Mentored Experiential Learning

Students, working with members of the faculty and local mentors will create a two-year plan for learning social and justice ministry skills through observation and involvement in agencies, programs, and actions, as well as some time spent in one or more congregations—not their own—to understand congregational dynamics and practice the deacon’s role in congregational life and worship.  School for Deacons seeks to form skilled ministry generalists who will be effective in whatever ministry context they find themselves in.

Mentored Experiential Learning is learner defined in collaboration with the student’s diocesan discernment process.  We hold these values as central to the experience:

·         Development of Leadership skills within a ministry context

·         Flexible to the needs of student and their ministry goals

·         Ongoing theological reflection within the ministry experience with mentor and other students

·         Skills that need to be learned in a specific ministry context are not determined by time length.

·         Orientation and Guidelines available for the local mentors in the ministry context

·         Liturgy practice within ministry context

·         Flexible program allows timely response to initiatives and concerns of wider church

Possible areas for engaging in Mentored Experiential Learning – a blending of gifts, potential, and context for each student. Here are a few examples: