What are Practice of Ministry Internships at WTS?

Jan 1, 2023

author-img

About Western Theological Seminary

Located in Holland, Michigan, WTS offers 16 graduate programs online, in residence, in English, and Spanish for women and men preparing for faithful Christian ministry. WTS was founded in 1866 when seven of the eight members of Hope College’s inaugural graduating class wished to become ministers and petitioned their denomination to allow them to complete their education in Holland. Since that time, WTS has been preparing women and men for a lifetime of ministry all around the world in many ministry and denominational contexts.

By Western Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity students take part in supervised internships in ministry settings.

This internship component of the curriculum provides a place to practice ministry and a space to reflect on it. Three elements usually guide the internship experience:

1. A mentor at the church or organization regularly meets with the student to reflect theologically and personally on the student’s ongoing formation for ministry.

2. Students write learning covenants to help focus their internship experience.

3. Coursework accompanies the internship to provide space for learning, reflection, and integration. M.Div. students are required to complete four semesters/units of supervised internships. These can be done over two academic years or one academic year and one summer.

About Western Theological Seminary

Located in Holland, Michigan, WTS offers 16 graduate programs online, in residence, in English, and Spanish for women and men preparing for faithful Christian ministry. WTS was founded in 1866 when seven of the eight members of Hope College’s inaugural graduating class wished to become ministers and petitioned their denomination to allow them to complete their education in Holland. Since that time, WTS has been preparing women and men for a lifetime of ministry all around the world in many ministry and denominational contexts.