Building on our strengths in field education in our undergraduate theology school provide the opportunity for knowledge to be put into action.

This experiential learning emphasis, creates a feedback cycle that extends and reinforces the learning that takes place in the classroom. In the field, students take what they know and apply it. This "practice" solidifies the learners' grasp of knowledge while, at the same time, showing up gaps that require further work. These opportunities provide the student with opportunities to evaluate ministry skills, spiritual gifts, and calling. The daily, practical skills they learn on–the–job in ministry provide opportunities for valuable growth, evaluation, reflection and further growth.

Guided reflection on practice in this context teaches students to articulate and to own the knowledge and skills they have gained and gives them confidence about what they can do with what they have.

The Field Education Department coordinates a number of very important programs that are integral to College and Seminary students' learning and comprises part of the Professional Studies component of the curriculum.

Developing Ministry Professionals

The undergraduate theology school of Ambrose University College fulfils a teaching role within the larger disciple-making commission of the church through concentrated attention to biblical literacy, theological reflection, and personal, spiritual, and professional formation. Our educational practices are driven by a desire to see students develop morally, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually as followers of Jesus Christ.

Our goal is to equip graduates who are prepared to serve as competent ministry professionals. Consequently, we demand high standards and we provide students with the resources necessary to meet these standards in course work, structured components of campus life, and directed field education.

In our ministry schools, our quest for understanding all knowledge is grounded in our commitment to Jesus Christ. Critical scholarship on our campus explores what it means to follow Christ in the diversity of cultural expressions. These explorations provide the basis for our redemptive engagement with academic and professional discourse and the plurality of human situations and perspectives.

Practicum

The Field Education Department is responsible for the management of the undergraduate Ministry practicum program. The Practicum Manager acts as the liaison between students, practicum partners, and ministry faculty of the ministry school to help facilitate valuable practicum placement opportunities for students in the Children’s Ministries, Church Ministries, Intercultural Studies, Youth Ministries and Worship Arts programs.

Internship

Internship is an integral part of preparation for ministry. It provides the intern with an extended, in–depth practice of ministry for the purpose of integrating classroom input with field experience. In addition, internship seeks to provide our interns with a working relationship with another person in ministry, rather than just a place to carry out practical Christian service. We hope to expose the intern to all forms and facets of ministry but our primary focus in this experience is on the intern as a disciple in development and on the pastor–mentor as a teacher–leader. The intern is on the road to discovery and needs to be directed by the mentor to new points of maturity through the practice of ministry.

ACCREDITATION with the Christian and Missionary Alliance

Students who desire to minister with The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) must complete the accreditation process, which is facilitated by the Field Education Department during the final year of study of a degree program. Once the application for accreditation is completed, a personal interview with an accreditation committee is arranged. During this interview a candidate is examined for biblical knowledge, doctrinal stance, personal lifestyle, philosophy of ministry, etc. The candidate is notified of the result of the accreditation process shortly after the interview. Whether becoming accredited to minister in North America or internationally, accreditation candidates are expected to be or become members of a C&MA church.

Generally, degree programs at Ambrose University College meet the educational requirements for accreditation with the C&MA. REL or HI 362 Alliance History and Thought is not a required course in these degree programs but is required by the C&MA. Other courses may be required for those going into overseas ministry with the C&MA.

For further information regarding the accreditation process or serving with the C&MA in a ministry in Canada or overseas, see the web site www.cmacan.org or contact:

The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
30 Carrier Drive, Suite 100
Toronto, ON M9W 5T7
Canada

Phone 1.416.674.7878
Fax 1.416.674.0808
E–mail: nationaloffice@cmacan.org