Welcome to the home page for Valparaiso University

Center for Church Vocations (VUCCV).  

The Center exists to support students in:

• Faith Formation
• Vocational Discernment
• Academic Excellence
• Vocational Identity and Practice
• Appropriate Self Care
• Service to Church and Society
• Christian Community and Worship 
  

The Center works with many different people, programs, and organizations on campus to help students in their discernment and preparation for full time work in church and society.

Valparaiso University offers five church related academic programs and associated majors for students interested in theology and ministry.  Please follow the links to information about the Pre-Seminary program of study, Youth, Family and Education program of study, Parish Music program of study, parochial school education, the Lutheran Deaconess Association, and majoring or minoring in Theology.

In addition to these academic offerings, the Center works with the Chapel of the Resurrection in offering discernment retreats for all students at the university who are seeking to understand how God is at work in their lives.  Through the use of the ancient spiritual practices of lectio divina, silence, reflection, prayer, and Bible study, students are invited to consider their relationship to God and their call to service in church and society.

Another program of the Center is the Mentoring Program.  The Mentoring Program offers students the opportunity to be matched with pastors, deaconesses, youth and family ministers in the region for conversation, reflection, and conversation about ministry.  Some students have used the mentoring program to explore the different kinds of ministry available in the church, others have used it as an opportunity to interact with a caring adult about theology, ministry, and spirituality.

A third program of the Center is the Church Vocations Symposium.  The Symposium meets six times a semester and includes a meal and presentation.   The presentation may be a professor reflecting on the relationship of his field of study and theology, missionaries, pastors, and other church workers describing their work and their call to ministry, or guest speakers on topics relating to contemporary ministry in the world today.  Students who are interested in ministry in the church, Allen Scholars, or participating in one of the church worker programs are usually in attendance.

Two off campus retreats are scheduled each year, one in the fall and one in the spring, to allow for more conversation, community building, and  learning about ministry related topics and issues.

Additional workshops, events, and activities are scheduled throughout the year to encourage students in their preparation to become leaders and ministers in the 21st century church.

The Center is also a clearinghouse for churches and organizations looking for staff in variety of ministry settings. Please follow the link to the job postings the Center has recently received.

There are a variety of scholarships available for students who are pursuing the vocation of full time work in the church.  For more information about the different scholarships available, the deadlines for application, and the selection process please contact the Office of Admissions.

For further information about Valparaiso University Center for Church Vocations, please contact Dr. Renee K. Schoer, Director, Huegli Hall, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (Renee.Schoer@valpo.edu).