Rethinking Ministry Preparation: Where the Classroom Meets the Church

Preparing the next generation for ministry takes more than a classroom. John Larson, Vice President of Ministry Training and Academic Instruction at Highlands College, believes students need rigorous academic formation alongside hands-on experience in the life and ministry of the local church.

John shares how Highlands College intentionally integrates higher education with Church of the Highlands, creating an environment where students develop both character and competence for ministry. He also explores the college’s decision not to participate in federal Title IV funding, the tensions involved in using active ministry practitioners as instructors, and why Christian higher education has a unique opportunity to equip a generation eager to make a meaningful difference for the Kingdom.

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Tune In to Discover

▫️Why grit may be one of the most important qualities future ministry leaders can develop

▫️How Highlands College integrates classroom learning with practical ministry experience in the local church

▫️Why active ministry practitioners play an important role in preparing students for real-world ministry

▫️How active learning and collaborative learning spaces shape the student experience at Highlands

▫️What gives John hope about a highly missional generation of students entering Christian higher education

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Inside the Episode

03:15 - Why ministry leaders need grit before they graduate