FIELD EDUCATION
Printable Forms and Documents
Questions Answered
What is Field Ed ?
How does it work ?
What does a quality placement
look like?
What are the roles and responsibilities
for the supervisor and the student?
How is INTERNSHIP different?
What if I have problems?
What is Field Ed ?
Students will…
- Serve 6-10 hours per week in an approved supervised ministry (160 hours per year)
- Complete a one year 3 credit course called a Practicum
- Get an opportunity to serve, to grow and to make a difference
How does it work ?
Students will…
- Go to Practicum class one hour a week
- Approach a supervisor and complete a one year (2 semester) ministry covenant.
- Do 6-10 hrs. ministry a week
- Submit all forms on time to practicum teacher
- Show up at chapels and church
- Receive feedback, coaching, and instruction from supervisor
A Quality Placement
In a quality placement, we should be able to answer "YES!" to the following questions ...
Is it Meaningful?
Will the student observe and learn something new?
Can the student make a valued contribution to the ministry?
Will the student receive quality time from the supervisor?
Are the expectations clear and reasonable?
Is it challenging?
Are there aspects of the ministry that are new to the student?
Will it increase the student’s faith dependency on the lord?
Are there aspects of the student’s responsibilities that extend their gifts and abilities
Is it rewarding?
Does being there make a difference for the student and the participants?
Does the student meet new people and build relationships?
Will the student receive encouragement, feedback, and instruction from the supervisor?
Will the student grow in their relationship with Christ?
Roles and Responsibilities
Supervisors:
- Are willing to take time to get to know, work with, observe and counsel the student.
- Demonstrate true concern for the student and will give personal interest and prayer support to the Student.
- Are able to give the student sufficient freedom for development of individual style of ministry, use of spiritual gifts, and ministry creativity.
- Will gently and compassionately point out strengths as well as weaknesses and make suggestions for improvement.
- Are prepared to complete reports that reflect the student’s
successes, growth areas, strengths, weaknesses, and progress.
Students:
- Go to practicum class
- Get Field Ed binder and inserts (read carefully)
- Learn/pray about ministry opportunities
- Approach a placement supervisor
- Complete a ministry covenant
- Do ministry each week, being prepared, punctual, on task
- Submit reports in class regularly
How Is Internship Different?
Internship is an advanced placement for 3rd or 4th year students.
It is not the same thing as Field Education.
Students must complete 400 hours of service in a ministry (service hours may be bridged over a summer). They are expected to take on pastoral responsibilities and participate in the staff functions at a church. Things like preaching, attending board meetings, worship leading, coordinationg a program, and running events are expected of students.
The goal of internship is to prepare the student to lead a youth, children’s, or adult ministry in a church.
What if You Have Problems?
In the Field Education program, problems may arise with placements. Most of the time, they are due to a miscommunication or simple lack of communcation - and clear communication is the best way to prevent, and correct, such problems. It is critical that expectations are laid out and understood by both parties from the outset of the placement.
Depending on your role, before taking action, be sure you ...
- Talk to the student
- Talk to their Practicum teacher
- Talk to your Practicum Supervisor
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