Field Education is a required 6 credit hour internship course that supports MDiv and MAPM students in their vocational and professional formation through ministry practice “in the field”. In an approved learning site, with an experienced site supervisor, and participating in a facilitated peer group, students begin developing competence in the practice of ministry in context and growing in their ability to reflect on ministry practice in light of the story of their context, their own story, their faith tradition and scripture, and their experiences. We work with each student to find a placement that meets their vocational goals and challenges them to deepen their practice.
Field Education is committed to helping students understand ministry practice as embedded in a specific context, be that a geographic place or community. Students are challenged to learn and practice skills in contextual analysis through deep listening, observation, and power and asset mapping. They are challenged to theologically reflect on how context affects their ministry practice and vocational formation. These transferrable skills and reflexive practices are meant to become habitual, deepening their professional development as lifelong ministry practitioners committed to the thriving of the Church and the healing of the world.
