Vocational Formation

The vocational formation curriculum provides a three-year framework for integrating theory and practice and for exploring vocational identity. Courses are designed to equip students with skills for ministry in a changing world and to encourage them to reflect theologically about and within the practices of ministry. The curriculum consists of three parts:

The Art of Ministry I: theological imagination/an integrative approach is a first-year seminar that functions as a forum for dialogue between students and faculty about pressing issues facing the church and its ministry in the 21st century. A primary aim of the course is to introduce students to the contexts and complexities of vocation in general and to ministerial vocations in particular.

The Art of Ministry II: shared wisdom/practicum engages second-year students in theological reflection through a year-long internship. The course includes plenary sessions that focus on skills development. At the center of the internship learning process is a structured relationship between each student and an on-site mentor. Students also learn how to reflect theologically about ministry and leadership through work with peer groups consisting of other student interns.

Art of Ministry II is a 6 hour core requirement of the MDiv curriculum. To satisfy the requirement, students must complete the course through the Vocational Formation Program of the School of Divinity or petition the director for an exception. Exceptions are granted following one of two options. 1) to complete a one semester, 3 hour course, MIN 540—Specialized Internship and 6 hours of CPE; or 2) enroll in a compatible course through another seminary or divinity school. Compatible courses generally include at least the following elements:

• a structured process of reflection and evaluation
• a qualified mentor or supervisor
• course assignments and requirements equivalent to those of Ministerial Studies 601.

Students wishing to satisfy the Art of Ministry II requirement through the programs of another school must complete an application form available in the Office of Vocational Formation. Specialized internships, summer internships, and independent studies generally do not satisfy the Art of Ministry II requirement.

The Art of Ministry III: wisdom work/an integrative process is designed to be integrative of the degree’s course material and to provide graduating students with tools for thinking theologically about future vocational options. Each third-year student may work The Wake Forest University School of Divinity | 27
with a faculty adviser to design and complete a senior project. The senior project may consist of an internship-based case study or research related to the interest of the student. The project requires an
oral presentation during the second semester of the senior year.

Electives in vocational formation

In addition to the art of ministry requirements outlined above, students may elect to continue vocational formation by participating in specialized internships sponsored by the School of Divinity or in other internships approved by the faculty. The School of Divinity administers several endowed internships to support students in their study of specific areas of ministry. These internships provide a stipend and a structured program of theological reflection.

Clinical pastoral education (cpe)

Clinical pastoral education is a form of theological education that takes place in clinical settings where ministry is being practiced (health care facilities, correctional institutions, hospices, and a variety of other settings). Through involvement with persons in need and in conjunction with supervision from peers and supervisors, students engage issues of ministry and pastoral care and work to develop a clearer awareness of themselves as caregivers.

Students may complete a full unit of CPE for course credit by enrolling in an accredited program. Satisfactory completion of the program is equivalent to 6 hours.

In order for students to receive credit for CPE, the programs in which they enroll must be accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and approved by the director of vocational formation. A directory of accredited CPE centers is available in the Office of Vocational Formation.

Course credit for CPE will appear on a student’s transcript only if official application for credit is made
through the Office of Vocational Formation. To receive credit, the student must have the CPE center provide a copy of their final evaluation and a letter stating that a full unit of credit was extended.

The application and tuition fees for CPE are to be paid directly to the center by the student.

Students who complete CPE prior to enrollment in the Master of Divinity program may request transfer of credit equivalent to 6 hours for completion of a full unit of CPE at an accredited center.

Multicultural CPE: Through a partnership with WFU Baptist Hospital Pastoral Care and Hood Theological Seminary, the School of Divinity offers an extended unit of CPE during the academic year. This unit focuses on multicultural concerns in hospital chaplaincy and pastoral care. Students may enroll in this unit of CPE for 6 hours (3 hours each semester) by making application through the vocational formation office and, upon acceptance, registering for Ministerial Studies 635. This course is open to second and third year students only. Second year students may complete this unit of CPE to meet the Art of Ministry II internship requirement.