The purpose of the practicum is to help students grow in loving God, loving others, and making disciples. We focus on Christian formation through the spiritual disciplines, hands-on ministry within the local church, and missional engagement with those who do not yet know and love Jesus Christ. The practicum gives students opportunities to practice these things under the mentorship and supervision of their pastors as well as our seminary faculty. It also can provide a structure and process for local church internships or residencies.
The goal is the same as Paul had for Timothy: a growing competency and confidence in God’s call into ministry leadership through the corporate affirmation of the local church.
The Great Commandment
When asked what is the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus replied,
"The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-30).
The royal law of King Jesus is love—love for God and neighbor.
The Great Commission
Just before his ascension to the Father, Jesus commissioned his disciples to carry forward his redemption mission to the nations saying,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
The royal commissioning given by King Jesus is to make disciples among all peoples. Putting these two great passages together, King Jesus sends his followers to make disciples among all peoples, teaching them to obey the law of love. This is exactly what the aged Paul wanted to pass on to young Timothy.
"The aim of our charge is love...," (1 Timothy 1:5)—the royal law of love
"... and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also," (2 Timothy 2:2)—the royal commission to make disciples.
Paul tells Timothy to “practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Tim 4:15). The practicum is designed to help students practice these things also and learn to pass them on to others.
Nine Core Competencies
Our practicum focuses on ten core competencies that are applicable for any ministry context. Christian leaders need to be fully capable in these areas and be able to train others in them as well (cf. 2 Tim 2:2; Heb 5:11-14). Each of the competencies will require an average of 40 hours of work (including ministry with others, preparation, reflection, and time with ministry supervisor(s)).
Reach out to us for more information about these core competencies.
— The Apostle Paul to Timothy
1 Timothy 4:15