Supervised Practice of Ministry

Biblical | History/Theology | Ministry | Supervised Practice of Ministry | Integrative

        SUPERVISED PRACTICE OF MINISTRY (SPM) AND FIELD EDUCATION (FE) COURSES

Most students fulfill their Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) requirements concurrently with Field Education Courses during the fall or spring semesters. Other options are possible: Clinical Pastoral Education, (CPE) for SPM credit, full-time summer SPM or longer internships. If any of these options are exercised, students must still complete Field Education Courses in the following semesters. Normally at least two credits of Supervised Practice must be completed in a parish setting. In order to be considered for SPM credit, each setting, position description and plan for supervision must be approved by the Director of Field Education prior to registration. In order to be approved, there must be a background check of the student, clear position description, adequate compensation, a written agreement signed by all parties, a qualified supervisor, regular opportunities for theological reflection with the SPM supervisor and a field education committee made up of laity in the setting.

PREREQUISITES FOR ALL FIELD EDUCATION (FE) COURSES

1. Completion of first seminary year;
2. Approved SPM site for fall and spring semesters or prior completion of Clinical Pastoral Education or
    SPM Summer Internship.

FE 600D Essential Functions of the Pastor
(1 credit)
Part of the time in this integrative seminar will be devoted to issues arising from students' SPM settings. Another part of each class session will focus on learning the basic skills for pastoral ministry, e.g., how to conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, serve Holy Communion, home visitation, etc.

Instructor: Karen Nelson

FE 602D Understanding Context and Change in the Church
(1 credit)
Part of the time in this integrative seminar will be devoted to issues arising from students' SPM settings. Another part of each class session will focus on ways to analyze ministry context, understanding dynamics that influence the way that congregations behave and learning about processes that can lead to constructive change.

Instructor: Hal Murry

FE 603D Clergy Ethics
(1 credit)
Part of the time in this integrative seminar will be devoted to issues arising from students' SPM settings. Another part of each class session will focus on developing an awareness of ethical issues that arise in the pastoral vocation, in particular the pitfalls and temptations associated with money, sex, and the abuses of power.

Instructor: Katherine Achtemeier

FE 604D Pastoral Identity
(1 credit)
Part of the time in this integrative seminar will be devoted to issues arising from students' SPM settings. Another part of each class session will focus on a theological integration of the various pastoral duties in order to help form a faithful pastoral identify.

Instructor: Thomas Carver

FE 670 D Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM)
(1 credit)
Students register for this course if completing SPM on a part-time basis during spring or fall semester.

FE 671D Summer SPM -1
(2 credits)
This is a full-time Supervised Practice of Ministry experience for 10-12 weeks during the summer. Please consult with the Field Education office regarding reporting requirements.

FE 672D Summer SPM-2
(2 credits)
Students would register for this course if they participate in a second summer SPM. This is a full-time Supervised Practice of Ministry experience for 10-12 weeks during the summer. Please consult with the Field Education office regarding reporting requirements.

FE 680D Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for SPM Credit
(1 or 2 credits)
An interfaith professional education for ministry conducted in a certified center under the supervision of a chaplain supervisor accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Students register for  1 credit if completing CPE on an extended part-time basis during spring and fall semesters; register for 2 credits for a summer unit. Upon completion, students are required to submit a copy of their CPE completion Certificate to the Field Education office. Students may elect to have CPE considered for elective ministry hours instead of field education credit.

FE 705D Internship I for SPM Credit
(2-3 credits)
Another option available to students who are interested in taking a year away from campus to devote full-time to the supervised practice of ministry is the internship program. In order to qualify for SPM credit, the internship site must have the approval of the Field Education Office and the appropriate denominational officials. It must include the same basic elements of meetings with the SPM supervisor as well as with a lay field education committee.

FE 706D Internship II for SPM Credit
(2-3 credits)
This would be the second semester of a year long internship. Please see the description for FE 705D.