Empowering Seminary Students to Lead Social Innovation
Early this year, a group of students from Multnomah Biblical Seminary (MBS) at Jessup University embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey as the culmination of a two-year sub-grant awarded by Princeton Theological Seminary. As one of only 10 ATS-accredited seminaries across the nation participating in this project, Jessup students had the opportunity to learn, innovate and connect with ministry leaders and entrepreneurs while traveling through eight states on the Start-Up Bus.
Funded by a generous grant from Trinity Church Wall Street and spearheaded by Princeton Theological Seminary, the Teaching Spiritual Entrepreneurship Project (TSE) seeks to integrate spiritual entrepreneurship and social innovation into theological education. MBS developed an experiment in teaching Spiritual Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking in both the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs with tremendous results, equipping our students to develop ministry solutions for today’s complex and ever-changing world.
The 10-day trip began at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs and ended with a “pitch fest” in New Orleans. On the road, students explored historical sites, visited impactful ministry organizations, and participated in hands-on learning experiences. The journey took them through Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. In teams of two, students were tasked with innovating a new ministry idea for their local context. The journey culminated in New Orleans’ French Quarter, where students presented their ministry ideas at the much-anticipated pitch fest.
The curriculum for this transformative experience, designed and taught by Ministry Incubators, was created to foster collaboration, creativity and reflection. Teams began by identifying their unique gifts and calling. They then worked through modules such as defining their flock, discerning theological vision and prototyping ministry ideas. Along the way students received faculty coaching.
One highlight of this journey was the success of Jessup’s own DMin student, Marchauna Rodgers. Partnering with a student from Austin Theological Seminary, Rodgers co-developed a ministry idea titled “Optimize Together,” designed to help churches turn their spaces into vibrant hubs for community flourishing. At the pitch fest, her team not only made it to the final round, but won the award for most impact.
Rodgers was joined by five other MBS students: Noah Daily (MDiv), Mayalin Heuer (MDiv), Kanika Memory (MDiv), Nick Moreno (MDiv), and Jessica Ojua (MDiv). Together, they represented a diverse range of talents and perspectives, united by their shared passion for the practical application of their theological education. “The trip deepened my ability to engage with differing viewpoints with grace, strengthened my conviction-based compassion and enhanced my creativity in ministry, particularly in fostering relationships at church, in our small groups and in the community,” Moreno said.
For this group of students, the trip offered more than an academic exercise; it was a powerful reminder that Christians are compelled by the love of Christ to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. They got a close-up look at how today’s Christian leaders across the nation are addressing pressing social challenges with creativity, justice and compassion. These students didn’t just learn about ministry innovation, they were invited to live it – praying, brainstorming and building ministry solutions alongside peers.
The Start-Up Bus journey is a continuation of the lasting legacy of MBS in equipping and raising up the next generation of ministry leaders. Through initiatives like this, MBS continues to affirm their commitment to preparing leaders who are biblically and theologically grounded and ready to address the complexities of ministry. The journey may have ended in New Orleans, but the ripple effects of this experience will shape the future ministries of all who participated.
