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The Calling Cooperative

The Calling Cooperative exists to help high school students respond to God’s leading as they prepare for a lifetime of Christian ministry. The goal of the cooperative is to resource, equip, listen to and walk with current pastors as they navigate the waters of ministry and mission. 

The Calling Cooperative is sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University and the U.S. Southeast Field, and is made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Events

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The Calling Cooperative is proud to provide the Becoming Conference, a four-day residential experience that combines vocational training with individual and corporate worship, biblical instruction, service learning and fun—all designed to assist students in discovering their call to vocational ministry.

Wednesday, June 26 through Saturday, June 29
Trevecca Nazarene University

Early Bird Cost for Students: $225
After April 1: $275
Adult Cost: $175

YES track is designed for those students who are interested in further discovery concerning vocational, pastoral ministry. Do you sense God is calling you to be a pastor? A missionary? Youth, children or worship pastor? This is the track for you.

YES Application due by May 3 to cshepperd@trevecca.edu

Mission Nashville track is designed for students who may want to study fields outside of church ministry, but are just as interested in growing as disciples of Jesus. This track utilizes service and exploration to discover how God might use a person's gifts to make a difference in the world.

Mission Nashville Learning Labs: Story, Compassion, Worship and Community

Register Now

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FUEL is a retreat designed for Church of the Nazarene youth workers (vocational and volunteer) to gather, connect and recharge. At FUEL, you'll have the opportunity to hear from experienced speakers, engage in small group discussions and participate in worship and prayer. You'll leave feeling refreshed and equipped to continue serving in your ministry.

This in-person event will take place February 9-11, 2024.

Register Now

Resources

Book Recaps

There are a number of valuable books that can help you learn more about what a career in ministry will entail. 

If you’d like to receive a copy of any of these works, Trevecca can provide copies of several books on the subject that could be helpful as you prepare to enter the field.

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Gen Z - Part 1

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Gen Z - Part 3

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The Volunteer Youth Workers Guide - Part 1

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The Volunteer Youth Workers Guide - Part 2

Frequently Asked Questions

If I feel like God is calling me into ministry, what should I do?
Have you talked to your parents and your pastor? Ask your pastor who serves as your district’s champion. Reach out to the Calling Cooperative so Trevecca can walk you through this process.
What would ministry look like for me?
This answer is unique to the individual, and it’s something you’ll want to pray about. For starters, though, consider where you find joy and how you might connect with God in service.
What does the future of pastoring and ministry look like?
The world is changing and Trevecca wants to prepare young people who are answering God’s call for a changing world. While trends and job descriptions change, the mission of Jesus does not. Let’s tackle the mission together as we dream about how to be a church that is still spreading good news and pointing to the hope of Christ.
Why study theology and ministry?

We believe biblical and theological education lay the foundation to deal with the changing contexts we serve. We also believe the knowledge that shapes us informs our practices. We want to prepare pastors who can respond to the demands of ministry with the heart and mind of Jesus, and who can help equip others for ministry.

Learn More

Interested in finding out more about the Calling Cooperative? Sign up to receive updates about the program, including event notifications as conference details become available.

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Meet the Director

Craig Shepperd has been serving Trevecca as the professor of youth and family and ministry and director of the Calling Cooperative since July 2022. Craig has served in the Church of the Nazarene as a youth and young adult pastor, missionary, lead pastor and educator in Croatia, Kansas, Kosovo and Oklahoma. He holds a B.A. from Southern Nazarene University, an M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. Craig and his wife, Anita, were married in September 2000. They have two children, Jude and Edie. When Craig is not serving at Trevecca he enjoys playing golf, reading, watching TV with his family and traveling.

District Champions

Erica Wigart


What district are you in?
Georgia
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been in ministry for two years and I am the next generation pastor at Mt. Olive Church of the Nazarene.
What is your favorite place to visit?
Nashville is home and I always love being there. Besides that, my favorite place is anywhere with water, lakes, oceans or rivers.
Do you have a favorite snack?
I like Oreos, Chick-fil-A lemonade and Krispy Kreme.

Matthew Cole


What district are you in?
East Tennessee
How long have you been in ministry?
I’ve been in pastoral ministry for 24 years.
What is your favorite place to visit?
I am happiest on a trail in the woods or in the mountains somewhere.
Do you have a favorite snack?
I love vanilla moon pies.