THE PATH TO READINESS FOR MINISTRY: Mid-Degree Assessment Barbara Sutton, Associate Dean for Ministerial Formation and Outreach Bailey Walter, Second Year MDiv Student
Dr. Sutton:
Bailey Walter:
Formation in ministry addresses developing intellectual, pastoral, human and spiritual competencies in a way that integrates these competencies into deep sense of what it means to minister. A typical student takes two to five years to prepare for ministerial leadership. Introduced two years ago, the mid-degree assessment process provides the student an opportunity for self-assessment that includes feedback from peers, mentors, faculty, academic advisor, and formation director. Because it unfolds over time, ministerial formation is never complete. Mid-degree assessment provides students a pivotal opportunity to re-envision their readiness for ministry by presenting to a faculty committee the following:
Personally, the mid-degree assessment process created an opportunity for structured feedback on my work and personal growth in my first two years. As students, we are constantly evaluated in the classroom through our writing, discussions and tests. Mid-degree assessment gave me a way to sit down with a group of peers and professors who know me and have seen the areas I have grown in as well the areas that I could strengthen. While I do a lot of self-reflection through the Master of Divinity program, I was able to verbalize my thoughts in a safe environment and hear others’ feedback. One insight I gained was about my participation in the classroom. Listening is a good skill to have; however, contribution to the conversation is equally important, especially in classes. I am very good at the former but need to gain confidence at the latter. An area that was affirmed by my peers and my faculty committee was my steady presence that often brings peace to a class or situation. These two areas were not entirely new for me, but when others are seeing similar things in me, positive or negative, it affirms my self-reflection and allows me to continue growing as both a person and a minister.
• a clearly articulated personal philosophy/vision of ministry • an assessment of the gifts and skills, strengths and weaknesses, challenges and successes gained to this point • a statement of future goals for professional and ministerial growth • a description of how he or she is addressing the knowledge and skills called for in the areas of human, pastoral, spiritual and intellectual formation found in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (lay ecclesial ministers), Program for Priestly Formation (seminarians) or the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (deacon candidates) • theological reflection on how the process of preparing for ministry fits together with the student’s developing understanding of God’s work in the world and in the student’s life. The process moves a student beyond ‘what to do’ for ministry to more deliberate and intentional reflection on the call to ministry and its practices. 14