As one who taught Phase II of the program for several years, I am convinced that TAS2TE of Ministry helped a number of new ministers and their spouses to negotiate the culture shock of transition from the seminary to the parish. The expectations of a congregation are different from the expectations of a seminary faculty. The Phase I curriculum explores pastoral authority and pastoral role. It explores power and authority. Instruments such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator are used to increase self-awareness.
Participants explore the matter of authenticity in ministry.
Issues of ethics, including responsible sexual behavior, are explored. I observed that many participants in Phase I were not certain why this was necessary after three years of seminary. When they returned for Phase II, they were very clear why this was necessary. They had experienced enough pain in the first year to make them ready to learn. These initiatives are sorely needed.