Aside from the general information that is requested on the application for enrollment, you are asked to review the Missional University Ethos Statement, to share your Christian journey, and to respond to an essay question regarding the mission of the university.  These are important elements of the application process, because not only do they help us understand who you are, but they also help you learn more about what Missional University is looking for in a student.

Review the Missional University Ethos Statement

During the application process, you are asked to read and acknowledge the Missional University Ethos Statement. Choosing to come to Missional University means joining a distinctive community. Becoming part of this community carries with it, high expectations regarding the ways in which each person is expected to behave, both within and outside of, the Missional University community. An ethos statement emphasizes ethical responsibility and provides a focus for the unity of values and purpose among the diverse members of a community, in this case, the Missional University community.  

We at Missional University pledge to follow the path God has laid before us by committing to continually grow in our faith and to seek mutual relationships of accountability with fellow believers, so that we may grow together in maturity and in the kind of faith, hope, and love that reflect the mind and likeness of Jesus Christ.

Take the time to read the ethos statement and think deeply about your commitment to its contents. It is expected that all students, staff, faculty, and board members practice and promote the values espoused in the Missional University Ethos Statement.  

Share Your Christian Journey

Another important aspect of the application process is sharing your Christian journey. This question may be intimidating, but that is not the intention. Everyone experiences his/her own Christian journey uniquely. Whether you grew up being nurtured in the Christian faith, or you had a dramatic conversion experience, there is no one right answer to this question. No matter where you are in this process, it’s ok! You may feel you journey to faith is unremarkable, but remember your story is God’s story, and we want to hear it. Stories are powerful. We all love stories, especially ones that give us an “inside look” into someone else’s life.

Understand that your journey is yours alone. Everyone's spiritual journey, whether in response to difficult challenges or uplifting opportunities, is unique.  

If you have never been asked to give your ‘testimony’ or share your journey of Christian faith, it is likely that you will find this exercise both challenging and rewarding. Before you get started, pray about this task and ask that God help you remember and share what you have experienced together.

There is no required length or format for this exercise, but there are questions to guide you.  

• Tell us when God first became more than just an idea to you.
• Who or what has shaped your spiritual journey through the years?
• When someone describes Jesus as Lord of their life, what does that mean?
• When you hear the word "Missional" what images or other words come to mind?

Remember, there is no one answer to these questions.  Your answers will help us get to know you as a child of God.

Envision Being Missional

The Missional University application process includes an essay question focused on the mission statement for Missional University and how your education will help fulfill it.  MU’s mission statement is “to prepare biblically-grounded, missional leaders who join the mission of God in diverse communities by incarnating the gospel with culturally-appropriate skills while seeking the spiritual transformation of people and communities that connect all peoples to God in worship in their own heart language.” The question is: In 500-600 words, explain how earning a degree at Missional University would help you support this mission?

There are a variety of ways this question could be answered.  For example, understanding how to be missional in your everyday vocational/professional career.  Think past graduation - how could God use you in the future to serve in His mission in the world?