Graduate student life

Study: Coursework Stream

Why did you choose to pursue an MTS degree at Conrad Grebel? 

I’m in the general coursework stream of the MTS program. As I get my feet under me, bit by bit, I sort out the topics and scholars and texts I want to pursue in more depth. This takes time. I am interested in the program as a lifelong learning experience, not just for right now. You come to the program wanting to tangle with the ideas.

What is a highlight of the program for you? 

My favourite thing about the MTS program is the feeling of solidarity and fellowship that is cultivated throughout the program, and the dedication of the program to sorting through the big issues of life, the issues of ultimate concerns for us as humans. As such, it’s gripping in every way. Sometimes one has to skim a text, knowing that it can be returned to, that it simply cannot all be integrated at once. There is room and space for that.

Study: Thesis Stream

Why did you choose to pursue an MTS degree at Conrad Grebel? 

My interest in coming into the MTS program has been to intentionally bring my years of social work practice and interests in theology into dialogue. I come with a number of specific questions and passions that I hope to explore in this setting. With deep connections to Grebel, growing up in the constituency within MCEC, having historical links via my uncle Rod Sawatsky, having attended Grebel in 1986-87, and having three sons living at and active at Grebel during their university years, makes Grebel very much a natural fit for this pursuit!

Study: Applied Stream

Why did you choose to pursue an MTS degree at Conrad Grebel? 

After years of encountering challenging, powerful, and revolutionary ideas about the problems in the world and the ways of thinking required to address them, I'm finally getting the chance to sit down, study, discuss and imagine how these all connect together. Grebel is connecting me with classmates who share what they know, challenge my conclusions, and join the dots between faith, theory, and practice.

What is a highlight of the program for you? 

My favourite thing about the MTS program is that it gives space for genuine, earnest questioning, in non-cynical frame of mind. It's very refreshing.

Study: Applied Studies

I think that the MTS program has equipped me to be a better leader. I also believe that the MTS program has taught me to be a better follower of Jesus Christ by helping me to explore who God is calling me to be and to not constrain myself to the expectations of others or even myself. 

The scholarships from Grebel have made it possible for me to be in the MTS program at Conrad Grebel. I am very fortunate to be part of a caring and generous community that chooses to support those of us who struggle with finances to pay for higher education. I believe that it is important for me as a leader in my faith community to gain knowledge in Biblical studies so that I can use it help first myself and then others grow in our faith.      

Year of Study: Graduated Fall 2022 - Coursework Stream

Why did you choose to pursue an MTS degree at Conrad Grebel?

I am a novelist and editor but increasingly I’ve been interested in what my writing does which is a kind of ministry. I wanted to deepen my understanding of theology as a way of informing the work I do, and that has very much been what has happened.

What is a highlight of the program for you?

A highlight of the program is the relationships I’ve developed with other students in my program. This was quite unexpected as we’ve been studying throughout COVID but we’ve formed deeply meaningful relationships that have helped each of us consolidate and work through what we’ve been learning in our program and how that intersects with our lives. It has been a kind of group spiritual direction.

What is something you want others to know about the program?

There’s something mysterious about this program which allows each person to pursue their own questions and interests even in the midst of required courses. The program is both rigorously academic but also spiritually formational and personally enriching.

Year of Study: Part-time student, Coursework Stream

Academic Background: Theology

What drew you to the MTS program at Grebel? 

I was drawn to Grebel's MTS Program because of their commitment to Gospel-focused action in the world. The school's emphasis on Christian justice and reconciliation between people around the world is a joy to be a part of. 

How have Grebel scholarships affected your ability to study in the MTS program?

As a newlywed, pursuing further education is no easy decision. The blessing of scholarships has allowed my wife and I to not worry so much about finances as I study full-time.

What are a few highlights from your experience in MTS so far?

The beginning of my MTS program has been marked by lots of insightful in-class discussion among people from all sorts of backgrounds. Hearing the theological insights of many different Christian denominations has been enlightening.

What do you hope to do in the world after you have your degree?

We are commanded as Christians to preach the Gospel to all nations- after my degree, I hope to work in the fields of justice, development, and sustainability around the world with a missional emphasis on sharing Christ's love for all people.

Colin Friesen

Year of study:  Graduated Spring 2021 - Thesis Stream
Academic background: Religious Studies

Year of study: Graduated Spring 2018
Academic background: Engineering Degree
Church: Freedom Gospel Ethiopian Church
Vocational aspirations: Pastor 

Why did you choose to pursue an MTS degree at Conrad Grebel?

The MTS program is ideal for those who are interested to enrich their knowledge of theology, church history and ministry in a highly interactive atmosphere. It is especially effective for those who are working in ministry but do now have the formal theology education (or have been out of school for long-time) and have limited time or limited money to enroll in the M. Div program. The MTS program is designed to be flexible for those who would like to pursue ministry (applied stream) or those who would like to further their education. 

The program and atmosphere in Grebel is very conducive to new graduates as well as adults who are returning to school after many years of working in ministry, perhaps, as a lay pastor or teacher. Grebel has situated itself and the MTS program to be as service to the faith community around KW and beyond, in that there is interaction between Grebel and others ensuring the continuing viability and relevance of the program.   I like the community feeling at Grebel from the Administration, to the Professors and even cafeteria staff. One feels very comfortable within the school atmosphere. 

What is a highlight of the program for you?

Among my favourite things about the MTS program is the diversity of the  course content, the professors who are very knowledgeable and friendly, the ability to take courses at other affiliated universities and the great support from the Grebel Dean, student advisors, and administration.