Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Mindy Smith, DMin

Second Advisor

Sunggu Yang, PhD

Third Advisor

Leonard I. Sweet, PhD

Abstract

NPO:

Churches are not giving college students the tools they need to navigate uncertainty with Jesus.

Key Insights:

For college students who decide to follow Jesus, the experience of uncertainty after college can result in a deconstruction of faith. Church leaders often respond by equipping students with tools aimed at eradicating uncertainty (biblical and cultural apologetics, catechisms, formulaic practices, etc.). The solution is more elegant: If students are to remain adaptable and resilient for a lifetime, they do not need to eradicate uncertainty but to embrace it—not as an occasion for explanation but as an opportunity to encounter the living God. To this end, the primary lever is a metaphorical reframing of life as a story (designed around an efficiency of meaning) rather than as a blueprint (designed around an efficiency of resources). In particular, that story is a romance bounded by our betrothal to Jesus.

Ministry Context:

I pastor at a multi-generational, non-denominational church of about 350 congregants, half of which are University of Michigan students. Students represent a variety of gender identities, races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and personal affiliations, and they come to Ann Arbor from all over the United States and the world. The city itself is highly educated and politically liberal, but my NPO aims at a general audience of college students who are actively engaging with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Project Description:

Jesus Mysterium: A Pilgrimage into the Presence of Christ is an heirloom quality work of creative non-fiction designed as a graduation gift for college seniors. It is accompanied by a Sonic Pilgrimage (abridged content with original music and soundscapes) for sophomores. Together, the Jesus Mysterium collection leverages soundtracks, “thingies,” and original artwork to immerse students in a beautiful story that reframes uncertainty as an opportunity to encounter Christ.

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