Field-based ministry experience is vital to the development of Trinity students and is a requirement for most academic programs. In all TEDS programs, field experiences must be mentored experiences. Mentoring provides an opportunity to invest in the next generation of Christian leaders and ministries are enriched by having a student serve in a church or para church setting.
For TEDS students field education experiences are of two kinds: Field Education courses and Internship courses.
All field work starts with either the Field Education Orientation (MA students) or the Internship Orientation (MDiv students). These orientations are offered both as a live presentation and in an online format with an “open book” quiz to pass and will help the student to know how to successfully complete the field experiences required for their degree program.
Greater Chicago has incredibly diverse opportunities for ministry. The Office of Supervised Ministries regularly posts internship opportunities and has a database of mentors who have previously mentored internships. In addition, some churches are “Partner Churches” with ongoing, intentional, and remunerated internship programs that have been vetted by the Office of Supervised Ministries. These churches and others regularly come on campus to recruit students to be a part of their ministry as an intern. While it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to find the ministry site for their internship, there is ample support and opportunity to find a great internship opportunity.
If you have questions about Field Education or MDiv Internships please contact the Office of Supervised Ministries at 847-317-8030, [email protected] or [email protected] or visit us on the Deerfield campus in the Rodine Building.