The Vocational Formation Office of Calvin Theological Seminary
As a student of Calvin Theological Seminary, your classroom learning will never have to stand alone. Imagine your coursework enriched by dynamic experiences, pinpointing your unique gifts and equipping you to step into your God-given calling.
What Makes Vocational Formation at Calvin Seminary Unique?
A Fresh Approach
Calvin Seminary has recently retooled its internship program, providing hands-on experiences that are anchored to seminary courses. Strengthened connections between classes and internships will help you to grasp concepts more fully and to be better equipped for your ministry, which you’ll begin engaging as a student.
Time-Tested Methods
While vocational formation at Calvin Theological Seminary has been enhanced in recent years, it remains rooted in the tradition of church mentorship and undergirded by the use of proven resources. All students in the MDiv and MA programs will be matched with a mentor from a church or other ministry who will serve as a resource for two years—not simply a semester or a season. You will also have the opportunity to explore your strengths through the Birkman assessment, which has been helping people in all vocational fields for more than 60 years.
Emerging Leaders
The church has faced well documented challenges in leadership. Our vocational formation program aims to help bridge the gap in church leadership today by forming students and graduates who are confident in their strengths and mindful of their areas for growth. We believe these types of leaders will be more effective in empowering their church and ministry communities. Through such efforts, we believe and pray that the gospel will be advanced and God will be glorified.
Meet the Team

Geoff Vandermolen
Director of Vocational Formation, Co-Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program

Chris Wright
Administrative Coordinator, Vocational Formation Office

David Beelen
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Discipleship Coach & Mentoring Specialist

Samantha DeJong McCarron
Vocational Assessment & Discernment Specialist
Stories of Formation:
Preparing Pastors
New Initiative Changes How Seminary Prepares Pastors for Ministry
New Initiative Changes How Seminary Prepares Pastors for Ministry
Read MoreDistance Learning Programs
A Story of Divine Hospitality
In Calvin’s distance learning program, I’ve learned the importance of doing the difficult ‘self work.’ We can only care for others insofar a...
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More Vocational Formation Pages
Are you a current Calvin Seminary student looking for specific information for your program? Or are you a church looking to bring a Calvin Seminary student in for an internship or looking to hire a Calvin Seminary graduate? Use the navigation below to find what you are looking for.
Information for Current Students
Vocational Formation Information for Current StudentsInformation for Churches
Church Resources