The Far-Reaching Impact of Mid-America's Ministerial Apprenticeship Program

At Mid-America Reformed Seminary, we believe pastoral ministry is not merely learned in the classroom but shaped in the field through real preaching, real counseling, and real care for Christ’s church. Our Ministerial Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is a cornerstone of that vision, and its reach stretches far and wide. This summer, our students are serving congregations across the U.S. and Canada—north to south, east to west—bringing Christ-centered ministry wherever they are sent.

Here’s a glimpse of just how far-reaching the MAP program is:

West Coast Impact

• Visalia, California – Nathan Korten is applying his classroom learning at Trinity URC, where he's writing and delivering sermons while forging friendships within the congregation.

• Kennewick, Washington – Thomas Bell is deep in ministry work at Grace URC, preaching twice weekly and engaging in pastoral visits, describing his experience as a “refining fire.”

Heartland and Midwest Presence

• Borculo, Michigan – John Waldrop is preaching and visiting members at Borculo CRC, where he’s seen Christ’s work clearly in a faithful congregation.

• Sheboygan, Wisconsin – At Grace Presbyterian Church (OPC), Andrew Baugh is leading Sunday School, preaching through Philippians, and actively participating in church life.

• Orange City, Iowa – Abraham Niranjan is engaged in full pastoral ministry at First CRC, under the mentorship of Rev. Stephen Terpstra, connecting academic theology to real-life ministry.

• Lynwood & Niles, Illinois – In Illinois, both Henry Marin (Lynwood URC) and Jared Strong (Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church) are serving faithfully in pulpit and pastoral care ministries, including evangelism and Bible studies.

• Indianapolis, Indiana & Fort Wayne – Kelvin Morales is sharing preaching duties at Indy Reformed Church and assisting with a core church plant group in Fort Wayne.

Southern Reach

• Port Orange, Florida – Greg Ritzema is ministering at Salt and Light Reformed Church (OPC), bringing gospel light to the Sunshine State.

• West Plains, Missouri – Dane Bothun is serving at Covenant Reformed Church (OPC), learning from seasoned elders and shepherding the youth.

• Nampa, Idaho – Michael Hakze is alternating in the pulpit with Rev. Nick Smith at Christ Reformed Church, preaching through Judges and 1 Corinthians.

Eastern and Northeastern Engagement

• Williamsport, Pennsylvania – Jon Vos is deeply involved at New Life OPC, preaching, teaching, visiting, and even ministering at nursing homes.

Canada’s Welcoming Churches

• Bowmanville, Ontario – Ezekiel McMurtry is preaching twice each Lord’s Day at Salem URC and investing in the lives of church members through visitation and fellowship.

• Flamborough, Ontario – Leo Joewono is completing a 12-week internship at Calvary CRC, discovering the joy of sharing life and Word with a vibrant congregation.

As you can see, our students are actively preparing for ministry in settings complementary to the classroom, in congregations that stretch across nearly every corner of North America.

This widespread influence of MAP is a result of intentional partnership between Mid-America and local Reformed and Presbyterian churches who desire to shape the next generation of faithful shepherds. From Washington to Florida, Ontario to California, the Lord is using Mid-America’s apprentices to feed His sheep and build His church.

As we look ahead, we give thanks for the churches that welcome our students and for the mentors (pastors and elders) who guide them. The reach is wide, but the purpose remains focused to train men who will proclaim Christ and serve His church with a humble heart wherever He may call them.

To learn more about MAP and how your church can be part of this program, visit here.