DESCRIPTION: This course (offered pass/fail for 4 units) is designed to provide
practical experience for students who are taking the MA in Theology and
Ministry (MATM) or the MA in Christian Leadership (MACL). Students will focus
on reflecting theologically on their ministry, gaining an understanding of the
cultural context of the ministry, growing in personal faith, and gaining
expertise in the design, implementation, and assessment of a project in their
ministry.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course offers students the opportunity
to engage in ministry in particular contexts and to learn the art of reflection
that will be crucial to any ministry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) grow in their ability to engage in
theological reflection by having regular opportunities to think critically
about their ministry in light of the broader Christian tradition;
(2) deepen their understanding of the cultural context of ministry by
immersing themselves in a specific context and regularly reflecting with their
supervisor on the connection between that context and the chosen ministry
project; (3) develop toward becoming spiritually mature and accountable
practitioners by reflecting with their peers in a theological reflection group
and with their supervisor in their practicum on the connection between their
faith and their ministry; (4) become better Christian leaders by having
the opportunity to develop, implement, and assess the chosen ministry
project.
COURSE FORMAT: The course has three primary components: practical ministry,
supervision, and theological reflection. The student will spend 120 hours
participating in those three components. The student spends at least 10 hours
each week for ten weeks in the ministry responsibilities of the specific
project agreed upon by the supervisor and student, and approved by the Field
Education and Ministry Formation (FEMF) Office. One hour each week is to be
spent with the approved on-site supervisor. The agenda should address (a)
oversight and evaluation of the student's ministry; (b) theological
reflection and discussion of topics related to ministry as identified by the
student and supervisor; (c) mentoring, support, spiritual formation, and
prayer. The student will have opportunities for spiritual formation through
practice of individual spiritual disciplines and will participate in communally
shared spiritual practice forums offered throughout the course. The student
will participate in a theological reflection group for a total of ten hours
during the quarter, with peers and a group facilitator.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: