Contemporary Ministry Education for Today’s World

Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) is impacting the way people think about professional ministry, spiritual development, and faith-based leadership education.

IPS educates people of many denominations in theology and ministry skills in the setting of a contemporary Jesuit university. According to Robert Ludwig, Director of IPS, ministry is defined broadly—as the people of God serving the reign of God in multiple and various venues, some inside the church and others in a variety of settings (healthcare, education, non-profits, counseling agencies, retreat houses, inter-faith urban ministries, etc.).

“The variety of programs is a huge strength,” Ludwig says. “All of our programs have field education components in either a practicum or internship so that everyone who goes through our programs is learning in classroom and ministry settings.”

Students may participate in many aspects of the IPS experience online, including virtual open houses and orientations, two full degree programs, and in-class participation through Skype and Blackboard. In 2010, 20% of IPS students are taking one or more classes online, opening the tradition of ministry and theology at Loyola to students across the globe.

“We try to make learning easily accessible for the adult student,” Ludwig says.

To learn more about how IPS is changing to meet the needs of today’s world, please visit Loyola University Chicago | Institute of Pastoral Studies.