Supervised Practice of Ministry

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

The course descriptions below represent a listing of courses presently available at the Schools of Theology in Dubuque. Courses may not be available in every instance precisely as described here. Full information on available courses, including objectives, content and requirements, is published each semester and available to all current students prior to registration.

Courses offered at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary are listed first, followed by the listing of courses at Wartburg Theological Seminary.

Field education takes place in a variety of field education settings: the supervised practice of ministry (SPM) offered concurrently with other seminary classes during the fall or spring semester; a summer internship for three months; or an internship of six months or more.

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 enrollment in the field education course. In order to be approved, there must be a clear position description, adequate compensation, a written agreement signed by all parties and judicatory officials, a qualified supervisor, regular opportunities for theological reflection with the SPM supervisor and a field education committee made up of laity in the setting.

The following structures are available for students seeking to fulfill the seven credit hours of SPM required for all M. Div. students or the appropriate number of hours for some of the M.A.R. degree programs.

PREREQUISITE FOR ALL SPMs: Must have an approved setting and completed the first seminary year.

FE 601D SPM I: The Pastor and the Spiritual Disciplines
(2 credits)
This course will serve as an overview of the spiritual disciplines – those classic Christian practices that have functioned as “means of grace” for God’s people. The class will focus on the importance of the disciplines in the life of the ordained. Each student shall choose a particular discipline as a focus for the semester. Included in the class will be 12-15 hours a week of involvement in an approved field education site, in which the student has opportunity to gain expertise in the tasks of ministerial leadership.
Instructor: Staff

FE 602D SPM II: The Christian Formation of the Pastor
(2 credits)
This course will explore the role of spirituality in the life of the ordained. The class will focus upon specific topics in the relationship between one’s own life as a disciple and leading others in the Christian life. Topics will include: the relationship between authority and service; ambition and ministry; loneliness and solitude. Included in the class will be 12-15 hours a week of involvement in an approved field education site, in which the student has opportunity to gain expertise in the tasks of ministerial leadership.
Instructor: Staff

FE 650D Senior Integrative Seminar
(3 credits)
During senior year, students shall enroll in the Integrative Seminar. This class is taken in conjunction with serving in an approved ministry setting, (12-15 hours per week), in which the student has opportunity to gain expertise in the tasks of ministerial leadership. The course will cover various topics in order to allow the student to reflect upon interrelated theological, cultural and experiential learning.
Instructor: Staff

FE 671D SUMMER SPM - 1
(3 credits)
This SPM course is not a part of the internship program (see FE 701-4 below). Rather, it is a full-time experience of ministry for 10-12 weeks during the summer. The course requirements include a preparatory workshop in the spring and a wrap-up seminar in the fall, along with weekly meetings with a SPM supervisor and at least two meetings with a lay field education committee. Must be paid for as a summer course.
Instructor: Philip Jamieson

FE 672D Summer SPM -2
(3 credits)
See the description for FE 671 above. Students would register for this course if they participate in a second summer SPM.
Instructor: Phil Jamieson

FE 701D Internship I
(6 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 weekly meetings with the SPM supervisor and monthly meetings with a lay field education committee. Research and reflection papers take the place of the weekly seminar groups required as a part of FE 601-650.
Instructor: Phil Jamieson

FE 702D Internship II
(6 credits)
This would be the second semester of the year long internship described above under FE701D.
Instructor: Phil Jamieson

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