Course Overview & Outcomes
MS 300 focuses on shaping a life of ministry. Typically, students taking this seminar are also participating in a field education placement. The seminar will engage participants in on-going theological reflection as they integrate their field placement and seminary experiences, their personal faith formation, and their theological studies. Students will continuously explore what they are learning about themselves, ministry, and community dynamics and the ways in which these inform and impact their pastoral ministry.

The 300 level of the formation program has five desired outcomes. Upon completion of this level we expect each student to be able to:
• Identify and articulate their motivations for ministry, including those they may prefer to ignore;
• Engage a spectrum of fundamental theological questions and to articulate their theological commitments in response to those questions;
• Convey their understanding of the relationship between personal faith and social transformation;
• Name their gifts and growing edges and to communicate how these realities affect their spiritual development and their ministry;
• Describe what a person needs to know, to do, and to be in order to embrace a life of ministry.


Diversity is a crucial element that supports and energizes the purpose and individuality of a body of people. We believe that it includes differences among race, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, ability, religion, culture, socio-economic status, sexual identity and orientation, and any other attributes that truly represent an individual or group. In our class, we will respect and value the many differences represented by engaging and honoring our diversity. We will:
• Encourage every student to interact meaningfully with their individual peers, as well as the entire class, and to learn from one another, honoring each other’s differences while embracing our shared values.
• Endeavor to provide a safe environment that encourages expression of our differences in ways that invite dialogue and education, rather than cause isolation and alienation.
• Seek to engage educational methods and resources, as well as forms of expression that are inclusive and embrace diverse perspectives.