Supervised Ministry: Training in Action
The real-world experience of Christian leadership extends far beyond the pulpit and into the community at large. To help prepare our Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students for this aspect of their formation, we require a one-year Supervised Ministry internship where students learn while serving. Students engage in supervised ministry with a congregation and regularly reflect on their ministry in an intentional, rigorous manner. This practical, hands-on training gives students an opportunity to often experience many firsts: preaching, teaching, pastoral care and counseling, and much more. They put theological study into practice all while having the support of a complete network surrounding them.
The Student Support Network
Ministerial learning happens best when it occurs in a community of people committed to a student’s growth as a faithful and competent minister. At CTS, we wrap an entire support community around our students, providing them with regular encouragement, feedback and recommendations.
Ministry Mentor
- Pastor of the church
- Meet with student weekly
Ministry Support Committee
- 4-7 adults from the site selected by site supervisor or congregational leadership and represent the diversity of age and gender evident in the population of the site
- Meet with student monthly
Student Peer Group
- Meet together weekly
- Explore questions of personal and pastoral identity and the practice of ministry
Student Reflection Group
- Meet together monthly
- Share experiences, exchange ideas, encourage one another
About Supervised Ministry
Supervised Ministry provides practical experience before students enter full-time ministry. Both students and churches play a vital in making it a success. Click the tabs below to learn how the program works, expectations and the application process.
How Supervised Ministry Works
- Supervised Ministry placements usually begin the fall semester of the second year of full-time coursework.
- You must have 15 credit hours to participate in Supervised Ministry program.
- Students serve as professional staff members of local congregations, being supervised by a minister on staff.
- Students work 12-15 hours weekly.
Student Involvement & Responsibility
The Supervised Ministry program is designed so the students have significant involvement and choice in their internship position.
- We do not assign students to churches—rather, we introduce students to churches. If a church and student determine they are a good fit for one another, then the congregation enters into a learning covenant with CTS.
- Students are responsible for navigating this process—though the Supervised Ministry Office is available to assist students and congregations alike.
- The Supervised Ministry Office determines if a site meets the criteria of a congregational setting.
Application & Interview Process
March:
- Attend information sessions.
March/April:
- Submit resume, application and statement of ministry to Supervised Ministry Office.
- Interview with CTS Director of Supervised Ministry for acceptance into the Supervised Ministry program.
April/May:
- Interview with congregations for internship positions.
May – July 1:
- Get placement at a congregation.
Learning Ministry Together
CTS students also have the option to participate in our Learning Ministry Together program. Some students choose this unique, cohort-based approach to Supervised Ministry in lieu of a yearlong internship with a single congregation.* Through Learning Ministry Together, students visit and serve with a handful of congregations over a full (two semester) school year. The churches are theologically diverse yet hold in common ministerial success and creativity in their communities. This program lets students see there are many unique ways to “do ministry” across a broad context of ministries, from churches that have a very progressive perspective to more conservative-leaning congregations.
*Must have at least three students opting into the program
Church Partners
Interested in our Supervised Ministry Program?
To explore how your church can become involved in our Supervised Ministry program, click the button below. You can also call us at 317.931.2330, or email Martin Wright, Director of Supervised Ministry, mwright1@cts.edu.
