Preparing a man well for ministry takes more than four years of lectures and reading—he also needs the opportunity to learn through hands-on, practical experience. This is why an important part of the Master of Divinity degree is the Pastoral Training Program (PTP). During each of their years of study, students get a good taste of ministry through working alongside an experienced pastor or missionary.
These internships orient and equip students in the core responsibilities of ministry such as preaching, teaching, leading worship, and doing pastoral visitation, as well as giving them the opportunity to do mission or evangelistic work.
The Pastoral Training Program has four components:
Orientation Internship
After the first year of studies, students accompany an experienced pastor for two weeks of regular ministry, observing and discussing together key aspects of the pastor’s work, such as preaching and visiting.
Catechism Teaching Practicum
During the second year of the MDiv program, students teach Catechism classes in a local church under the supervision of an experienced teacher. They will learn about preparing and delivering lessons, as well as managing a classroom and building relationships with the youth.
Mission Internship
Students participate in a mission project, whether locally or overseas, for at least two weeks. Working with a missionary, a student might deliver an evangelistic message, teach a new members class, do street outreach, or carry out other activities related to the project. This internship can be completed after the second or third year of studies.
Preaching & Pastoral Internship
When a student has passed his licensure examination at classis after his second or third year, he can do a preaching and pastoral internship for ten to twelve weeks. The student is supervised by a pastor who guides his experience of many aspects of ministry: preaching and leading worship, teaching classes, doing pastoral visits, as well as participating in church meetings. They will also have many valuable conversations about life in the ministry and its impact on the pastor and his family.
The student’s performance in each internship is evaluated by the PTP director in consultation with the internship supervisor. This evaluation will highlight areas of strength as well as growth opportunities.
There is some flexibility in the PTP. For instance, students not in the MDiv program but studying for the Diploma of Theological Studies or Bachelor of Theology degree will also have the opportunity to gain experience through an internship that is geared toward their vocational interests.
Through the Pastoral Training Program I was able to gain valuable first-hand experience in counselling, visiting members, teaching classes, and preaching. During my summer practicum, my mentor guided me through the sermon preparation and delivery; he proved invaluable by providing honest and constructive feedback that helped identify areas for growth and development. These areas of focus enabled me to use my time wisely as I began in the ministry.
Gerrit Bruintjes, CRTS Grad 2014
The director of the Pastoral Training Program is Dr. Reuben Bredenhof.
