FM101 Retreat for Christian Formation (J-Term)
Floding
A spiritual retreat using autobiography, peer engagement, and the spiritual disciplines to assist students in clarifying and embracing God's call upon their lives. 2 credits.
FM111 Intercultural Immersion Experience (J-Term)
Provides cognitive and experiential knowledge of the global character of the church's witness and mission in North America and around the world, with concern for the problems and opportunities posed by cultural differences, secularism, social fragmentation, religious pluralism, and ecumenism. 2 credits.
FM115 Practice of Christian Ministry (Part-time Ministry)
Four 100-hour units of supervised part-time ministry in a Teaching Church setting selected in consultation with the Formation for Ministry office. The student establishes appropriate learning covenants in cooperation with a ministry-setting mentor. Learning goals are pursued using an action/reflection model that integrates theory, practice, and the person in ministry. This learning/serving commitment is evaluated by the student, the mentor, and the site team. Concurrent participation in a peer group is required while completing these units. 1 credit.
FM121 Entering Christian Ministry
Floding, Croom
This course is the entry point in the formation for ministry process. It introduces the Teaching Church program and engages basic ministerial issues important to students faithfully and ethically participating in various ministry settings during their seminary experience. There are three components: the Teaching Church (a supervised ministry setting), a peer group commitment, and course assignments. Taken concurrently with CM103. 1 credit
FM122 Exploring Christian Ministry
Floding, Croom
Continuing the journey in formation for ministry, students explore basic ministerial tasks centered in congregational life. (However, many of these are transferable to any ministry or social service agency.) Exploring aspects of ministry with the help of pastor(s) and lay leaders facilitates clarity around the student's call to ministry. Students learn and grow to appreciate these service elements of ministry that are often unseen but essential for effective Christian ministry. There are three components: the Teaching Church (a supervised ministry setting), a peer group commitment, and course assignments. 1 credit
FM123 & FM124 Engaging Christian Ministry
Students are given the opportunity to engage deeply in a ministry competency they are passionate about or have been longing to explore. After being sagely directed into the practice of Christian ministry in FM121 and 122; students embrace their learning in this self-directed opportunity in a ministry setting. Each student designs a learning covenant with a mentor focusing on a ministry area such as: Preaching and Worship, Leadership and Administration, Evangelism, Social Justice/Advocacy, Education and Faith Formation, Pastoral Care or Cross-cultural Competency. Both FM123 and 124 are completed in one semester in an internship commitment of 100 hours. 1 credit
FM125 Advanced Practice of Christian Ministry
This 400-hour full-time supervised ministry experience requires the student to exercise a wide range of ministerial skills at the highest personal, professional, and pastoral levels. This requirement may be satisfied in a number of settings including participation in Clinical Pastoral Education, parachurch ministries, cross-cultural ministries, and congregational ministry. Due to the significant level of ministerial and educational investment, it is highly recommended that the student invest time in a discernment process with the Formation for Ministry office before selecting a placement. This learning experience will be evaluated by the student, a supervising mentor, and a lay support committee. 2 credits.
FM127 Transition into Ministry
This course is an "affinity group" peer-learning project that seeks to prepare students for specific ministry settings. The affinity groups include: congregational ministry, specialized ministry, and ongoing academic studies. Each group is led by a faculty sponsor.