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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.

Event Spotlight

Becoming Conference-Eventbrite Header

JUNE 24-28, 2025

Is God calling you to a life in ministry? Would you like a place to serve? If you’re thinking about vocational ministry or considering a vocation outside the church and want to know how you can make a difference for Jesus, we have a place for you!

The Becoming Conference is a two-track residential summer experience on Trevecca’s campus that will take place June 24-28, 2025. We will serve, learn, worship and play together. The early bird registration cost is $325 for students and a flat cost of $190 for adults. The deadline to register is May 30. Please join us!

Event Spotlight

Fuel-Logo-HeroRetreat Schedule

Friday, March 28
6-8 p.m. — Registration
8:30 p.m. — Meet and Greet
9:15 p.m. — Free-Time

Saturday. March 29
8 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. — Fueling the Mind: Dr. Craig Shepperd
10:30 a.m. — Break
10:45 a.m. — Fueling the Mind: Rev. Kayla Smith
12 p.m. — Lunch
1-2:15 p.m. — Fueling the Mind: Rev. Kayla Smith
2:30-6:30 p.m. — Free Time: Dinner on Your Own
7 p.m. — Worship
8:30 p.m. — Food, Fellowship, Freedom

Sunday, March 30
8 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. — Worship
11 a.m. — Depart

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.

Featured Resource

The Kingdom Life

This weekly study combines scriptural reflection and community discussion to help students understand God’s Word, put it into practice and live out the Kingdom life. It is designed around the Christian calendar and the lectionary readings. This study can be used in a small group setting or as Sunday school material. 

There are no resources matching the current criteria.

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.