Hands-on learning is at the core of Western's Master of Divinity (M.Div.) curriculum. Western students combine their classroom learning with direct, concurrent experience in a supervised ministry setting. This is done by engaging in the practice of ministry skills in a setting known as the "teaching church," which may be a congregation, hospital, prison, or other setting. Within the ministry setting of the Teaching Church, students gain knowledge, develop skills and receive support through feedback on the practice of ministry from their mentors and a site team.
Mentors
A mentor meets with each student weekly to supervise and evaluate the student's practice of ministry. This shared reflection time fosters growth in self-awareness, an important quality for mature effective leaders. This process of formation for ministry continues throughout the student's seminary training and helps prepare the student for ministry following graduation.
Peer Groups
Taking responsibility for one's own learning is also an important dimension of formation for ministry at Western. One way students hold each other accountable is through weekly participation in peer groups guided by an experienced facilitator.
The Practice of Ministry Skills
Flexibility and freedom allow students to explore a wide variety of pastoral roles in order to discern their particular calling in ministry. Each semester students design a "learning covenant" developed in consultation with their mentor that explores one of the ministry themes listed below. Students select at least 5 learning covenants from the following:
- ministry of education and faith formation
- ministry of pastoral care
- ministry of preaching and worship
- ministry of leadership and administration
- ministry of social justice
- ministry of evangelism
- cross cultural competency
Formation for Ministry Handbook
The Formation for Ministry handbook is a resource for students, teaching church sites and peer group facilitators. In addition to containing all the necessary forms and pertinent program descriptions the handbook also lists the standards and outcomes from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the Reformed Church in America and Western Seminary relative to seminary field education.
For Churches and other Ministry Sites
Explore the ways your congregation or organization can partner with Western in supporting the formation for ministry of seminary students.
For Students
Explore the ways you can benefit from the experiential learning outside of the classroom through the Formation for Ministry program at Western.
If you would like to learn more about the Teaching Church aspect of the M.Div program, please contact Dr. Matt Floding, Dean of Students at Western Theological Seminary at 1-800-392-8554 or matt@westernsem.edu.