Celebrating the Differences | Theological Studies

At Conrad Grebel University College, theological discussions are enriched by the variety of its students. Grebel’s Master of Theological Studies program is a celebration of that diversity and a rewarding opportunity for students looking to deepen their faith.

Don Neufeld, a counsellor and therapist, traced his motivations for enrolling in the MTS program to an “interest in getting involved in the theological conversation. I was interested in issues of gender, violence, and masculinity,” he remarked. As someone returning to their studies after an already fulfilling career, Don is an advocate for lifelong learning. “The MTS program allows those who have gained practical wisdom throughout the years to add to the conversation.”

For many currently working in ministry, the MTS program served as a starting point for their vocation. “My first opportunity for theological studies came when I was called to serve as a pastor,” said current Grebel student Peter Haresnape, pastor at Toronto United Mennonite Church. Peter particularly appreciated the program’s variety of learning options. “It had been about 15 years since I completed my undergraduate degree in Scotland. The shift in technology, coupled with the pandemic restrictions, meant my courses felt a bit different. I appreciated Grebel’s commitment to offer courses online each semester.”

Current ministers, or those looking to study religion in a formal context, can also benefit from pursuing an MTS degree. “I decided to return to academic study because of a series of events while I worked in the ministry,” said Liz Weber, pastor at First Mennonite Church. “I decided to enroll in the MTS program to continue discerning my call to ministry, but also to learn more on the background of my work. My studies helped me see new ways of doing ministry that keep me up to date with current voices in the field.”

“We try to create an inclusive learning community,” said Carol Penner, Director of Theological Studies at Grebel. “Our program includes students who have just come out from undergraduate programs, retirees, and a variety of ages in between. Students come from a range of denominational backgrounds and countries of origin,” she added. “The wealth of life experiences livens our class discussions.” These different perspectives are what makes pursuing an MTS degree so rewarding. Through engaging courses that contain texts from a wide variety of theological backgrounds, students in the MTS program will analyze the Bible, study church history, and learn the practices of ministry.

For students who have just finished their undergraduate degree, or graduates looking to return to their studies after a hiatus, Grebel’s Master of Theological Studies program is a chance to get involved in the overarching theological discussion.