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What is Mentored Ministry?
Mentored Ministry is the field
experience aspect of your seminary education. It is required for both Masters of
Divinity and M.A. in Educational Ministries students. Mentored
by an experienced pastor or Christian worker, you will have the opportunity to
practice 5 units of ministry (120 hrs./unit) in one or more traditional parish
and/or specialized ministry settings. The first unit, MM501 (EM/MM501 for MAEM
students), is the Orientation Unit, usually taken during a student’s
first semester on campus, consisting of four lunchtime meetings. The first semester/unit
is also to be used to find a home church and/or Mentored Ministry site. Although
they are separate from the academic coursework, all six units of Mentored Ministry
are transcripted and graded as a requirement for graduation. Please note that
the course MC501, Spiritual Formation for Ministry, must be taken prior to or simultaneous
with beginning your Mentored Ministry on-site.
How many hours?
One unit of MM is 10 hours per week for 12 weeks
of a semester, though in some cases two units may be done together at 20 hours
per week. Students doing a double unit are required to turn in a Reflection Tool
midway through the semester. Summer internships and overseas work may also count
for Mentored Ministry units. At least half of the weekly Mentored Ministry hours
must be spent in direct ministry, with the remaining half (or less) spent in preparation.
Who can be my Mentor?
The
minimum requirements for mentorship are five years of full-time ministry experience
and one-time attendance at our Mentor Orientation. Since Mentored Ministry
opportunities and organizations vary, ordination of mentors, though preferable, is
not required. Check with the Mentored Ministry office to see if your mentor is approved
and/or stop by the office to pick up an Application to Mentor. Applications may also be found on the previous web page under Downloadble Forms (mentors).
How do I set up a Mentored Ministry situation?
It is your responsibility as
a student to make and confirm all Mentored Ministry arrangements—ideally, in
advance of the semester you are to begin your field work. To assist you
the Mentored Ministry Department posts opportunities online from various churches and
para-church organizations on the previous web page link, "Mentored Ministry Opportunties - Hamilton Campus." Unique opportunities
are also advertised in the weekly campus newsletter. Most Mentored Ministry done
in a church setting is automatically approved, except for primarily adminstrative roles. For special or unique situations
students should contact the Mentored Ministry Office to double-check an opportunity’s
acceptability.
Are there differences for M.A. in Educational Ministries
students?
Yes, because the MAEM
program is shorter, MAEM students are required to do the Orientation Unit and 3
Field Units. For MAEM students the Orientation Unit is listed as EM/MM501 and the
Field Units are also as EM/MM 502, 601, and 602.
What if I am already in full-time Christian Service?
We do grant
waivers for students who have at least one full year of full-time Christian service.
Please see our Waiver Policy for more information.
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