Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which degree programs require internships?
2. What is the purpose of Supervised Ministry?
3. What is the process like?
4. What are the goals of Supervised Ministry?
5. Are vocational and psychological instruments implemented?
6. What courses are a part of the Supervised Ministry curriculum?
7. Must internships be paid positions?

WHICH DEGREE PROGRAMS REQUIRE INTERNSHIPS?

All Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts in Christian Education 
(MACE) students are required to participate in supervised 
ministry throughout their degree program.

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SUPERVISED MINISTRY?

Christian ministry in our world requires leaders who demonstrate a thorough 
understanding of Scripture and theology, who demonstrate competence in 
ministerial functions, and who demonstrate spiritual maturity (including 
personal holiness, integrity, wisdom, love, and both emotional and 
psychological wholeness). Therefore, the purpose of supervised ministry is 
to provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their 
giftedness and suitability for professional ministry.

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WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?

Process:  Supervised ministry provides students with opportunities to 
implement lessons learned in the classroom. These ministry experiences then 
become powerful motivators to return to the classroom for further training. 
A growing ability to integrate academic lessons into practical ministry 
applications is a significant indicator of a seminarian's future ministry 
effectiveness after graduation. Students also en-gage in a process of 
self-assessment and evaluation throughout their internships.

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WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF SUPERVISED MINISTRY?

Personal Maturity: In professional ministry, who you are is as important 
as what you know or do. Self-knowledge becomes a key to effective ministry 
as issues such as personal integrity, responsible functioning, interpersonal relationships, and attitudes are addressed. Theological Integration: It is crucial for the minister to develop a biblically-based philosophy of ministry by articulating a theology which guides one's personal and professional functions and closes the gap between theory and practice.  Spiritual Formation: Ministering people who embody and express Christ's love need to nurture their own ongoing relationships with God. Prayer, Bible study, meditation, and accountability provide needed sustenance for the demands of ministry.
Skill Development: Placement in ministry necessitates the demonstration of 
skills in the basic functions of ministry such as preaching, teaching, evangelism, administration, and counseling.

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ARE VOCATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS IMPLEMENTED?

Assessment and evaluation are integral developmental components of our 
professional degrees. The psychological and vocational assessments, peer 
group sessions, covenant groups, and private consultations focus on 
personal and professional development in ministry and are integrated into 
the overall Supervised Ministry requirements.

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WHAT COURSES ARE A PART OF THE SUPERVISED MINISTRY CURRICULUM?

TL 101- Field Education Practicum. This is a first-year course. A 
vocational assessment component and a practicum pre-approval process 
precede the practicum. The mentored practicum usually begins during the 
summer and ends the following May. It is recommended that SP101 
(Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation) be completed prior to 
beginning the practicum component of this course.The student should plan on 200 hours of ministry to accomplish this internship. For more for more 
information contact the Supervised Ministry Department.

TL552A-C - Professional Internship. This is a second-year or third-year 
course. A vocational assessment component and internship pre-approval 
process precede the internship. The mentored internship usually begins 
during the summer or fall, and ends the following May (the minimum time 
requirement is 20 hours per week for eight months). Prerequisites are SP101 
(Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation) and TL551 (Field 
Education Practicum). It is recommended that students complete PC101 
(Introduction to Pastoral Care) and the Systematic Theology sequence 
(TS101, TS102, TS103) prior to beginning their internships. Other courses 
to consider taking prior to or concurrently with this internship include 
ML110 (Ministry Practice and Polity), ML104 (Worship), and ML113 
(Leadership in Ministry).

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MUST INTERNSHIPS BE PAID POSITIONS?

It is obviously to the student's benefit if these ministry positions are 
salaried. However, only the TL552A-C must be a paid ministry position.

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Bethel Website:  For general information about Bethel University please check our website at: www.bethel.edu.

E- Mail:  General Information: natalie-hendrickson@bethel.edu