You develop strong bonds with many of these people, and one objective of the program is to relate you to one another in support groups. Long after you receive your diploma, you will continue to have a network of valued friends in ministry. In fact, at the request of recent graduates, the Seminary will hold some post-doctoral seminars so that this learning and association can continue. You've talked about reading requirements for each residency. We assign reading that helps you understand your field of study and prepares you for the next residency.
Some residencies require more reading than others.
Generally, you should be able to complete the requirements for the residency if you devote one day a week to the program. You will do a project after each of your first two residencies. In consultation with your faculty mentor, you will shape a project that applies what you have learned to your own ministry. While we give general guidelines, you tailor the project to your own needs. As we said, this is not an academic program.