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VSFL Processes

All degree-seeking students are required to complete a series of steps. Depending on degree program, this may include:

  1. Personality Assessments

    Students enrolled in Vocational Excellence will complete and use the following personality assessments: Enneagram, Golden Personality Profile, and Style Matters Conflict Style Inventory. Students are also asked to honestly assess their own wellbeing and draft a Rule of Life, to cultivate life-sustaining rhythms and practices.

  2. Intercultural Development Instrument

    The Intercultural Development Instrument (IDI) is an assessment tool that measures an individual’s intercultural agility and can help to prepare students for pastoral work in diverse ministry settings. Students take the IDI in their first year as part of FLDC 7315 Intercultural Development Module, and results are confidential to the student and IDI administrator. The IDI may be referenced to help craft the student’s field education plan. Students take the IDI again when enrolled in FLDC 7318 Theological Reflection Module.

  3. MDiv Candidacy Evaluation

    When MDiv students near one-third completion of the MDiv program, they submit a reflection paper in response to a series of prompts regarding their vocational goals, gifting, and wellbeing. Students then meet with a faculty team in a process of discernment, reflection, and guidance.

    The faculty team makes personal recommendations that are communicated to the student by the Director of Seminary Student Life and Formation. The full faculty reviews and affirms the outcome of the process. In cases of concern, the faculty make made additional recommendations and the Director of Student Life and Formation and/or Pastoral Care Committee will meet with the student and determine next steps which may include requirements.

  4. Mid-Program Review Evaluation

    All degree-seeking students participate in a Mid-Program Review around the two thirds completion point of their program. Like MDiv Candidacy, during Mid-Program Review, a student writes a reflection paper and does some self-assessment work and then meets with a faculty team. The reflection questions ask students to take notice of how they are being formed, their ministerial identity, areas for growth, and wellbeing. The full faculty reviews and affirms the outcome of the process. In cases of concern, the faculty make made additional recommendations and the Director of Student Life and Formation and/or Pastoral Care Committee will meet with the student and determine next steps which may include requirements.

  5. Student Learning Outcomes Self-Assessments

    At the beginning and end of every degree program, as well as the Mid-Program Review, students will complete a self-assessment of their competencies in each of the student learning outcomes for their degree. These are meant to be a tool for personal goal setting, point of reflection, and increased self-awareness.