Field Education Program

Introduction

Field Education is an integral part of theological training, designed to bridge classroom learning with real-life ministry practice. While lectures, readings, and discussions provide the foundations of theology, history, and pastoral care, Field Education allows students to engage in hands-on ministry experiences that shape their character, deepen their spiritual life, and develop practical skills for service in the church and society.

This manual serves as a guide to help students, supervisors, and faculty partners understand the goals, expectations, and processes of Field Education. It provides practical instructions, ethical guidelines, reflection tools, and assessment methods to ensure that the learning experience is fruitful for both students and the communities they serve.

Field Education is an invitation to grow deeper in knowledge, character, and service — shaping you into a servant‑leader for the church and the Kingdom of God.

1. Purpose of Field Education

The purpose of Field Education is not only to do ministry, but also to reflect on ministry in light of Scripture, theology, and personal formation. It creates a learning cycle where students experience, reflect, evaluate, and grow in their understanding of God’s call and the work of the church. Field Education is an invitation to grow students into servant‑leaders for the church and the Kingdom of God.

2. Objectives of Field Education

• Provide opportunities for students to integrate classroom learning with real ministry practice.
• Cultivate spiritual, personal, and professional growth through guided ministry experiences.
• Develop essential skills in leadership, preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration.
• Encourage self‑awareness and critical reflection on ministry practices.
• Foster mentoring relationships between students and experienced ministry supervisors.
• Equip students to discern vocational calling and areas of giftedness for service.

3. Guidelines for Field Education — Students

3. Guidelines for Field Education — Supervisors

4. Role and Responsibilities of Field Work Students

Field Education students are learners‑in‑ministry, not yet full‑time ministers, but active participants in the mission of the church. Their role is to serve faithfully while focusing on growth, reflection, and the integration of theological education with practice.

• Learner: Grow in knowledge, skills, and spiritual maturity.
• Participant: Take part in the life and ministry of the host church or institution.
• Servant‑Leader in Training: Practice leadership with humility, following Christ’s example.
• Reflective Practitioner: Connect classroom learning with ministry practice via journaling, supervision, and feedback.
• Witness: Represent Christ, the seminary, and the Christian community with integrity.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Submit all required assignments (journals, reflection papers, reports) on time.
• Complete mid‑term and final self‑evaluations.
• Cooperate fully with supervisor and faculty evaluations.
• Communicate promptly about difficulties or concerns.

Field work students are expected to serve faithfully, learn humbly, reflect deeply, and grow holistically — preparing to become mature, competent, and Christlike leaders in ministry.

5. Criteria for Placement Sites

• Alignment with the mission and values of the seminary.
• Provision of a learning environment (not merely unpaid labor).
• Availability of a committed and experienced supervisor.
• Diverse ministry opportunities (preaching, teaching, pastoral care, administration, community engagement).
• Safe and supportive environment for student growth.

Duration of Placement – Guidelines

Field Education (Academic Year): Typically 30–32 weeks. TCC partners with churches in Yangon (Tedim Baptist Convention), Chin Baptist Convention, and congregations affiliated with the Myanmar Baptist Convention and the Myanmar Council of Churches. Placement is determined with the student; if no preference is given, the Field Education Director assigns a suitable church with local partners. Students commit 4–6 hours per week (or as specified by the program).

Internship (Summer): Typically 45 days. Student preferences are prioritized; otherwise, the Director arranges a suitable placement. Students may serve in their congregations, associations, conventions, or in departments under the Myanmar Baptist Convention (MBC) and the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC). Hybrid learners may complete internships near their convention area to ensure meaningful, contextually relevant experience.

6. Ethical Guidelines for Field Education

Confidentiality

• Treat all personal, pastoral, and sensitive information as strictly confidential.
• Do not repeat information shared in counseling, prayer, or private conversations outside proper contexts.
• Remove identifying details in class reports or journals.
• Exceptions apply only for risk of harm, legal/institutional obligations; consult supervisor and faculty advisor before acting.

Pastoral Boundaries

• Maintain healthy professional and spiritual boundaries.
• Avoid inappropriate contact, financial entanglements, or dependency.
• Be mindful of power dynamics with vulnerable individuals.
• No romantic or exploitative relationships in ministry contexts; seek supervision when unsure.

Respect and Integrity

• Treat all individuals with dignity regardless of age, gender, culture, status, or beliefs.
• Avoid discrimination, favoritism, and harassment.
• Speak truthfully, act honestly, and uphold Christian witness.

Accountability

• Remain accountable to supervisor, faculty, and institution.
• Report ethical concerns or conflicts promptly and honestly.
• Receive correction with humility and grow from feedback.

Spiritual Responsibility

• Nurture personal spiritual life (prayer, study, worship) during Field Education.
• Minister from character and relationship with God, not mere performance.
• Seek the Spirit’s guidance with prayerful discernment.

7. Evaluation Process

Student Self‑Evaluation

• Submit reflective journals, learning goals, and self‑assessments.
• Evaluate growth in knowledge, skills, and character.

Supervisor Evaluation

• Provide mid‑term and final written feedback.
• Focus on character, skills, leadership, communication, and spiritual growth.

Faculty Evaluation

• Review journals, papers, and supervisor reports.
• Determine final grade/credit from combined assessments.

Evaluation Criteria

• Faithfulness: Reliability, commitment, spiritual maturity.
• Competence: Growth in ministry skills and application of classroom knowledge.
• Reflection: Depth of theological and personal reflection.
• Character: Integrity, humility, Christlike behavior.