addition to her teaching role, Heidi is a spiritual director, speaker and consultant in the area of leadership, spiritual formation and worship.

How does the program work?

The Ministry Inquiry Program is designed to be a summer service-learning experience for college students. It calls for full-time involvement for 11 weeks. The student will receive a scholarship of $2,000 to be applied to college or seminary tuition during the next academic year. The money comes from the following sources:

$500 from the Mennonite Church USA
$500 from the area conference of either the student or congregation served
$500 from the home congregation of the student
$500 from EMU

In addition to the above, the congregation in which the student works provides $500 cash for living expenses. The congregation also provides housing for the summer, and any other benefit they may wish to provide.

The program is especially geared to students who will have completed two to three years of college. Seniors who plan to enter a Mennonite seminary may also be considered. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Arrangements can be made to earn academic credit for certain EMU programs that require ministry or mission practicums.

Who may participate in the program?

Any undergraduate student at EMU has the option of applying for MIP. Since there are limited spaces available each year for this program, please contact as early as possible to ensure that the assignment and resources may be arranged.

I’m interested. What do I do?

If you are a student and would like to apply for the summer internship, you may get more information and pick up an application form from:

Ministry Inquiry Program Director
Phone: (540) 432-4263

See a list of congregations that have recently welcomed EMU students.