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Walking a spiritual path intertwined with creativity and driven by a desire for peace comes naturally to Darren DeMelo (MTS 2017), an Anabaptist and a pastor in the peace church tradition. Darren learned the value of integrating his natural gifts into his career while enrolled in the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Conrad Grebel University College. “Grebel was academically rigorous, creative, and on the ground. It gave me tools, courage, and community to engage in harsh realities and work through them thoughtfully with humility, self-sacrifice, and thoughtfulness,” he reflected. 

Dr. Carol Penner has been seconded to the role of Chaplain at Conrad Grebel University College for the next three years, beginning May 2, 2025. Penner has taught at Grebel since 2016 as Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and as Director of the Theological Studies (MTS) program since 2022. She will continue in those academic roles on a reduced workload while serving as Chaplain. 

“Grebel has been interwoven with my vocational path in powerful ways,” Barb Smith-Morrison (BA 1994, MTS 2008) shared. Barb arrived at Conrad Grebel University College in her first year of university with a calling to pastoral ministry that grew out of United Church youth camp experiences. She had little experience being part of a congregation or intergenerational faith community and Grebel was her first introduction to the Mennonite tradition. "The College introduced me to the faith tradition in which I made a home,” Barb shared. Previously working for Grebel as the Interim Dean of Students from 1994-1996, and as a pastor within Mennonite Church Eastern Canada for 28 years,  Barb is now the Executive Director of Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre, located in the Haliburton Highlands.

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.

After working for more than 20 years as a business strategy consultant, it's the “simple things” that fulfill Conrad Grebel University College alum Paulinus Okoye. “Whether it's exploring scenic landscapes, enjoying cozy evenings at home, or embarking on adventures with our two children and Tucker, our beloved dog,” said Paul, “every moment is a cherished memory.” Living in the moment reminds Paul of what is truly valuable and acts as a consistent motivator to continue his social justice work.

In April, MTS students got together to listen to the final research projects of four soon-to-be graduates Chulmo Kim, Sean Harris, Margaret Sherk, and Devin Hogg, The Research Seminar was followed by MTS Devotional in the Chapel organized by Kate Strathdee, Sarah Weber, and Devin Hogg.

On April 13 at Convocation ceremony, we gathered to celebrate MTS students' accomplishments in the program. Join us in congratulating your classmates - Charles Biswas, Devin Hogg, Margaret Sherk, Peter Haresnape, and Christa van Daele on their achievements! Devin Hogg was this year's valedictorian!

On March 12, MTS students marked PIE Day early by taking in the current exhibit on the 4^th floor gallery. The exhibit, "Daughters, mothers, granddaughters, and other sexual outlaws", provided material for reflection and insight into the lived experience of cultural, intergenerational struggles in advancing sexual health and reproductive rights in countries such as El Salvador, Bangladesh, and the Phillipines. 

Devin Hogg, the organizer and facilitator of the MTS event, shared: "We were moved by the heartrending stories of intergenerational struggles where girls were mothers at 14 and grandmothers in their early thirties. We were heartened by the work being done to resist systems of oppression in solidarity with others. We were reminded of the power of photography, and the potential of images to contribute to social change. If you have some time, we recommend checking out the exhibit this week since it is on until Thursday, March 20."

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.