Field Education
Contextual education in the field is an essential component of a NPTS education. Internship experiences and reflection modules give further context to studies, help develop maturity in interpersonal relationships in a ministry context, provide practice in communication skills, develop insights into ministry organization and procedure, and aid in discovering areas of growth while strengthening a sense of Christian vocation. Field education requirements differ for each degree program but may include:
- FLDC 5300 Vocational Excellence
- FLDC 7310 Internship Residency
- FLDC 7315 Intercultural Development Module (IDM)
- FLDC 7316 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
- FLDC 7318 Theological Reflection Module (TRM)
- FLDC 7319 Mission and Ministerial Identity in the ECC See Degree Program sections for specific field education requirements.
All degree-seeking students should schedule an appointment with Contextual and Lifelong Learning personnel early in their program to discuss and plan the course of their field education. Students must have a plan in place prior to their first VSFL evaluation. Some students desire to complete a full- time internship in a congregational setting or other specialized ministry setting prior to their first year of academic study. These students should contact the Office of Contextual and Lifelong Learning upon admission.