Study the Bible, Christian theology, church history, and the practice of ministry in an interdisciplinary and ecumenical setting with a distinctive Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective. Explore current scholarship and examine contemporary issues. Interact with faculty and students from diverse academic disciplines in a small classroom setting. Test ideas. Develop skill and self-understanding in internships. Experience the support and expertise of faculty and fellow students.
What is the Master of Theological Studies?
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a two-year degree offered conjointly by the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College. It is open to persons from a range of academic backgrounds and is designed for those who may be exploring vocations of ministry and service, those preparing for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or further graduate studies, and those seeking personal enrichment.
Why MTS at Grebel?
We strive to create a stimulating learning environment where people from many different backgrounds and beliefs can learn from each other. The perspectives that students bring because of their race, class, age, sex, gender, ability, culture and origins (and other dimensions of identity that live within us) all contribute to the rich theological dialogue we seek to foster. Because the oppression of Indigenous peoples and the racism we see in society today have a long history in the Christian tradition, we are committed to examining issues of power, privilege and abuse in our program. Similarly, since the church has long discriminated against LGBTQ+ people, it is important for us to claim as a theological practice the public, intentional and explicit welcoming of people with diverse genders and sexual orientations. We strive to create leaders who will advocate for justice and inclusion of all God’s people in the church and our world. This is difficult soulful and communal work to which we are committed.
Our program allows for frequent interaction with faculty, access to extensive library resources, study and social spaces, and opportunities for participation in a wide range of activities. Theological Studies students are able to enrich their experience by taking courses in other programs at UWaterloo and at nearby universities and theological schools.
MTS students may choose from three program options: coursework, applied studies, or thesis. These options enable students to tailor their degree to their specific interests and vocations.
Plus, all full-time Canadian/permanent resident MTS students are eligible for full-time tuition scholarships.
News
Indigenous Voices Essential to Theological Studies
Grebel's Master of Theological Studies program is careful to include indigenous perspectives in the curriculum. This is part of the College’s commitment to following Call to Action #60 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that addresses theological schools and “the need to respect Indigenous spirituality in its own right.” In particular, courses like TS 732 - “Theologies of the Global South,” and TS 733 - “Indigenous Theologies and Methods” explore Indigenous theologies with attention to experience, history, the nature of the spiritual, key figures, and important themes. MTS students who have taken these courses reflected on some of their key learnings.
A Spiritual Journey from Soldier to Pastor – KyongJung Kim (MTS 2018)
KyongJung Kim is a Mennonite pastor who serves at two churches and also works as a school bus driver for students with disabilities in the Waterloo Region. His spiritual awakening occurred after meeting Anabaptist Christians in Winnipeg from 1994 to 1997. Since then, he has continued his journey with Jesus and has remained committed to his faith no matter where life takes him.
Living With Generosity – Lori Guenther Reesor (BMATH 1991, MTS 2008)
Lori Guenther Reesor has experience as an author, speaker, and fundraising coach. After a spiritually enlightening experience during a student co-op term in Egypt, Lori has explored what it means to be generous. She also has three years of pastoral experience, and is an active member of Hamilton Mennonite Church. Her book, Growing a Generous Church, is filled with stories of how people learned generosity. The Reesor family is well known in the Grebel community; Lori met her husband, Barry, at Grebel, and both their children, Emma and Peter, also lived at Grebel. Emma followed in her parents' footsteps and met her husband, Thomas, at Grebel.