Monday, March 31, 2008
- NTS Connection
Supervised Ministry Facilitates Integration of the Theology and Practice of Ministry
In the ongoing debate between which is more important—academics or practics—we at NTS are convinced that the answer is that both are equally important. It is our belief that helping our students know how to integrate the theology and practice of ministry is, perhaps, even most important. Our newly revised Supervised Ministry Program is the tool that is allowing us to do just this.
In the NTS Master of Divinity Degree Program, four semesters of required supervised ministry* offer student ministers participation in ministry case study groups which are an excellent vehicle for integrating the theology and practice of ministry. In these groups, a small number of students meet weekly with faculty to gain greater understanding of themselves and their ministries. Students offer their personal and professional experiences and allow their classroom learning to inform the discussion of the ministry case study/situation being discussed. The ministry case study is reflected upon theologically by all students (i.e. what connections does the case have to biblical stories, images and symbols)? Students are also encouraged to take ministry experience into other classes to help develop practical applications. Participation in this program creates helpful and surprising illumination that fosters formation and transformation in the lives of student ministers.