|
|
Pages: Cover,
Content,
1, 2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
18,
19,
20,
21,
22,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28, 29,
30,
31,
32
|
page 8 of 33
|
|
|
From Call to Settlement |
|
by Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.
|
Internship
|
|
|
|
Students who are enrolled in the Congregational Foundation for
Theological Studies (and all students in many seminaries) will
need to meet an internship requirement for certification. Other
students should provide certification of similar experience in a
ministerial setting and an evaluation of the work by a qualified
supervisor.
"Ordination," writes Burton, "should not normally be sought until
after the candidate has held a license to preach for at least one
year; during which, evidence of capacity for such service has been shown."10 The late Professor Marion Bradshaw of Bangor
Seminary argued forcefully that no one should be ordained before
having spent at least one year of full-time service in a Church.
The general agreement that candidates present practical
experience, accompanied by evidence of competence, emphasizes
the fact that ordination is not simply one more stamp on the
seminary diploma. Ordination should not occur without a proper educational
foundation but that foundation alone is insufficient warrant for ordination.
The internship experience serves an important function in helping to apply the
lessons of the seminary years, to put things into perspective, to demonstrate
that both the call and the gifts are commensurate with ministry, and to permit a
time for final reflection before seeking ordination. It is, then, important that this
be an activity during, or immediately after, seminary training, rather than prior to
the initiation of that academic course. Was I hearing God correctly? Is this my
vocation? Do fruitful work and the affirmation of parishioners and supervisors
confirm my conviction?
Congregational Foundation for Theological
Studies
11 |
|
Students looking toward ordination in the Congregational Churches should, if
possible, participate in the program of CFTS. There are no requirements for
admission to the program that should not be expected of any person pursuing
ministry in the Congregational Way.
The personal advantages to CFTS participation are manifold. The CFTS Dean will
monitor the work and assist the securing of aid throughout the preparatory
years. Fellowship with other Congregational students across the country may
establish bonds that will last throughout the professional years. A student is
challenged to maintain strong academic progress and is provided with those
external supports that are needed. The CFTS program provides a contemporary
and historical insight into the ways of the Congregational Churches and basic instruction in Congregational polity.
The Foundation also has financial resources that are available to fellows as
grants or loans; and is a conduit for several independent seminary scholarships.
NACCC member Churches who have a strong conviction about the
Congregational Way and about a thoroughly trained ministry often show a
preference for CFTS graduates.
|
| |
|
|
|
10
Burton, op. cit., p 62
11
For information about the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies, contact the
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, PO Box 1620, Oak Creek WI
53154-0620 or e-mail:
cfts@naccc.org |
|
National Association of Congregational Christian
Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154 |
|
Pages: Cover,
Content,
1, 2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
18,
19,
20,
21,
22,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28, 29,
30,
31,
32
|
| Page 8 of 33 |
|
|
