current Catalog - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
current Catalog - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
current Catalog - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
MASTER OF DIVINITYtheological disciplines. In order to model an interdisciplinary approach, the coursesare normally team-taught by pr<strong>of</strong>essors representing different theological disciplines(e.g., “Preaching the Gospel <strong>of</strong> John” is team-taught by a pr<strong>of</strong>essor in the Bibledivision and a pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> homiletics).Growth in FaithGrowth in Faith (GIF) activities include non-graded workshops and retre<strong>at</strong>s on theexpressions and practices <strong>of</strong> spirituality from various enduring Christian traditions.Activities focus on soul care and nurturing intimacy with the loving mystery <strong>of</strong> Godrevealed in Christ. M.Div. students are required to particip<strong>at</strong>e in five <strong>of</strong> the scores<strong>of</strong> options th<strong>at</strong> will be available to them during the course <strong>of</strong> their study. First-yearstudents are required to particip<strong>at</strong>e in a special GIF activity designed for members<strong>of</strong> their entering class.Growth in Faith activities are open to LSTC students wh<strong>at</strong>ever their degreeprogram or curriculum. Family members <strong>of</strong> students and LSTC faculty and staffmay also particip<strong>at</strong>e. LSTC also provides for monthly spiritual direction sessionsas part <strong>of</strong> the Growth in Faith program. The Cornelsen Director <strong>of</strong> SpiritualForm<strong>at</strong>ion supervises the GIF program.Field WorkClinical Pastoral Educ<strong>at</strong>ionIn this supervised experience <strong>of</strong> pastoral ministry, students undertake direct ministryto people, report and evalu<strong>at</strong>e these experiences, and receive feedback from peers andsupervisors in the context <strong>of</strong> a small-group setting. M.Div. students usually take clinicalpastoral educ<strong>at</strong>ion following the first year <strong>of</strong> study. The field educ<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong>fice assistsstudents to find placement in one <strong>of</strong> the more than 300 centers throughout the UnitedSt<strong>at</strong>es. An urban ministry setting is available through the Urban CPE Program.Clinical pastoral educ<strong>at</strong>ion is open to students in any degree program.Ministry in ContextIn the second year <strong>of</strong> full-time study, students particip<strong>at</strong>e in a field ministryplacement in which they experience firsthand how a particular congreg<strong>at</strong>ion and itsleaders cope with the challenges and celebr<strong>at</strong>e the joys <strong>of</strong> ministry. This supervisedministry course involves seven hours <strong>of</strong> field experience per week and a two-hourmonthly seminar. The course is led by the director <strong>of</strong> field educ<strong>at</strong>ion.InternshipA distinctive fe<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lutheran</strong> theological educ<strong>at</strong>ion for candid<strong>at</strong>es for ordainedministry is a 12-month internship, usually taken in the student’s third year <strong>of</strong> afour-year program. The goals <strong>of</strong> the internship experience are to:• help students fine-tune the discernment <strong>of</strong> their call by identifying strengths andweaknesses <strong>of</strong> their prepar<strong>at</strong>ion,• explore various models and styles <strong>of</strong> doing ministry,• determine wh<strong>at</strong> should be emphasized in the final year <strong>of</strong> study.17
Change language