Contextual Education-MDiv

Contextual Education: MDiv Requirements

Beginning Fall 2011, Master of Divinity students are required to complete a total of 7 credit hours in Contextual Education.

Preparing for Local Ministry, 1 hour
Reflection on Ministry, 1 hour
Ministry in Context, 3 hours
Immersion, 2 hours

Preparing for Local Ministry (PLUM)

First year, two semester course, .5 credit hours per semester
Small group reflection on ministry and seminary
Led by area clergy
Four hours per week service in an approved ministry setting
Ministry settings may be volunteer or paid
Fall Semester: Site visits to agencies and congregations
Spring semester: Case studies
Attention to Spiritual Formation and emerging issues
Theological reflection on ministry

Work in an approved ministry setting is to begin by Oct. 10th

Reflection on Ministry

2nd or 3rd year, two semester course, .5 credit hours per semester
Small group reflection on ministry and professional development
Led by area clergy
Theological reflection on ministry
Attention to spiritual formation for ministry
Ten hours per week service in an approved ministry setting
Ministry settings may be volunteer or paid
Case studies and goal setting

Students are expected to have their ministry setting in place and approved prior to the first day of the semester.

Ministry in Context

Team taught by Saint Paul faculty with small group component

Congregational Studies for understanding faith communities

A practical theology model for approaching ministry

Engagement in the community of NE Kansas City/urban Oklahoma City

Engagement with students' ministry settings

Practice in community analysis

Immersions

One 2 credit hour immersion course required for MDiv degree
May be domestic or international
International: Korea and China, Guatemala, Africa, Brazil, Haiti
Domestic: Native American, disaster response, monastic, rural, urban, prison
Immersion in a culture different from what one has known
Small group travel and experience
Led by Saint Paul faculty
Theological reflection on the experience
Offered in January, summer, and during break weeks