Pre-ministry
Central College continues the emphasis of the Christian tradition, in general, and the Reformed tradition in particular, to prepare students for a life of service to God and to the community and to prepare some students for a vocation in ministry. The chaplain and the religion department faculty work together to provide a period of reflection and discernment for students who are considering ministry. Students may also choose to receive spiritual direction and discipleship from a designated mentor.
Faculty
- Joel Brummel, M. Div., Central College chaplain and adviser, brummelj@central.edu
- Terence Kleven, Ph. D., associate professor of religion and director of the Christian ministries emphasis in the religion department, klevent@central.edu
Successful Careers
Graduates have gone on to become pastors, missionaries or teachers, but also have gone into such fields as law enforcement and political consulting, including:
- Seminary student at Denver Theological Seminary, Denver, Colo.
- Legal researcher for a judge after completion of a law degree, Iowa City, Iowa
- PhD Doctoral candidate in literature and religion at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Graduate of Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Mich.
- Minister of Forest Grove Reformed Church, Hudsonville, Mich.
Internships
Students also have an opportunity to do ministry internships in churches and church-related organizations. Past internships include:
- Third Reformed Church, ministry to high school girls, Pella, Iowa
- Pella Regional Health Center, chaplaincy, Pella, Iowa
- Ruth Harbor Mission, Des Moines, Iowa
- Camp Wesley Woods, Indianola, Iowa
- Second Reformed Church, ministry in Sunday school, Pella, Iowa
- St. James’ Episcopal Church, ministry to high school students, Oskaloosa, Iowa
- Peace Lutheran Church, ministry to the youth, Pella, Iowa
- Emanuel Reformed Church, ministry to youth, Paramount, Calif.
Learn more about internships at Central.
Courses
Students interested in pre-ministry can major in any subject area, though religion is recommended. Additional coursework in the following area is recommended:
- Sociology
- Communication studies
- Not-for-profit
- Minor in religion
Facilities
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you'll find. A perfect mix of old and new, our buildings reflect our history and our future. Our state-of-the-art facilities include:
- Vermeer Science Center — $20-million renovation and addition completed fall 2003 earned Iowa’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating, a silver medal, from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- New apartment-style residence hall opened fall 2003, with new wing completed in 2005, earned Central’s second LEED rating, a gold medal.
- New education and psychology building top open fall 2009.
- Weller Center for Business and International Studies.
- Central Market, Iowa’s most original dining hall with
unique European market place design.
- Geisler Library with 230,000 volumes and worldwide
electronic access.
- Café@Geisler offers espresso, coffee, snacks and
wireless Internet.
Organizations
Central offers many groups for students interested in pre-ministry including:
- Campus ministry
- Campus ministry leadership teams
- Social Action Organization (ACTION) — designed to promote social service around Pella and the surrounding areas
o Drama
o Justice
o Praise
o Tech
o Worship planning
o Catholic Campus Ministries
- Habitat for Humanity
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Students can see first-hand world issues, get involved in Bible studies in churches abroad, attend retreats and share with other Christians from around the world. Internships and service-learning experiences are also available abroad. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Mission Trips
Winter, spring and summer mission trips to Mexico, Malawi, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and the Gulf Coast offer opportunities to make a difference, deepen your faith and experience other cultures.
