Q. What is a Teaching Church?
A. A "Teaching Church" is a setting (congregation, hospital, prison, etc.) in which supervised ministry experience can be gained.

Q. Do I have to be in a Teaching Church while completing the Master of Divinity?
A. Yes. Western Theological Seminary values both classroom learning and experiential learning in a Teaching Church. As an adult learner you will enjoy the freedom of exploring and giving direction to your learning in a Teaching Church.

Q. How will I give direction to my learning in the Teaching Church?
A. Each student in the Master of Divinity programs designs five Learning Covenants to be completed in a Teaching Church during the course of their seminary.

Q. How will I decide what kind of Learning Covenant to design?
A. You will select five categories in consultation with your mentor from these seven:

• The ministry of education and faith formation.
• The ministry of pastoral care.
• The ministry of preaching and worship.
• The ministry of leadership and administration.
• The ministry of social justice.
• The ministry of evangelism.
• The ministry of cross cultural competency.

Together you will design a learning experience appropriate for you and the context in which you minister.

Q. Who will be my mentor?
A. Your mentor will be an ordained clergyperson trained to supervise seminary student who serve in the Teaching Church you are serving. Some settings may utilize the expertise of other professionals such as social workers for mentors. The mentor will also evaluate with you your progress on your Learning Covenants and provide feedback to the seminary regularly.

Q. Will anyone besides my mentor be aware of my work and goals in the Teaching Church?
A. Yes. Formation for Ministry faculty from the seminary, your site team and others with whom you choose to share your work.

Q. What is a site team?
A. They are your best cheerleaders! Three to six volunteers in your Teaching Church will meet regularly with you to listen and reflect with you, encourage and pray for you. Each year they will provide a brief account of what they have learned with you.

Q. What exactly is the Teaching Church requirement?
A. Each Master of Divinity student will register for four 100-hour part-time units and one 400-hour full-time unit. During this time the five Learning Covenants will be completed.

Q. Isn't this a lot of work?
A. Actually it is quite manageable. The interaction between classroom and Teaching Church, between academic subjects and the practice of ministry, contributes to a more holistic education and integrated preparation for ministry.