The Seminary is committed to learning through mentoring relationships. Students are involved in a mentoring relationship with a faculty member and fellow students. Mentoring relationships and groups are the context for theological reflection on ministry, the integration of theory and practice, the discernment of gifts for ministry, and the evaluation of personal and ministry strengths and weaknesses. The formal structure for these relationships is Mentoring/Connecting. All incoming degree program students are expected to enroll in Mentoring/Connecting in their first semester.

Through group and one-on-one meetings with the mentor, and peer contacts the student is introduced to seminary life. Important issues addressed include a basic understanding of Anabaptism, introduction to the core values of the seminary, an experience of community life, and personal concerns raised by the student.

This course is intended to help students grow personally through developing strong interpersonal relationships and fostering reflection on issues related to personal, spiritual and academic growth. It is also intended to provide resources designed to guide students in developing their Personal Growth Plan. It seeks to explore within a large and small group setting what it means to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind" and to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lk. 10:27).