Recognizing that ministry can take many forms, the school's programs of study are structured to respond to the gifts, background, needs, interests and calling of each student. The school aspires to develop church leaders who will be able to address the complex issues confronting the church's ministry and witness.

The identification of human gifts and the dedication of those gifts to the service of the greater good is the essence of ministry. To discover ministry is an embodiment of grace. While the school's mission is to promote the essentials of Christianity and to prepare people holistically for service in the Church in its many forms, it is also committed to freedom in the formulation of nonessentials. There is an appreciation of the reality that there will always be differences in our understandings, spiritual maturity and conclusion and that these differences should not be used as a test of fellowship.

The programs in the school are based on the premise that religion and ministry involves authenticity, the real presence of gifted human beings. One who ministers embraces the capacity to be responsible, grounded and self-authoring. One who ministers carries within a reverence for life and is responsible to life all around.

There are many forms of religion and ministry that take place in a context beyond the immediate sphere of a congregation. And there are religious vocations that are not oriented towards the art of life together, but call for solitude. A sincere exploration of the nature of one's calling is welcomed as part of the educational process. Clarity of purpose and firm commitment will also find a home in the STMS.