Practical Ministries

Practicum and internships in Church ministries constitute an important part of the total educational experience of a student at ETS. As a regular part of their training students will therefore be expected to fulfill practical ministry as described under the different programs of studies. This program is organized into three separate categories.

Field Ministry

This ministry is to be seen as a support ministry for learning purposes of already existing church ministries.
The placement of the student for this continuous practical ministry will be done in cooperation with the director, the local pastor, and the student, according to the area of ministry and studies of the student.
The description of responsibilities in each of these ministries will be given to the student at the outset of the ministry by the local pastor or co-worker. The student will become a part of the congregation in which the student ministers. Reports shall be submitted to the Practicum Director regularly.

Practicum

All students who attend ETS are required to participate in an eight-week extended practicum in each of the first three years. The practicum is normally planned for January and February and may be divided up into various activities or be one continuous activity, in one or more churches or institutions.
These practicums will be assigned in cooperation with the director, pastor, or co-worker of the local church or institution, and the student. Each student may voice his/her preference and become involved in his own placement, in close cooperation with the director.
Before the student leaves for the practicum, check the following items:

Travel expenses

In general, the student pays the travel expenses for his internship himself. This is communicated to the churches and they are asked to contribute to the costs. Likewise, the churches are asked to provide a small amount of pocket money. Any travel and service expenses should therefore be logged with receipts.

Reports on the Practicum

Please return to ETS the filled-out report forms within 14 days after a particular ministry.

Staying at ETS

The costs of room and board in the school during the above-mentioned time are not included in the room and board charges for the academic year, except during those times when a student is assigned to a practicum ministry in the school. Permission to remain outside semester time is only granted in exceptional circumstances.

Professional Practicum

Length

The professional practicum begins on 1st September and continues until 31st August of the following year (full-time practicum). Ten weeks a year are permitted for vacation, research, and writing. In individual cases, this time schedule can be modified with the school’s permission.
The practicum can be extended into a two-year practicum (part-time practicum) if the student is involved in another occupation during the internship time.
Missions majors must serve their internship year outside their home country.

Location of Practicum

It is primarily the responsibility of the student to find an internship site. This decision however must be done in dialogue with the school. The practicum can take place in a local church or in a trans-denominational organization. The on-location internship supervisor must be qualified.

Requirements of the Practicum

A full-time professional practicum should consist of a 40-hour week. (This does not include personal devotions, etc.). The part-time practicum consists of a 15-hour week and contains subject-oriented requirements.