Saint Paul School of Theology has a long tradition of integrating experience in ministry with work in the classroom to prepare persons for leadership in the church. Students are expected to integrate their academic study of faith and ministry with their actual experience and practice in a ministry setting.

Although integration of ministry experience and theological reflection occurs throughout the curriculum, it is the particular focus of all Contextual Education courses. Master of Divinity and Master of Specialized Ministry students enroll in Contextual Education courses designed for their degree program. Contextual Education courses provide students with an appreciation for congregations within the context of their local communities. Practical skills and support are provided along with opportunities for reflection on the practices and arts of ministry in congregations or community settings. Students will develop expertise in theological reflection with an understanding of the ways practice informs theology.

Students must take initiative in locating a setting for ministry, and in making timely contact with the potential employer or volunteer coordinator, in order to have an approved ministry setting by the required date. Students are encouraged to begin their search for a ministry setting before courses begin. Ministry sites must meet specific requirements and the employer or volunteer coordinator must complete the appropriate paperwork in order to begin the school's approval process.

Students may contact the Contextual Education Office for assistance in locating a ministry setting or may bring a request for a desired site to the Contextual Education Office to be considered for approval.

Anita Chancey
Associate Director of Contextual Education
(816) 245-4842
anitac@spst.edu

James Brandt, Ph.D.
Director of Contextual Education and

Associate Professor of Historical Theology
(816) 245-4805
jbrandt@spst.edu