Educational Philosophy

Field education placements in church and community at VST are designed to be mutual learning experiences in which students, mentors, and the School’s faculty establish a teaching and learning network. Although our backgrounds in ministry and our levels of engagement in a student’s placement may vary, each of us is engaged in the teaching and learning process.

If our learning, as adults, carries with it a sense of interdependence, or mutuality, the more satisfying our learning will be. St. Paul’s image of the body of Christ, one with many complementary parts, commends itself to Theological Field Education (TFE). We are mutually accountable to God and to one another. VST strives to develop an educational experience in which dialogue fosters a respectful learning environment. Posing questions, offering insights, giving encouragement and direction are the norm.

Theological Field Education programs are grounded in adult education theory and practice. Principles of adult education are employed in the following ways:

• Students are self-directed independent learners who take responsibility for their learning. They work with mentors, student peer groups, and instructors to develop Learning Goals and Covenants, which include clear strategies for achieving goals, objectives, action plans, and evaluation tools.
• Public and Pastoral Leadership courses and Theological Field Education placements encourage students to discover and celebrate their spiritual gifts, identify their limitations and to discern their potential in ministry in the light of their faith, the Christian tradition (or other tradition), life circumstances, context and vocational journeys.
• The student’s personal, cultural and denominational histories are respected in all pastoral theology courses and field placements.