Mission Statement: make disciples…

• Ekklesia Ministry College exists to make disciples who follow Christ’s calling in the context of the church by equipping them to take responsibility for the growth of the church family and the health of our surrounding culture through ordered learning, active service, and personal formation in passionate worship of God.

Introducing Ekklesia Ministry College: Empowering Disciples for Ministry

Ekklesia Ministry College is a groundbreaking institution established in 2018 under the visionary leadership of Pastor Tommy Orlando. Recognizing the need for trained leaders within Mercy Hill Church, which had experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, Pastor Tommy was driven to initiate a ministry training program that would equip individuals for effective service.

Mercy Hill Church, initially founded in Bay View, had rapidly expanded to include two additional campuses in Nashotah and Janesville, with a combined congregation nearing 1,000 members. To sustain and nurture this growth, the church identified the necessity of cultivating a well-equipped leadership team. However, traditional denominational schools posed challenges, as they often required relocation and financial strain for families and young adults seeking theological education.

In pursuit of a solution, Mercy Hill Church forged a strategic partnership with BILD International and the Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development. These alliances provided invaluable resources and a church-based theological education model for Ekklesia Ministry College. Inspired by the essence of the word "Ekklesia" in Greek, which refers to a gathering of those summoned by God, the pastoral staff carefully chose this name for the local affiliate. It symbolizes the understanding that the church is not merely a physical location (as implied by the word "Church" derived from the German word "Kirke," meaning the castle of the Lord), but rather a community of people called out by God.

Ekklesia Ministry College holds a significant place within the church family, emphasizing its integral role rather than being a mere addendum. The college focuses on practical theology centered around church ministry, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for real-world challenges. The educational philosophy at Ekklesia is supported by three foundational pillars:

1. Personal Spiritual Development: Recognizing the importance of nurturing a deep and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, Ekklesia Ministry College places a strong emphasis on personal spiritual growth. Students are encouraged to cultivate personal spiritual disciplines that serves as the foundation for their ministry endeavors.

2. Ministry Experience: Ekklesia believes in the value of hands-on experience. Students are provided with ample opportunities to engage in various aspects of ministry, allowing them to apply their knowledge in practical settings. This experiential learning approach equips them with the skills and confidence needed to make a tangible impact in their communities.

3. Ordered Learning: Ekklesia Ministry College ensures that its curriculum is structured and comprehensive, providing students with a well-organized and purposeful educational journey. Through a systematic and intentional approach, students acquire a deep understanding of theology, leadership principles, and practical ministry strategies.

If you sense a calling from Jesus to become his disciple and are eager to take the next step in your journey of ministry, we invite you to apply to Ekklesia Ministry College. Together, let us embark on a transformative experience that will empower and equip you for a lifetime of impactful service in the kingdom of God.

Bruce McCallum
Resident Theologian-Ekklesia Ministry College
bruce@mercyhill.org

After serving pastorates in two churches, Bruce felt called to work with undergraduate students who were considering life’s big questions, like, “What do I believe?” “Who will I marry?” “How do I fit into God’s plan?”  This desired vocation led Bruce to complete a doctorate in Systematic Theology at Marquette University.  During a time when theological departments were downsizing and opportunities were limited, Bruce was offered a position as a research scientist in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he participated in research on the biophysical mechanisms of pain and loss of consciousness.

Bruce is excited to bring life experiences and theological training to help with the Christian education ministry at Mercy Hill Church through Equip midweek services and Ekklesia Ministry College.  Bruce and his wife, Joan, live in New Berlin, where they enjoy gardening, bicycling, camping and hospitality. They have two married adult children.