The center bears the name of John S. Coffman, who played an important role in the developing mission and evangelistic ministries of the Mennonite Church in the late 19th century. To train persons for leadership in the church s mission with special emphasis on spreading the good news of Christ, making new disciples and growing churches in our increasingly urban and multicultural world. To facilitate creative theological reflection on the missionary calling and activity of the church along lines that give serious attention to the cultural context and are consonant with our biblical and Anabaptist commitments. To develop effective methods and models of mission, evangelism and church planting that are consistent with the life and teachings of Jesus. To serve the church and its agencies in the areas of mission, church growth, evangelism and church planting through consultations, conferences , seminars, internships and other specialized services and resources.
Emphasis is placed on in-service learning through internship experiences.
Internships consist of supervised training in the context of some mission activity. The student engages in the practice of ministry under the guidance of an experienced person. Grants are available to help finance these internships. The director of the center, regular teaching faculty and several adjunct professors come with a wide range of experience and expertise in many forms of mission practice. The M.Div. degree with a specialization in mission and evangelism.