Field Education

Field Education connects students with mentoring pastors, nurturing congregations and mission entities. These colleagues and faith communities can help students discover their gifts, sharpen their call and gain practical, supervised experience, integrating classroom learning with practical experience through reflection and evaluation.

Information for Churches Considering an Intern

Ministry settings considering our students for internship, or our graduates for employment can be assured that attention has been given to enhance the likelihood that they are strong, safe and ready to serve. The following is the typical sequence of screening/filtering:

• The Admission Process, including personal references and a church recommendation.
• Psychological assessments by Midwest Ministry Development, during the first semester.
• The Degree Candidacy Evaluation during the first year culminates in a conversation with two faculty members, and is focused on whether the student is in the appropriate degree program.
• MDiv students are required to take a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education which involves rigorous accountability from supervising and peer student chaplains. CPE is generally taken between academic years one and two.
• Supervised Field Education is required for all students in the MACF, MACM and MDiv degree programs, including evaluation, self-reflection, and clarification of vocational identity.
• A ministerial credential can be requested for the student during their internship. The Licensed Theological Student credential includes approval by NPTS, the local ministry and the Department of Ordered Ministry. It also includes a criminal background check.
• The End of Studies process culminates in a conversation with 2 faculty members and usually takes place in the student's final year. It is at that point that students are commended to enter the Call to Ministry Process.