Training Ministry Leaders in Christian Higher Education

From The Forum Magazine, Winter 2025 - view the full issue here

by Leah Jolly and Jessica Joustra, Redeemer University

As a graduate of Calvin Seminary working in Christian higher education, Jessica Joustra’s experience of being formed as a ministry leader now shapes her approach to cultivating leaders in her context. Jessica’s story of receiving training and formation as a Calvin Seminary student helps her in her role at Redeemer University, where she seeks to help identify and train the next generation of ministry leaders.

A Different Path to Christian Higher Education

Jessica’s path into theological education proved to be quite unexpected. Despite being raised in the Christian Reformed Church from infancy and attending Christian schools, Jessica never envisioned herself studying theology. 

As a freshman at Calvin College, Jessica declared a major in biology, and later added a major in religion. The influence of the biology faculty at Calvin, especially Dr. Dave Warners, led Jessica to think theologically about the deep care and love of God revealed in creation. In studying biology, Jessica was driven deeper into Scripture to learn more about the expansive nature of God's kingdom/kingship. As an intern in the Calvin Jubilee Fellows program (a program dedicated to equipping future pastors and ministry leaders through classes and internships), Jessica found herself wondering, “Why am I here when I don’t feel called to pastoral ministry? How do I serve God’s Kingdom while pursuing my interests?” Over time, Jessica’s faculty members and mentors at Calvin encouraged her to integrate her love for biology with her newfound interest in theology, asking questions about how science and Scripture overlap. By the end of her time at Calvin College, she knew –– and felt an inexplicable peace — what her next ‘right step’ would be: applying to attend Calvin Seminary, a decision she never would have anticipated as a college freshman. 

As a MDiv student at Calvin Seminary, Jessica’s knowledge of Scripture, theology and ethics grew, thanks to the influence of professors like Mary Vanden Berg, John Cooper, and John Bolt, who involved Jessica in his research on Herman Bavinck  By the end of her time at Calvin Seminary, Jessica was committed to a doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied under Richard Mouw. Mouw’s book When the Kings Come Marching In was one of the central books for Jessica to formulate a robust answer to the question: “How does faith fit with the rest of my life?” 

As a doctoral student under Mouw, Jessica dove into the work of Herman Bavinck, whose work continues to shape her teaching today. Jessica’s unexpected path into seminary and higher education now drives how she trains and equips the next generation of ministry leaders.

Training the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders

As Associate Professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University, Jessica finds herself teaching students from Reformed and non-Reformed backgrounds alike. As she helps students explore the Reformed tradition through the lens of God’s sovereignty, students often find themselves surprised at how much they love the Reformed tradition. Jessica cites the Calvin Seminary faculty’s influence in her teaching, even to this day. As she learned from faculty who love God, students, and their field of study, Jessica aspires to do likewise – to be: a professor who engages students in theological study through her love of God, her students, and the subjects she teaches. In her teaching, Jessica seeks to help her students discern their next steps in ministry or calling in theology. Students fill her office hours and courses, exploring what doors could be opened for their future through a MDiv degree. As she converses with students, Jessica explores three core questions: 

1. What are you looking for in a seminary curriculum? – Jessica helps students consider not only the academic rigor of the curriculum itself, but also the opportunities provided for vocational and spiritual formation.
2. What kind of learning environment fits your interests? – Jessica encourages students to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a residential vs. online/distance program, what their preferred student to faculty ratio is, and the faculty engagement they’d like to experience throughout their program.
3. Is the seminary connected to a particular church or tradition, or is it broadly ecumenical?  – Jessica advises students to think about how the theological tradition of the seminary will influence their educational experience, as well as how it aligns with their church background and preferences. 

Through these influential conversations, many of Jessica’s students from Redeemer University pursue theological education at Calvin Seminary. Jessica’s example of a contagious love for God, students, and her field of study, combined with helpful exploration questions and conversations, provide an example for church members today as they seek to train future ministry leaders in their context.

For church members seeking to identify and train future ministry leaders, those initial conversations can look a lot like the ones Jessica has with her university students: What are you looking for in a seminary? What’s offered at a seminary that meets what you’re searching for? Does the curriculum and theological tradition of the seminary align with your beliefs and preferences? Answering those questions can help give the student -– and those mentoring them -– a good picture of which seminary to choose. Jessica also offers two words of wisdom for fellow Christians seeking to identify and train future ministry leaders: don’t be afraid of God’s call, and be confident in His faithfulness. Jessica’s story is evidence of following God’s call without fear, even if He calls in very subtle (or bold) ways, and even if the pathway He takes you down is different than you imagined. Similarly, Jessica’s story testifies to God’s faithfulness to those He loves. Even if He takes you down a different path, remain confident that God, in His faithfulness, will continue to guide you along the good path He has in store for you. 

Jessica’s story is one of obeying an unexpected, God-given calling. From a biology lab to a theology classroom, Jessica has seen the goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty of God in the lives of His people. As a result, Jessica finds herself in a place where she can not only proclaim the God she loves, but also equip others to do the same.