MFM 501-504: One credit hour each semester

Dr. Don Jensen and Dr. Larry McCracken-- Pastoral Mentoring

Fall Semester – September 2 through December 12, 2003

SYLLABUS

Course Description

Mentored Field Ministry is a practical experience in the local church or a related Christian organization where the student will be mentored for the purpose of achieving the competencies sought after as articulated in a learning contract developed by the student and Ministry Mentor.

Approval of a Ministry Mentor is required. Prerequisite: MFM 500 or PRA 532

Course Rationale

Recognizing the importance of integrating truth and life, Western’s field ministry requirement is designed to supplement your classroom education by providing a “hands-on” learning experience under the mentoring supervision of an experienced practitioner. As such, it should be viewed as an integral component of preparation for ministry as you discover how to apply realistically and skillfully the training you are receiving. In keeping with this goal, flexibility (within certain parameters) is built into each mentored experience to help accommodate your unique needs and circumstances, while at the same

time seeking to maintain maximum sensitivity to the needs and circumstances of your ministry site.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to enable you to:

1. Grow in personal character and ministry skills in order to have a significant ministry as a leader in the twenty-first century.

Learn from the modeling and wisdom of a mentor presently engaged in ministry.
Learn ministry by doing it.
Gain experience by performing key elements of your intended ministry
Reflect upon your ministry and integrate what you are learning in the classroom.
Pray for and support other students serving in ministry

Course Requirements

1. Field Ministry

Each 1 unit field ministry will typically involve a minimum of four hours per week of ministry for at least 12 weeks. As needed, this may include preparation, observation and actual implementation of ministry. Time spent in normal church attendance and in commuting is ordinarily not counted. The details of each field ministry are to be described in a Ministry Contract developed by you and your Ministry Mentor. This document along with your Personal Ministry Goals will articulate the specific learning experiences sought through this “hands on” field ministry. (The learning ministry contract will be a summary of the Character and Ministry Skills Goals—see samples.)

2. Ministry Mentor

You should meet with your Ministry Mentor a minimum of twice per month. It is your responsibility to find and get approval for a Ministry Mentor. It is obvious that the quality of your field learning experience will largely be influenced by the quality of the Ministry Mentor whom you select. Be careful to select an individual who is a mature and respected model effectively engaged in the kind of ministry for which you believe the Lord is wanting you to prepare.

If the individual is a pastor, seek to become a contributing member of his/her congregation. Aim to be the kind of seminarian that you would appreciate having in your church. The expectations of a Ministry Mentor are given in the document What’s Expected of a Western Seminary Ministry Mentor? (This should be given to the mentor you select for his/her agreement.)

3. Reflection Group

Throughout the course, you will meet regularly with a reflection group for two hours every other week. The reflection group will be facilitated by an instructor. Depending upon the size of the group and the direction of the Reflection Group Instructor, you will write approximately 3 case studies about your ministry experience (see instruction on writing a case study and sample of the same). Any readings or alternative assignments for the group will be at the discretion of the Reflection Group Instructor.

It is expected that students will attend each of the sessions. However, one absence is allowed without penalty. If additional absences occur the student will incur a 20% penalty for each additional absence. Since this is a pass/fail course, this means that it is very likely that the student will not pass the course if absent more than twice. In the case of emergencies where the instructor has been contacted, it will be the instructor’s prerogative to decide what is the fair and just approach.

Note: Reflection Group Online Alternative

In place of meeting in person with other students in a Reflection Group, students may opt to do this online in a Discussion Forum. If this is your choice, you must contact us ASAP and no later than Thursday, September 11, by phone (503-517-1864) or by e-mail (dajensen@westernseminary.edu) to confirm this alternative. We will then contact you with specific instructions including password and procedures for the internet, schedule for case studies/interaction and orientation of your Ministry Mentor.