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Think about a time when you attended a worship service in a community that was new to you. What stood out as different? What is most important about worship for you? Now imagine you’re 13-29 years old. Would you answer differently?

Two Grebel alumni, Sarah Kathleen Johnson (BA 2007, MTS 2008) and Mykayla Turner (BSC 2020, MTS 2024), are asking these very questions through a collaboration on the Young People and Christian Worship study. This research project aims to shape better conversations about teenagers, emerging adults, and Christian worship by valuing their experiences as an important theological voice. “Young people can enrich the theology and practice of all worshipers,” explained Sarah, a principal investigator. Sarah and her co-principal investigators Nelson Cowan and Emily Snider Andrews plan to publish a book to share their research with scholars, pastors, and worship leaders. 

Grebel faculty are experts in Theological Studies, Music, Church Music and Worship, Peace and Conflict Studies, History, Mennonite Studies and Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. Not only are they dedicated professors, but they are esteemed scholars in their respective fields, working on a wide variety of research projects. The following page details TS Faculty's recent and current projects.

Not only does Grebel have a long legacy of talented and engaged professors, but many students in Grebel courses and dorm rooms have gone on to become distinguished scholars in their own right. We were delighted to hear from alumni studying very diverse topics - reflective of the conversations students might have around the lunch table. We asked them to explain their scholarship to a non-expert and to share a question that is the basis of their work right now. We wanted to know if their work today relates to what they studied as an undergraduate student and how Grebel might have influenced their career path. The profile of Allison Murray (MTS 2012) is just a glimpse into the scholarship inspired by curiosity in her work. 

Students in the Applied Studies stream of the Master of Theological Studies degree at Grebel find Supervised Experience in Ministry (SEM) courses to be highly rewarding aspects of the curriculum. With two required placements, students explore ministry in a practical setting. Under the guidance of a local supervisor, students set learning goals, develop a reading list, and write a summative paper.

MTS student Sarah Weber is combining her SEM with a Clinical Experience Placement, done under the umbrella of Luther College at Wilfrid Laurier, and the Waterloo Region Health Network.

In October 2025, MTS and MPACS students were on a Field Trip at Woodland Cultural Centre Museum and Former Mohawk Institute in Brantford, ON. Read the short article and see the photos from the trip.

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.