Overview

In addition to their academic courses, M.Div students will complete the following modules, two per year, over the course of three years. The order in which they are completed will be determined in consultation with NCST staff.

The cost is $1,000/year. (The expected cost is a total of $3,000 over three years. If the modules require more time for completion, the cost will continue at the rate of $1,000/year.)

If possible, the practicum should be paid for by the student’s church. (When appropriate, NCST staff will discuss this with church leadership.)

The cost includes regular meetings with NCST staff for coaching and discussion of direction, planning, and evaluations. When possible and appropriate, the meetings will be with other students so that everyone can learn from the experience of others.

Modules

Module 1 – Teaching

The goal is to give students several opportunities to preach sermons or to teach in adult education settings. Students will prepare and present lessons under the observation and evaluation of church leaders. The lessons will be recorded so that NCST staff can listen/watch and provide feedback.

Module 2 – 1-on-2 Discipleship

Students will select two other men with whom to study the Bible, a book, or another topic. The student will develop goals to be accomplished and establish a meeting plan to meet those goals. Church leaders and the two disciples will be asked to evaluate and give feedback.

Module 3 – Attend Elder Meetings

Students will attend several elder meetings, taking notes and making observations to be discussed with NCST staff.

Module 4 – Church Planting

Students will identify a nearby church planter who is wiling to be interviewed and shadowed by the student. The student will also seek ways to help the church planter over a few months in order to gain insight into the challenges of church planting.

Module 5 – Home Fellowship

Students will invite several others to meet together in a home, weekly or bi-weekly, for 5-6 months. The student, in consultation with NCST staff, will plan the purpose of these meetings drawing from the early church gatherings mentioned in Acts 2:42-47, Colossians 3:1-16, 1 Corinthians 14:26, and Hebrews 10:23-25. At completion, the student will ask the attendees to complete an evaluation to be presented to and discussed with NCST staff.

Module 6 – Custom

The student and NCST staff will custom design a module to provide a meaningful practical experience given the student’s gifting, goals, and circumstances.

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