Give

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

FUEL-26-2

Join us for the Youth Worker's Retreat with guest speaker Brad Griffin from FYI.

Ridgecrest Retreat Center, Ridgecrest, NC

Date: September 11-13
Check-in: Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Finished by: Sunday at 11 a.m.

Register by August 1 for earlybird pricing.

Earlybird price: $220
Price after August 1: $250

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.

2022_MKTG_HEADSHOT_CraigShepperd_WEB_v01

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 Wright


What district are you in?
South Carolina
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?
Midsouth
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.

Joe Witowsky


What district are you in?
MidSouth
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been serving in full-time ministry for five years at GoodNaz Church.
What is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is Columbus, Ohio, because that is where my family and childhood friends live.
Do you have a favorite snack?
My favorite snack is Mott’s Fruit Snacks.
How may I contact you?
Feel free to send me an email at joe@goodnaz.org anytime.

Andrew Kessell


What district are you in?
North Carolina
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been in pastoral ministry for seven years.
What is your favorite place to visit?
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado are my spiritual hideaway.
Do you have a favorite snack?
My favorite snack is Cheez-Its.
How may I contact you?
Email: angkessell@gmail.com Cell: 330-987-3762

Ryan Watt


What district are you in?
Georgia
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been in ministry for 12 years.
What is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is campgrounds on the lake.
Do you have a favorite snack?
My favorite snack is Cheez-Its.
How may I contact you?
Email: ryan.watt11@gmail.com

East Tennessee


What district are you in?
Georgia
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been in full-time ministry for three years, but I served in a variety of ways before that.
What is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is Walt Disney World or just about any cruise.
Do you have a favorite snack?
Cheez-Its. They are just the best.
How may I contact you?
Phone: (931) 247-1180 Email: pastorcarrington@estillnaz.org

Southern Florida


What district are you in?
Georgia
How long have you been in ministry?
I have been serving in ministry for over 18 years.
What is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is the beach.
Do you have a favorite snack?
My favorite snack is Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn.
How may I contact you?
Cell: 405-215-1409 Email: pastorjacklynsanchez@gmail.com