Every M.Div. student is required to take the three-year SME program. The first module helps students assess their personal, spiritual, and educational foundations for ministry. The second year involves a two-semester ministry internship in a local congregation or agency working under a qualified field supervisor. The supervisor is an experienced minister who has been certified by Emmanuel for supervision. A ministry reflection seminar constitutes the third year.
Senior students meet weekly to review actual ministry cases they are dealing with.
The goal is to help them learn to consciously draw on all of their previous experience and learning as they make decisions in ministry. We also want to help students begin a life-long habit of sharing the decisions, burdens and joys of ministry with colleagues. Seminary education is often criticized as being too academic and theoretical or, by contrast, too practical, lacking substance. Integration is the key word. The educational philosophy at Emmanuel does not split theory and practice.