Enriching Ministry Skills through MTS
There are many paths that lead to the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Conrad Grebel University College. For MTS alum Peter Haresnape, it started with learning goals for pastoral work. “Mennonite Church Eastern Canada recommended several courses to me,” he said. “Although there was no requirement to complete the MTS, I was sure that it would all benefit my work.”
Peter has worked in pastoral ministry at Toronto United Mennonite Church since 2019, and he graduated from the MTS program in 2025. He joined the program 13 years after completing his undergraduate degree. “I had quite a bit of catching up to do. Even basic terminology was different,” he shared. “The professors were all very supportive, and the core classes were designed in such a way as to help folks like myself integrate research and writing skills.”
Peter studied in the MTS program while continuing his work as a pastor, though for him, it wasn’t easy. “I was commuting from Toronto by bike, bus, and train, and it was very tiring.” One term when Peter had a class on Monday mornings, he commuted on Sunday nights and arranged overnight stays. “I’m glad it was possible at all, because that class was excellent,” he reflected.
Primarily interested in practical experience and preparation for ministry, Peter chose to focus on Applied Studies over the course of his MTS degree, which involved coursework, internships, and a capstone integrative project. “It turned out to be a very flexible option,” he said.
The courses Peter took enriched his ministry skills. “I wish I had taken Theology of Leadership years earlier!” He reflected. “I appreciated how many of the courses featured insights from LGBTQ+ theology or history.” His interactions with the professors were “positive in every way,” he shared. “Across the board they were friendly, professional, engaged, and insightful.”
Peter is currently in New Brunswick, taking his annual study leave at St. Stephen University. “I'm auditing a class in their Reconciliation Studies programme,” he shared. “Grebel definitely set me up to continue studying, although I'm happy to focus on classes and readings rather than writing assignments at the moment.”
Peter Haresnape