Vancouver School of Theology
APPENDIX VIII: A SAMPLE LEARNING COVENANT General goals •
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To complete the requirements of (TFE 3 Practice) with special attention to religious education, pastoral care and leading worship at (name of site), in consultation and collaboration with my mentor. To complete the requirements of (TFE 3 Practice) during the Fall Term 2013 and the Spring Term 2014
Goal 1: to gain experience in leading Bible studies
Objective: to design, plan and take primary leadership in an educational ministry event Action plan
1. Meet with the Christian Education Committee in October to discuss the possibility of a Lenten Bible study. We will discuss conducting a "needs assessment" asking such questions as "Does the congregation want a Lenten Bible study?" "What is the level of commitment to attend a Lenten Bible study?" "What are the burning issues that people are concerned about that might be addressed as topics in a Lenten Bible study?” 2. Meet in November with VST faculty members responsible for religious education for their input and advice. 3. Draw up a proposal and present it to my mentor and the Christian Education Committee in November.
4. Determine an evaluation process by January. Design an evaluation form that addresses (a) Bible study design and content, (b) teaching skills, (c) general comments about my effectiveness as a religious teacher (theology, teaching style and delivery) and (d) suggestions for my further development as a religious educator.
5. During January and February, prepare a teaching plan and an outline for each session. 6. During Lent, teach the Bible study.
7. Meet with my mentor after Lent to debrief the experience, review suggestions and offer ideas for “next steps” in my development as a religious educator.
Resources • • • •
Faculty responsible for educational ministry at the School
Resources on Bible study methods such as Thomas Groome’s “shared Christian praxis” approach to Bible study or Walter Wink's “Transforming Bible Study” Denominational resources for Lent and Lenten studies The Christian Education Committee
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September 2013