Courses

This course is an experiential learning course that encompasses five key components. A ministry placement that requires 8 hours per week of engagement in an ongoing ministry context, the development of a ministry learning covenant that sets learning goals for the placement, connection to an experienced ministry practitioner as a placement supervisor, regular meetings with an external ministry mentor (appointed by MDC) and several forms of evaluation at the end of the placement. Three courses in Ministry formation are required for students in the MDiv program and one course is required for students in the MTS program.

Knowing

Ministry Formation will help students to develop their own theology and the skill to reflect on ministry theologically drawing from personal experience as a resource for theological development. Further it should offer to students the opportunity to integrate theological thought with ministry practice. This includes a focus on the following:

• Significance of Theological Reflection on Experience
• Integration of Theological resources with ministry practice
• Articulation of Theological understanding

Being

Spiritual formation is the cornerstone of effective ministry. Formation for ministry must introduce basic spiritual practices for spiritual growth and long term inner health. These include:

• Understanding and cultivating self care in ministry
• Understanding and cultivating the practice of spiritual disciplines in ministry
• Understanding and cultivating a vision for ministry as discipleship

Ministry formation should help students get in touch with who they are as a ministering person, both strengths and growing edges. It should help them gain an honest understanding of the potential baggage that they bring to ministry. Further, it needs to provide them with the opportunity to explore and identify their sense of personal calling to ministry including:

• Understanding one’s particular
• Discerning your Calling to ministry
• Identifying your Gifts and Leadership Aptitudes

Doing 

This course will help students to focus on the development of ministry skills with a view to skill discovery and enhancement including:

• Identification of key skills required for Christian ministry
• Reflection on vital ministry skills with feedback from others
• Development as self-directed, collaborative learner through engagement in a learning network of ministry mentors and experienced