Field Education Learning
Theological field education is at the heart of our efforts to prepare leaders
through a combination of traditional classroom studies and practical experiential
learning. Field education not only prepares students to do the basic tasks of
ministry, but it also enables them to know themselves and develop their arts
of leadership. Field education helps students develop skills of reflection and
helps them approach ministry challenges creatively.
At Claremont School of Theology, students enroll in field education during
their second year of full-time study. The Office of Field Education places them
in ministry settings that are appropriate to each student's vocational discernment.
This means that one student might work in a home for children, while another
serves as a student pastor of a congregation. Students work 12-15 hours a week
in the ministry setting and are entrusted with the full range of ministry responsibilities,
including preaching, teaching, counseling and leading worship. They also participate
in a weekly reflective seminar on campus to discuss what is happening in their
setting and work together to find both practical ministry approaches as well
as the deeper meaning. Students are supervised at their placements by a Supervising
Mentor who is trained and appointed by the Office of Field Education. Additionally,
students work with a group of five to six lay people at their placement. This
group helps the students develop skills of theological reflection in context.
Ministry in today's challenging environment calls for leaders who are prepared
with basic skills, as well as with depth of faith that will carry them through
uncertain times. Field education seeks to support students' faith development,
vocational discernment, and formation as leaders. It is an exciting program
for students who come to seminary with eagerness to offer their gifts in service
to the church and wider community.
Urban Ministry
Claremont places particular emphasis on developing skills for ministry in
the urban setting. By drawing upon the Los Angeles environment, this program
enables students to learn in settings rich in multicultural challenges. For
more information on urban ministry programs, contact Helene Slessarev-Jamir,
Mildred M. Hutchinson Associate Professor of Urban Ministries, at (909) 447-2542
or hslessarevjamir @ cst.edu
