The central event in
the Contextual Studies experience is theological/practical reflection between
the field instructor and the student on what is happening for the student as
she/he goes about the agreed upon tasks.
1. The field instructor/student conference should be scheduled weekly for one hour.
2. This should be designated reflection time, not a time for staff task planning.
3. This
could also be an occasion for helping the student with time management
facilitated by the student keeping a log that is periodically reviewed by the
field instructor.
1. A prayer for guidance at the beginning of the conference and again at the conclusion can be helpful.
2. The student goes over his/her recent experiences in the setting.
3. The
student identifies for discussion a significant event, incident, or happening
which
has occurred between her/himself and persons at the
site. The event may have
happened while the student functioned as a pastor to someone, made a hospital
or
home visit, received feedback on a sermon or talk, or performed some other act
of
ministry. (NOTE: At this point, evaluation of the student’s
behavior is not discussed.
“Significant” refers to the importance, weight, or meaningfulness this event
has for
the student in the recollection of the event.)
4. The student identifies thoughts and feelings which occurred at the time of the event.
5. The
student identifies what she or he said or did as a pastor. How were the student’s
words and actions in/out of touch with his or her feelings?
6. What
theological assumption or faith commitment was the student living out in this
event? What may we draw from the
Scriptures and the Tradition to inform these
assumptions and to inform this reflection now?
How does the student view this event
theologically now? How does this
theology address or inform the student’s style and
method as a minister?
7. Evaluation
will have been intentionally delayed until this point. The field instructor
and the student may now give critical evaluation of the student’s behavior at
the time
of the event. The field instructor may
want to give guidance to the student at this time.
8. Was
this event cause for the student to intentionally plan and make adjustments in
her/his behavior style for the future?
1. It is important not to try to fix a problem but to offer options and to invite the student’s perceptions and reflections.
2. It is helpful to suggest resources or to identify ways in which you have responded to similar experiences.
3. It is usually not helpful to make “right and wrong” judgments.
4. It is helpful to be frank with the student, affirming strengths and recognizing areas of weakness that need work.
5. Close with prayer.
NOTE: Periodically, at least once a
month, the reflection on ministry section of the field
instructor/student conference should include review of progress on the
student’s learning goals.
The student will be evaluated on these goals and needs regular feedback.