Theological Field Education

Theological Field Education at VST is a mutual experience in which students, mentors, and the school’s faculty establish a teaching and learning network.

There are many ways by which the Vancouver School of Theology prepares thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders for church and community in the 21st century. Theological Field Education (TFE) is the opportunity in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and the Master of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership (MAPPL) degree for students to intentionally reflect on the practice of doing ministry.

In TFE students develop ministry leadership skills, practice theological and ministerial reflection, refine the discernment of vocation, experience professional collegiality and personal transformation. It is place where students integrate ministry theory and practice in an intentional way.

Theological Field Education Handbook

Theological Field Education Evaluation Forms

There are two fundamental components of TFE:

• The site or the context where one practices ministry. It could be a congregation, an outreach ministry or a community agency.
• The conversation where one theologically reflects on the action of ministry. This includes both an internal dialogue and engagement with others.

Participants bring diverse backgrounds in ministry and life experience, learning sites provide an engaging context and the goal is reflective practice and integrative learning.

VST strives to develop a field education experience in which dialogue fosters a respectful learning environment. Posing questions, offering insights, giving encouragement and direction are the norm.

TFE is grounded in principles of adult learning:

• Students are self-directed, independent learners who take responsibility for their learning. They work with mentors, student peer groups, and instructors to develop Learning Covenants and clear strategies for achieving goals, objectives, action plans and evaluation tools.
• Students are encouraged to discover and celebrate their spiritual gifts, identify their limitations and to discern their potential in ministry in the light of their faith, the Christian tradition, life circumstances, context and vocational journeys.
• Students’ personal, cultural and denominational histories are respected.