Discerning God's call can be challenging, to say the least! Formation for Ministry at Western recognizes that you might appreciate some guidance along the way. At Western Theological Seminary, formation for ministry means. . .
- A place to practice ministry
- Space for ministerial reflection
- Feedback and support from mentors and peers
- Opportunities to repeat the process to confirm your learning
Dr. Matthew Floding Dean of Students
616-392-8555, x134
In-Residence Students:
Rev. Stephanie Croom Associate Director
616-392-8555, x154
Distance Learning Students:
Glenn Swier, MSW Associate Director
616-392-8555, x165
Components for this ministry include:
- Supervised ministry settings, mentors, and site teams
- A facilitated peer group of WTS students
- Complementary coursework and integrative seminars
- In-residence students will experience a first year Christian formation retreat and second year intercultural immersion experience
- Distance learning students will experience a yearly Christian formation retreat during the May intensive. The intercultural immersion experience occurs during the fifth year of the program.
The program is designed to provide a breadth of experience while going deep through the use of learning covenants and case studies of actual ministry experience.
In-residence M.Div. students will participate in four 100-hour part-time units and one 400-hour full-time unit of a supervised in-ministry experience within an approved ministry setting.
Distance learning M.Div. students will participate in four units of supervised in-ministry training and two pastoral formation projects throughout the five years of the program.
After guided investigation and consultation students interview with potential ministry sites and mentors. Upon discerning a good fit, commitments are made for the upcoming year. These positions receive remuneration.
Ministry settings may include:
- Congregations
- Hospitals
- Faith-based agencies
- Parachurch Ministries
- Campus Ministry
- Care facilities and nursing homes
Peer groups meet for personal support, reflection on ministry practice, and prayer. Care is given to maintain the same groups when possible throughout the program.
In-residence peer groups meet weekly and are guided by a mentor with ministry experience.
Distance learning peer groups are also guided by a mentor in ministry and meet during the on-campus intensives and on-line during the semester.
Beginning early in your journey, you will engage and explore your call in a supervised ministry setting with a mentor and peers. Western is committed to providing you with just the right place and space to nurture your call to ministry.
