Practicum Process

1. First Year for Master’s and Doctor of Ministry Programs (MACS, MAFM, MAICS, M.Div., D.Min. Programs)

Required Attendance:

Practicum Education Orientation — Fall or Spring Semester: Provides a channel for communication between the Seminary and students, helps students understand the overall practicum education program, and provides an opportunity to ask questions.

Required Forms and Assignments:

Student Ministry Information (FE02)

Church Observation: Submit the Church Visiting Report (FE03)

International students enrolling in any practicum course must also complete the CPT procedures with the International Student Advisor.

2. First Summer for Master’s Programs (MACS, MAFM, MAICS, & M.Div.) Must Complete FES521 Cross-Cultural Short-Term Mission Practicum

Students must choose one of the following options and complete the short-term mission practicum for at least two weeks. If the selected option is completed in less than two weeks, another option must be added to fulfill the two-week requirement (at least 10 days):

Cross-cultural short-term mission, including domestic and international opportunities
Volunteer service with a cross-cultural mission organization
Individual cross-cultural evangelism on campus
Observation of cross-cultural churches or congregations in different languages (at least 3)
Cross-cultural ministry within a church

Students should begin planning their short-term mission during the semester. Before registration, students must consult with the Practicum Director. Registration will be officially completed and become effective after the short-term mission plan has been approved. Students may begin the short-term mission only after registration is completed. If planning to depart in May, students must consult with the Practicum Director by March 15.

Before the Short-Term Mission, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Short-Term Mission Application Form (FE05)

Registration Form

After the Short-Term Mission, complete and submit:

Cross-Cultural Short-Term Mission Reflection Report (FE06)

Create and successfully present a poster

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.

3. Second Year for Master’s Programs (MACS, MAFM, MAICS) May Take Two Semesters of Practicum Courses: FES535 Individual Practicum Supervision and FES536 Individual Practicum Supervision, 1 Credit Each

These courses integrate theory and practice and prepare students for future ministry. Students independently arrange a practicum placement with a church or organization and register for the course each semester.

Before the Practicum, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Practicum Application Form (FE04)

Church/Organization Verification Letter — Semester Practicum (FE09-A)

Registration Form

Before the End of Each Semester, submit the following official practicum reports:

Student Practicum Reflection Report (FE07)

Student Practicum Evaluation Form — to be completed and submitted by the church/organization supervisor (FE08)

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.

4. Second Year for Master of Divinity Program (M.Div.) Must Complete Two Semesters of Required Practicum Courses: FES501 Practicum Education I and FES502 Practicum Education II, 1 Credit Each

Before the Practicum, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Practicum Application Form (FE04)

Church/Organization Verification Letter — Semester Practicum (FE09-A)

Registration Form

Before the End of Each Semester, submit the following official practicum reports:

Student Practicum Reflection Report (FE07)

Student Practicum Evaluation Form — to be completed and submitted by the church/organization supervisor (FE08)

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.

5. Second Summer for Master of Divinity Program (M.Div.) Must Complete FES529 Two-Month Full-Time Pastoral Practicum — Summer, 0 Credits

Students participate directly in comprehensive church ministry and gain an understanding of the church’s overall ministry.

Before the Summer Pastoral Practicum, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Practicum Application Form (FE04)

Church/Organization Verification Letter (FE09-B)

Summer Practicum Plan (FE12)

Registration Form

After the Summer Pastoral Practicum, complete and submit:

Student Practicum Reflection Report (FE07-SI)

Student Practicum Evaluation Form — to be completed and submitted by the church/organization supervisor (FE08)

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.

6. Third Year for Master of Divinity Program (M.Div.) FES53x Series Individual Practicum Supervision — 1 Credit (Elective Course)

This course is designed for international students who wish to gain deeper experience and explore one or two specific areas of church ministry. Third-year international M.Div. students who continue serving in a church and receive a practicum stipend must register for this elective course.

Before the Practicum, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Practicum Application Form (FE04)

Church/Organization Verification Letter — Semester Practicum (FE09-A)

Registration Form

Before the End of Each Semester, submit the following official practicum reports:

Student Practicum Reflection Report (FE07)

Student Practicum Evaluation Form — to be completed and submitted by the church/organization supervisor (FE08)

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.

7. Second or Third Year for Doctor of Ministry Program (D.Min.) FES800 Series Individual Practicum Supervision — 1 Credit (Elective Course)

This course is designed for students who wish to gain deeper experience and explore one or two specific areas of ministry within a North American church. Second- or third-year D.Min. students who serve in a church and receive a practicum stipend must obtain approval from the D.Min. Program Director before registering for this elective course. Practicum credits may not exceed 3 credits total (three semesters/one academic year).

Before the Practicum, submit to the Academic Affairs Office:

Practicum Application Form (FE04)

Church/Organization Verification Letter — Semester Practicum (FE09-A)

Registration Form

Before the End of Each Semester, submit the following official practicum reports:

Student Practicum Research Report (FE07)

Student Practicum Evaluation Form — to be completed and submitted by the church/organization supervisor (FE08)

If the practicum is discontinued or the trip is canceled for any reason, students must immediately notify the Academic Affairs Office:

Officially withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.