internship planning worksheet 12-month fulltime · internship provides leadership experience under...
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Internship Handbook
Office of Contextual Learning
651.641.3266
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Table of Contents
Contact information 5
Welcome letter 6
What is internship? 7
Intern’s formation team 8
Expectations & requirements 9
Coursework 10
Internship Pathways 11-13
Goals and Outcomes of Internship 14
Internship planning worksheets 15-26
Placement information
Stipend, Housing & Utilities 27
Geographically open/restricted 28
Pets, Social media 28
Expenses
Car/mileage, Work, FICA 29
Travel Pool
Administration, Moving 29-30
Vacation time & other compensation 31-32
Vacation time
Workman’s Compensation, MLA
Sick & Parental Leave, Health insurance
Point Person 33
Overview of Forms 34
Learning Goals
SMART 35-36
Process 37
Internship evaluation s
Best practices, Writing & Submitting 38-40
Confidentiality & Final reccomendations 40
Internship project
What is it?, Choosing a project 41
Process, proposal, timeline 41-42
Supportive relationships
Supervising pastor 43
Internship committee 43
Cluster events 44
Special Circumstances
Pastoral acts 45
Holy Communion, Baptism, Wedding, Funeral 45
Supervising pastoral vacancy 45
When internships become problematic 46-47
Conclusion of internship
Post internship reflection 48
Internship grades, Final evaluations 48-49
Graduation 49
Candidacy process in the ELCA 51-52
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Contact information
Tim Coltvet Director of Contextual Learning
[email protected] 651-641-3506
Karen Gieseke
Associate Director of Contextual Learning
[email protected] 651-641-3218
David Scherer
Contextual Learning Associate [email protected]
651-641-3231
Ashley Wheeler Candidacy Coordinator
Lisa Carpenter Administrative Coordinator – contact for general info and/or technical issues
651-641-3266
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Dear Partners in Ministry,
Welcome! Thank you for your partnerships as a student, supervisor, and/or
internship committee member.
It is an exciting time to be a leader in the church. Not only do we have a call to be
faithful and effective in our ministry callings, we are also being called to be
imaginative and innovative leaders and followers of Christ. Raising up leaders is,
and will continue to be, a key practice in the guiding and stewarding of Christian
communities. How are you called to faithful and innovative leadership? How are
you sharing this gift with future leaders in the church? As we ask these questions,
regardless of one's role in the internship, we are reminded that we do this
collaborative work together.
In the pages that follow you will find guidelines for navigating internships through
contextual learning at Luther Seminary. The pathways for internship are many, yet
the desired outcome is the same: faithful and reflective leaders who are discerning
the activity and action of God in our midst. As you seek to be or support an intern
to become a faithful and innovative leader, we hope that this handbook will serve to
provide helpful handles for discovering rhythms of internship and the questions that
may arise over the course of your experience.
An African proverb states, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far,
go together." We enter this internship experience, mindful that we do not journey
alone. We have the opportunity to be intentional partners in the holy and sacred
work of pastoral identity formation and ministry skill development. May God bless
us all as we embark on this journey together. It is sacred, indeed.
Peace be with you,
Rev. Timothy Coltvet
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What is internship?
At Luther Seminary, internship is a core integrative experiential learning component of the
formation of Christian Public Leaders. It is a required component of the core curriculum for:
o All MDiv students at Luther Seminary, and
o Students affiliating with Luther Seminary for ELCA candidacy
requirements.
Internship provides leadership experience under the supervision of a pastor or non-profit
ministry leader who serves as a contextual educator. Its dual aim is:
o To be a developmental process of vocational formation, and
o To assist with growth in competence in the various skills of ministry
practice.
During internship, students will:
o engage in the role of a christian public leader
o participate in a full range of ministry and professional experiences,
o hone their knowledge and skills in proclaiming God's promises of love
and reconciliation
o lead and support the development of new programs and worshiping
communities
o equip communities to love and serve their neighbors.
ELCA International Horizon Internships:
The ELCA has an International Horizon internship program for ELCA MDiv students with a
potential opportunity to have their ministry shaped by ministry and witness in the world. It
is an intensive and transformational opportunity, which aims to enrich the talents and skills
of future rostered leaders for the ministry and mission of the ELCA. More information is
located on the contextual learning and ELCA websites.
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Intern’s Formation Team
The larger ring, connecting the seminary, internship committee, supervisor and candidacy
committee, represents the context in which the intern experiences formation of ministry,
identity, skills and leadership.
Intern
Seminary
Internship Committee
Candidacy Comittee
Supervisor
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Expectations prior to the start of internship
The following are required to be completed prior to beginning internship:
Checkpoints required by your denomination (endorsement for ELCA candidates)
Minimum of 10 credits of coursework completed
Interview with a Contextual Learning team member
Internship Orientation and Healthy Boundaries Workshops (offered in January or June)
The following are strongly encouraged and recommended to be completed prior to
beginning your internship:
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Course - CG0525 Congregational Care and Formation
Course - PR0510 Foundations of Biblical Preaching
Course - WO0515 Public Worship: Leadership in Word and Sacrament, Prayer and
Thanksgiving
Course – CPL 0501 and CPL 0502
Requirements Background Check
A background check must be on file with Luther Seminary before beginning your internship.
Healthy Boundaries Workshop
Healthy boundaries, both professionally and personally, are essential to healthy leaders.
Ministry leaders are invited into people’s lives in a unique way due to their vocational call
into ministry. Participating in a ministry-focused Heathy Boundaries workshop during
seminary is the first step in an ongoing journey as a self-aware and informed ministry
leader, especially related to healthy boundaries for the leader and their context. This a
requirement prior to internship.
FE 0200 Internship Orientation
Luther Seminary students going on internship are required to attend one Internship
Orientation during the year prior to internship. It is offered on campus or via Live
Streaming. Viewing the Internship Orientation as a recording is not an option.
• Non-credited course required for your degree.
• No tuition is charged
• Registration takes place during the J-Term Registration and/or Summer Registration.
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Coursework
Many interns enroll in coursework during internship. If that is the case, interns need to be
mindful of the energy and commitment required to fully engage within an internship
context, and also the scheduling and time required within the internship context.
Recommendations to consider:
Internship itself is considered coursework-worth 2 credits towards graduation
requirements- with evaluations and grading that occur at semester marks.
If you do enroll in additional coursework, it is recommended it be on a limited basis,
especially the first semester, with 0-1 courses recommended.
Interns should consult with their Contextual Learning point person regarding
enrolling in any courses during internship, and utlize this conversation as a guide for
course choices.
Interns must consult with their supervisor prior to enrolling in a course, to ensure
that the Supervisor is aware and responsive to the intern and course expectations.
If a course requires the intern to be absent from the context to attend any portion of
the course expectations as outlined in the course syllabus, the intern must consult
with the Supervisor in advance, and address and respond to any conflict in schedules
of the course and the context.
Regarding any absence from the context for coursework, the intern may use the
context’s continuing education policy and practice for this absence. Or the intern may
use the allotted internship vacation time.
If a continuing education option is not available and if the intern does not wish to use
their vacation time, it is not an expectation that the context or supervisor make time
for the intern to attend intensive coursework.
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Internship Pathways Which elements are part of your internship?
ELCA Rosterd
Word & Sacrament
Geographically Open
Geographically Restricted
Full Time (approx. 40 hrs/wk, 12 months/2,000 hours)
Part Time (approx. 20 hrs/wk, 24 months/2,000 hours)
o Affiliated ELCA students: a year-long experience in an ELCA
congregation to fulfill the requirements of the ELCA candidacy
Choose 1 year full time or 2 year part time
o Culminating Internship: intern has fewer than 6 credits remaining
Word & Service
Geographically Open
Geographically Restricted
Full Time (approx. 40 hrs/wk, 6 months/1,000 hours)
Part Time (approx. 20 hrs/wk, 12 months/1,000 hours)
Ecumenical Paths
Minister
Geographically Open
Geographically Restricted
Full Time: 12-20 hrs/wk for 9 months
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Geographically Open–For Students
Internship Placement for Geographically Open
(Confirm Specific Dates with the Contextual Learning Office)
July-August Students are responsible for contacting and setting a time to meet with the
Contextual Learning team to discuss internship timeline
Bring your candidate plan to this meeting
September Attend internship info session (information found on Moodle & MyLuthernet)
Students interested in the International Horizon Internship complete and submit
applications
October Submit completed Luther Seminary Application for Internship online
November Applicants have a pre-internship interview with a Contextual Learning team
member
Bring your candidate plan to this meeting
December International Horizon interviews take place
January Internship Orientation (FE0200) offered for students beginning internship before
August 1 (All students are required to take FE0200).
February Internship interviews are held with students and prospective supervisors.
Preference Forms submitted after interviews are complete
March Contextual Learning team meets to work on Geographically open placements.
April Geographically open internship placements announced.
June Internship Orientation (FE0200) offered for students beginning internship before
August 1 (All students are required to take FE0200).
New Supervisor training and Boudaries workshops are offered up to three times each year
and required for all new to Luther Seminary supervisors or if it has been more than 5 years
since you last supervisor training.
Healthy Boundaries refresher trainings must be taken every 5 years.
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Geographically Restricted-For Students non-Fall Placement (does not apply to International Horizon Internship)
Internship Placement for Geographically Restricted
(Confirm Specific Dates with the Contextual Learning Office)
Expected:
October 31
Complete the Luther Seminary application for internship (available online)
All MDiv students (ELCA & Ecumenical), distributed learning students, and
affiliated students. Submission deadline: October 31
*Non-Fall placement Intern application must be submitted prior to any official planning and
processing by the Contextual Learning office.
**Steps to follow in
process
All applicants have a preliminary interview with a Contextual Learning team
member to discuss internship
Bring your candidate plan to this meeting
January or June Internship Orientation (FE0200) offered for students beginning internship (All
students are required to take FE0200)
February:
Twin Cities
Geographically
Restricted Students
or Open Internship
If a participating in the Open Interview Process:
Open interviews are held with students and prospective supervisors for
internships around the country and the greater St. Paul and Minneapolis (Twin
Cities), not geographically restricted.
Students and prospective supervisors both complete Preference Forms
Geographically
Restricted Students
For students NOT participating in the Open Interviews, including
geographically restricted interns:
The Contextual Learning team works to place students.
This process includes the student participating in an interview with the
potential site. This interview will include the supervising pastor and possibly
members of the congregation.
Timing to confirm the placement site and the start date will vary based on the
discernment and availability of an appropriate context and supervising pastor.
Ongoing Contextual Learning team works to place geographically restricted studetns.
April Geographically open/open interview process internship placements announced.
Contextual Learning team works to place geographically restricted students.
This process is ongoing until an appropriate site is located for the student
intern. There is no definitive date for announcing placement.
June OR August Internship Orientation (FE0200) (All students are required to take FE0200).
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Goals and Outcomes of internship
Each internship is a new internship. Each supervisor, internship site, and student bring different strengths, experiences, and
viewpoints to the internship.
Student Goals of Internship 1. Continue in the developmental process of vocational formation.
2. Demonstrate growth in competence in the characteristics and skills of ministry
leaders.
Outcomes of Internship Throughout your internship you will be asked to practice, demonstrate, reflect, receive
feedback, and be evaluated on the following characteristics and skills for ministry leaders.
Assessment of this growth will be facilitated through various conversations between the
internship supervisor and the intern, the committee and the intern, and the Contextual
Learning team and the intern. Assessment will also include formal evaluations conducted by
the intern, supervisor, and committee chair person.
Personal Characteristics of Ministry Leaders
Skills for Ministry Leaders
Call to Ministry Leading Worship
Goals Preaching
Preparedness Teaching Adults
Key Relationships Teaching Youth and Children
Congregations’ Experience Evangelism
Receiving Feedback Pastoral Care
Work Habits Visionary Leadership
Strengths Theological Understanding
Areas of Growth Administration
Stewardship Leadership
Leadership of Social Ministry
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Internship Planning worksheets These worksheets can be found on the Contextual Learning website, or in this handbook.
As you work together with your Supervisor and Internship Committee to complete the tasks
necessary for internship, fill in the “Date Completed” section.
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INTERNSHIP PLANNING WORKSHEET FOR WORD & SERVICE 6-MONTH/
Date
Completed Task To be completed by: Notes
Invite & Train Internship Committee
Intern
(and Supervisor, if
applicable)
Prior to intern’s arrival; schedule 1st mtg
for shortly after arrival – See CL website
(Internship Committee Page)
Secure housing for intern (if applicable) Supervisor
Prepare Intern’s office Supervisor
Compile all office information needed by intern
Supervisor and
Congregation
Start and End Dates Supervisor and Intern
Determine following placement decision –
communicate with CL office
Service of Beginning Supervisor and Intern
Sample service on CL Internship Page -
Resources
Confirmation of Internship Placement (CIP) form due/
Within 2 weeks of start date Intern
Learning Covenant/Within first 2 weeks of internship Intern
Mid point Evaluations due
Intern, Supervisor, and
Committee
Check-in call with Luther Seminary point person Intern and Supervisor
Cluster event Intern and Supervisor
Final Evaluations due
Intern, Supervisor and
Committee
Sending Service Supervisor and Intern
Sample service on CL Internship Page -
Resources
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INTERNSHIP PLANNING WORKSHEET FOR 12-MONTH/FULLTIME
Complete Task To be completed by: Notes
Invite & Train Internship Committee Supervisor Prior to intern’s arrival; schedule 1st mtg shortly
after arrival – CL website (Committee pg.)
Secure housing for intern (if applicable) Supervisor
Prepare Intern’s office Supervisor
Compile all office information needed by intern Supervisor & Congregation
Start and End Dates Supervisor & Intern Determine following placement decision –
communicate with CL office
Service of Beginning Supervisor & Intern Sample service on CL Internship Page - Resources
Confirmation of Internship Placement (CIP)
form due/within 2 weeks of start date
Intern
Learning Goals/Within first 4 weeks of starte
date of internship
Intern
3-month Evaluations due Intern & Supervisor
Fall Check-in with Luther Seminary point
person
Intern & Supervisor
Fall Cluster event Intern & Supervisor
Project Proposal (by 6 months) Intern
Midpoint Evaluations due (6 months) Intern, Supervisor & Committee
Spring Cluster event Intern & Supervisor
Spring Check-in with Luther Seminary point
person
Intern & Supervisor
Final Evaluations due Intern, Supervisor & Committee
Project Report due Intern
Sending Service Supervisor & Intern Sample service on CL Internship Page - resources
Final Farewell Supervisor & Committee
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INTERNSHIP PLANNING WORKSHEET FOR 12-MONTH/FULLTIME - EARLY APPROVAL
Complete Task To be completed by: Notes
Invite & Train Internship Committee Supervisor Prior to intern’s arrival; schedule 1st mtg shortly
after arrival – CL website (Committee pg.)
Secure housing for intern (if applicable) Supervisor
Prepare Intern’s office Supervisor
Compile all office information needed by intern Supervisor and
Congregation
Start Date Supervisor and Intern Determine following placement decision –
communicate with CL office
Service of Beginning Supervisor and Intern Sample service on CL Internship Page -
Resources
Confirmation of Internship Placement (CIP) form
due/ Within 2 weeks of start date
Intern
Learning Goals/Within first 4 weeks of internship Intern
EARLY APPROVAL REQUEST – Request due to
Contextual Learning by December 1st
Intern Details regarding request for Early Approval
emailed to interns from CL by November 1st
3-month Evaluations due Intern and Supervisor
Fall Check-in with Luther Seminary point person Intern and Supervisor
Fall Cluster event Intern and Supervisor
Project Proposal (by 6 months) Intern
Midpoint Evaluations due (6 months) Intern, Supervisor and
Committee
Spring Cluster event Intern and Supervisor
Spring Check-in with Luther Seminary point person Intern and Supervisor
Final Evaluations due (TBD with Candidacy Comm and
CL office) Intern, Supervisor and
Committee
Final Statements regarding internship Completion
(12 months)
Intern, Supervisor and
Committee
Project Report due Intern
Sending Service Supervisor and Intern Sample service on CL Internship Page -
Resources
Final Farewell Supervisor and Committee
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INTERNSHIP PLANNING WORKSHEET FOR 24-MONTH/PART TIME
Completed Task To be completed by: Notes
Invite & Train Internship Committee Supervisor Schedule 1st mtg with intern shortly after arrival
– CL website (Internship Committee Page)
Secure housing for intern (if applicable) Supervisor
Prepare Intern’s office space Supervisor
Compile all office information needed by intern Supervisor &
Congregation
Start Date Supervisor & Intern After placement – communicate with CL office
Service of Beginning Supervisor & Intern Example on CL Internship Page - Resources
Confirmation of Internship Placement (CIP) form
due/ Within 2 weeks of start date
Intern
Learning Goals due within 8 weeks of internship start Intern
3-month Evaluations due Intern & Supervisor
Fall Check-in with Luther Seminary point person
(both years)
Intern & Supervisor
Fall Cluster event (invited to attend both years) Intern & Supervisor
Project Proposal (by Mid-point/11-12 months) Intern
Midpoint Evaluations due (11-12 months) Intern, Supervisor &
Committee
Spring Cluster event (invited to attend both years) Intern & Supervisor
Spring Check-in with Luther Seminary point person
(both years)
Intern & Supervisor
Final Evaluations due (23+ months) Intern, Supervisor &
Committee
Project Report due (23+ months) Intern
Sending Service Supervisor & Intern Sample service on CL Internship Page -
Resources
Final Farewell Supervisor &Committee
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INTERNSHIP PLANNING WORKSHEET FOR ECUMENICAL 9 MONTH / PART-TIME
Complete Task To be completed
by: Notes
Invite & Train Internship Committee Supervisor Prior to intern’s arrival; schedule 1st meeting
shortly after arrival-CL website (committee
page)
Secure housing for intern (if applicable) Supervisor, Internship
Committee
Prepare Intern’s office Supervisor
Compile all office information needed by intern Supervisor
Start Date and End Dates Intern & Supervisor Determine dates following placement decision-
communicate dates to Contextual Learning
office
Service of Beginning Supervisor & Intern Sample service on CL Internship page-
Resources
Confirmation of Internship Placement (CIP) form
due/ Within 2 weeks of start date
Intern
Learning Goals/Within first 4 weeks of internship Intern
3-month Evaluation due Intern & Supervisor
Fall Check-in with Luther Seminary point person Intern & Supervisor
Fall Cluster event Intern & Supervisor
Project Proposal (by Mid-point) Intern
Midpoint Evaluation due Intern, Supervisor &
Internship Committee
Spring Cluster event Intern & Supervisor
Spring Check-in with Luther Seminary point person
Final Evaluation due
Project Report due
Sending Service Sample service on CL Internship Page
Final Farwell
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Internship Site Placement Information
Stipend
The stipend is $1,600 per month for a one-year/full-time internship and $800 per month for
a two-year/half-time (concurrent) internship.
As the intern is considered an employee of the congregation, their stipend is taxable.
Congregations are required to pay the employer's portion of FICA. View all Financial
Guidelines on the Contextual Learning webpage.
The Intern is responsible for their protion of FICA, and income tax on noth the stipend and
the housing allowance, if aplicable.
Housing and Utilities*
*For geographically restricted internship sites, the following housing or a housing allowance
requirements are waived.
Contact the Office of Contextual Learning if you have questions about this provision.
Geographically Open internship Site:
Student interns who are available to move to and live in a community away from their
current home, and serve a congregational context in this community are participating in a
geographically open internship. At this site, the congregation will provide adequate
furnished housing and utilities (including internet) or an allowance to provide for both
housing and utilities. Separate, private housing is expected.
The intern is not to be housed together with a parishioner.
If housing is not secured in advance by the congregation, the congregation will assist the
intern in locating housing and will pay a monthly housing and utility allowance directly to
the intern.
If housing has been secured but is unfurnished or under-furnished, moving expenses
between the internship site and the seminary will be provided by the congregation.
Please note:
o Housing is considered taxable income.
o This additional moving expense is not covered by the travel pool.
o Mileage support is paid to the intern for travel to/from the internship site.
o All moving costs are not covered.
o Alternative housing arrangements must be negotiated with Contextual Learning office.
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Geographically Restricted Internship Site
Interns who require living in their current community, but are experiencing an internship
context other than where they may be currently serving, worshipping, working or
volunteering, are participating in a geographically restricted internship.
Geographically restricted sites are arranged by the Contextual Learning office, the area
denominational leadership offices.
Considerations include:
o the commuting capacity of the student intern
o the fullness of learning desired for an internship
o the ministry patterns and schedule of the contextual learning site
Geographically restricted interns receive a stipend, but do not receive housing.
Pets
Pets can be very important to an intern’s mental and emotional health. Therefore,
Contextual Learning does not prohibit pets on internship. However, internship housing may
prohibit pets, due to issues with allergies, damage, etc…. If you do not wish to make other
arrangements for your pet during your internship year, please anticipate that you may be
responsible for additional housing costs. It is not expected that a congregation or supervisor
will be able to make space for your pet.
If your pet a licensed therapy or guide animal, please contact Contextual Learning for
specifics.
Social Media
The dual aim of Luther Seminary’s internship program is (a) a developmental process of
vocational formation and (b) growth in competence in the various skills of ministry practice.
When learning to integrate vocation and identity, the intern should strive to unite their
professional calling to public ministry with their personal identity as an individual. This kind
of holistic, integrative attitude recognizes that a Christian public leader’s formal professional
remarks should harmonize with their informal social media comments. As the intern pastor,
what you say in the pulpit should likewise be supported by what you share on Snapchat.
By learning to cultivate competence in ministry practice, our hope is that the intern will
hone their skills in listening, empathy, and pastoral care. Key examples include learning to
express concerns respectfully, provide feedback constructively, respect confidentiality, and
appreciate privacy. In both face-to-face and online communication, it is important to ask
yourself if you are practicing these skills. Would you be uncomfortable if your Facebook post
were read aloud directly to your supervisor, committee members, or parishioners? If so,
your post was probably not exemplifying positive pastoral skill development.
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Expenses
Car/Mileage Expenses Business-related travel expenses are to be reimbursed to the intern at the IRS standard
mileage rate or as a monthly car allowance.
Work Expenses The congregation will reimburse the intern for approved expenses incurred in his or her
work.
FICA For internships beginning Fall 2019, $1,467 (based on stipend only).
Travel Pool • Travel reimbursement is based on the number of miles between the home seminary and
the site, and the number of dependents accompanying the student. Interns receive
checks at the beginning and end of the internship. Minimum reimbursement has been
set at $150.
• If a married couple serves internship together, each spouse is eligible to receive a
mileage allowance unless only one travel pool fee has been paid by the internship
congregations or institutions. When both are interns, neither can be claimed as a
dependent. Dependent children are reimbursed under only one intern's travel pay.
• Congregational payment for the travel pool is set by the Vocation & Education unit of
the ELCA at $500.
• Students not returning to Luther Seminary may request return reimbursement unless
they receive a call to a congregation which pays for all moving expenses.
The return mileage is based on the distance between the site and final destination or
the site and the seminary, whichever is less.
• If the situation at a site results in a student being reassigned during the summer,
additional mileage will be paid to cover travel to the new site if the distance is greater
than the mileage driven to the original site.
Extra time is allowed for students interning in excess of 500 miles from the seminary for
return travel. Thus, for example, interns in Florida should be allowed three days, in addition
to their vacation time, to travel back to Luther Seminary. Contact Contextual Learning with
any questions.
Internship Administration All internship sites are responsible for the $1,000 administration fee, set by the Vocation &
Education unit of the ELCA, and will be billed, along with the travel pool fee near the
beginning of the internship year. Two-year internship sites will be billed $500 at the
beginning of each internship year.
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Moving Expenses
• If a congregation provides unfurnished housing, the student is entitled to some
assistance in moving furniture and personal possessions. Normally this means the
congregation will pay for the rental of a trailer or a truck. The student is responsible for
negotiating this agreement with the congregation.
• If the congregation has provided furnished housing, the congregation bears no additional
responsibility to assist with moving costs for furniture or other personal items.
• Any agreement regarding reimbursement of moving expense to or from the site must be
in writing with a copy provided to Contextual Learning. All negotiations should be
completed before the student leaves for the site.
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Vacation time and other compensation
Vacation Time
Full-time and Part-time interns will receive one day off per week and two weeks of paid
vacation (including two weekends) per year. For a nine-month internship, the intern will
receive one day off per week and 10 days of paid vacation (including one weekend).
Workman’s Compensation
Workman's Compensation benefits are State regulated. The congregation is encouraged to
inquire about any obligations surrounding coverage for the intern.
FMLA
The Family and Medical Leave Act is federally regulated. Currently the regulation states that
an employee is eligible if the employer employs 50 or more employees and the employee
must have worked at least 12 months in the past year for the employer. This would mean
most interns are not covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act. An extended illness
or leave of the intern can become problematic for an experience of such relatively short
duration as an internship. In such situations a careful balance must be maintained assuring
fairness to the student as well as to the parish. When questions arise with respect to such
situations, the following guidelines can apply.
Sick and Parental Leave
Congregations having sick leave policies for its paid staff should seek to apply that same
policy to the intern. In the absence of an operative sick leave policy, the following is offered
to the intern and the congregation as counsel and advice.
• Definition: For the purposes of this policy, "sick leave" may be granted for any intern
absent from duty because of accident or illness, including any illness resulting from
pregnancy or childbirth.
• Short term illness - up to two weeks - shall not affect the stipend or housing
arrangement.
• Long term illness or disability - more than two weeks - may necessitate adjustments as
negotiated by Contextual Learning, the intern, and the congregation. A long term illness
extending beyond a month may necessitate a review of the internship by Contextual
Learning.
• An extended sick leave may interfere with the intern's ability to meet the required time
of the internship. There is some flexibility allowing for negotiation for an absence of a
maximum of three months. Example: an intern may surrender their vacation time or
negotiate a reduction of stipend or even waiver of stipend if appropriate. On occasion,
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interns are able to fulfill a portion of their pastoral duties by working part-time,
permitting them to achieve some of their internship educational goals. The internship
requirement should be fulfilled with a balance of integrity and compassion for one who is
ill.
• Parental Leave Policy: Standard policy following the arrival of the child (birth or
adoption) while on full-time internship is up to six consecutive weeks of leave for the
intern, divided as follows:
• 2 weeks paid leave
• 2 weeks standard paid vacation time
• 2 weeks unpaid leave
• Housing support continues during this time.
• Note that parental leave includes the paid vacation time required as standard for all
internships. Understanding the limited duration of pastoral internships, these are to be
considered reasonable, if basic, amounts. Congregations may choose to accommodate
additional parental leave, in consultation and agreement with the intern, Luther
Seminary, and the intern's Candidacy Committee.
• Note: When pregnancy or an adoption occurs prior to the start of internship, the
internship plan will be reevaluated by all parties. Intern, site, seminary, and candidacy
committee will together determine the suitability and timing of the internship.
Health Insurance Health insurance is not provided by Luther Seminary or your internship site as part of your
internship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have your own health insurance.
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Luther Seminary Contextual Learning Point Person Luther Seminary and the Contextual Learning office believe and are committed to the
relational aspects of ministry, including our relationship with all of our student interns.
While on internship, each student has a designated point person in the Contextual Learning
office. This point person will accompany and support the intern in the following ways:
review of the intern's submitted forms such as Confirmation of Internship Placement,
learning goals, project proposal and report, and evaluations
participating in check-in calls in the Fall and Spring with the intern, and also a check
in call with the supervisor (intern and supervisor will receive an email to schedule
these check in calls)
support and a resource to celebrate stories of joy and growth
guidance and support if questions, challenges, or problems arise assistance to the intern's internship committee, as needed
My contextual learning point person is:
Name: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________ Phone: _______-_______-____________
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Overview of Key Submissions
Timeline Form DescriptionWho is
responsible?
2 weeks
Confirmation of Internship Placement
Confirms basic contact info for internship, supervisor and
Committee chair, and financial agreements.
Intern
4 weeksLearning
Goals
Gather feedback from Supervisor and Committee in the development of goals.
Intern
3 months3 month
EvaluationEvaluations submitted online
Intern &Supervisor
Prior to Midpoint
Project Proposal
Gather feedback from supervisor and Committee in the development of project.
Intern
Mid-pointMid-Point Evaluation
Submit evaluation online**INTERN: Submit copies of these evaluations to judicatory/candidacy
committee**
Intern, Supervisor &Committee
Internship project report
Conclusion of Internship
Project Report
Conclusion of Internship-Project report submitted online
Intern
Conclusion of
Internship
Final Evaluation
Evaluations submitted online before complete of internship.
**INTERN: Submit copies of these evaluations to judicatory/candidacy committee
Intern,Supervisor &Committee
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Learning Goals Learning Goals are there to clearly outline areas of learning for your internship. Remember
the dual aim of Luther Seminary’s internship program:
(a) The developmental process of vocational formation and
(b) Growth in competence in the various skills of ministry practice.
They should be developed in collaboration with the supervisor and committee. This is an
organic and developing document since goals should be adapted to respond to the learning
throughout the internship.
Please keep the cultivation of vocation and skills in mind when preparing Learning Goals.
Remember to think about how one will address these areas of Pastoral Leadership in one’s
goals.
(See Table of Personal Characteristics of Ministry Leaders / Skills for Ministry Leaders on pg.
20 of this handbook for reference).
SMART Learning Goals A SMART Learning Goal clearly describes what you want to learn.
Developing a SMART learning goal makes sure that your goal is focused and provides a clear
idea of what you want to learn. A SMART goal makes it easier to plan relevant learning
activities, measure your progress toward achieving the goal and know when you have met
your goal.
What is a SMART Learning Goal?
Specific
•A specific goal is detailed, focused and clearly stated. Everyone reading the goal should know exactly what you want to learn.
Measurable
•A measurable goals is quantifiable, meaning you can see the results.
Attainable
•An attainable goal can be achieved based on your skill, resources and area of practice.
Relevant
•A relevant goal applied to your current role and i clearly linked to your key role responsibilities.
Time-limited
•A time-limited goal has specific timelines and a deadline. This will help motivate you to move toward your goal and evaluate your progress.
Goal 4
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Examples of SMART Goals
SMART Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3
Specific: What
exactly will you accomplish?
Effective Email
Communication with
individuals in a
timely manner.
During preaching, I
want to focus on
improving my
presentation style so
my tone and body
language are not a
distraction to the
message.
Exploring and growing my
leadership development through
the use of the Strengths Based
Leadership tools and resources
to become a more self-aware
leader.
Measurable: How will you know
when you reach it?
I follow up with
emails/ phone calls
within 2 days of
receiving them.
When my hands are
not moving around
the entire time.
I naturally engage and utilize my
Strengths in leadership tasks and
responsibilities.
Achievable (Resources)
Is achieving the goal realistic with
effort & commitment?
Have, or will get,
resources to achieve this goal?
Yes- at the
beginning and end
of every day I will
set aside 20 minutes
to look over my
correspondences
and write down who
I need to respond
too.
I will record myself
once a month for 3
months and watch
them to check on
improvements. The
first time I preach I
will have my
committee complete
the sermon
evaluation and then
have them complete
it 3 months later.
I will read through my Strengths
once a month and list out
different ways I am seeing them
in my work.
Realistic Why is this goal
significant to your
job?
My hope is that in
my first call I will be
placed in a rural
site. I will not have
an administrator to
help me.
In order for
individuals to
understand and
listen to the
message of the
sermon, my
presentation skills
cannot be in the
way.
When I am utilizing my
strengths, I am at my best self
as a leader.
Timeline
When will this goal be achieved.
Check in with
supervisor weekly
and in 3 months
evaluate with
supervisor and
Internship
Committee
Ongoing Check in with my supervisor
every 3 months.
Learning Goals
Evaluated
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Learning Goals: Process The intern makes any necessary changes to the Learning Goals draft and submits the
document online within the first four weeks of the internship.
These are living documents, and every intern should return to them to re-evaluate
and re-frame as needed throughout the semester.
Some goals will be reached early on in the internship, some will take longer, and
some will be reevaluated throughout and will continue to be a work in process.
Being curious is an important aspect of leadership. Internship provides opportunity for
curiosity to grow and become a natural pattern of behavior.
Learning goals are an opportunity for curiosity to be named, and lived into as a
pastoral intern in a context.
The support network of the supervisor and context provide a place to ask lots of
questions and explore pastoral identity and skills in a unique, one in a lifetime
experience.
Learning Goals can be re-imagined or re-written, if this serves the best learning for the
intern.
As curiosity about the context and oneself grow, new learning goals may emerge.
Conversation with the supervisor, committee, and seminary point person are
requested if learning goals are re-worked.
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Internship Evaluations
Ongoing feedback and evaluations enable interns to learn how others view their ministry
and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluations are one snapshot of the feedback the intern receives on internship and is the
basis for their semester grade.
Collectively, evaluations assist the the synod or other denominational leadership, and the
seminary to evaluate and reflect on the work of the intern. The evaluations also assist in
dicserning the intern’s grades associated with internship as a course.
These evaluations assist in monitoring the progress of the intern in mastering the following,
which are necessary in pastoral ministry.
- theological
- professional
- personal skills
Evaluations
WHO: Intern & Supervisor3 Month• WHERE: Online, Luther Seminary Contextual Learning website-Internship
• PURPOSE: are useful for providing oversight and growth for the internship year. Feedback and encouragement can be given and problems addressed when these forms provide honest and compassionate evaluation. This report and evaluation also aim to foster discussion between Intern and Supervisor about issues which promote a candidate's readiness for ministry.
WHO: Intern, Supervisor, CommitteeMid-point• WHERE: Online, Luther Seminary Contextual Learning website-Internship
• PURPOSE: are useful for providing oversight and growth for the internship year. Feedback and encouragement can be given and problems addressed when these forms provide honest and compassionate evaluation. This report and evaluation also aim to foster discussion between Intern, Supervisor, and Internship committee about issues which promote a candidate's readiness for ministry.
WHO: Intern, Supervisor, CommitteeFinal• WHERE: Online, Luther Seminary Contextual Learning website-Internship
• PURPOSE: has special importance insofar as it is used by the seminary in measuring the successful completion of the internship year. Additionally, the Final Evaluation may be used by your denominational body for future process and rostered placement.
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All Evaluations are located and submitted online through
the Contextual Learning webpage of the Luther Seminary
website.
Contextual Learning > Internship > For Students/Supervisors/Internship Committees >
Login and access forms
**Update as of January 2019: We will be changing to another program for online
evaluations for internships starting Summer/Fall 2019. More information to come.
Best Practice for Evaluation Reflections:
It is expected that interns, supervisors, and committees will:
1) draft their evaluation comments
2) share these with the respective party for conversation, learning and feedback
3) submit the evaluation after it has been shared and discussed.
It is Contextual Learning’s expectation that an evaluation be submitted after it has
been shared with the respective internship partners. There should be no surprises
when reviewed in the online submission.
All submitted evaluations are reviewed by your internship point person from Luther
Seminary Contextual Learning, as well as your Luther Seminary faculty advisor.
The intern is responsible for sending signed copies to their denominational
leadership, if required.
*The ELCA requires interns to send copies of the Mid-Point and Final Evaluations to
their synod Candidacy Committee.
To create a copy of your evaluation:
1. Login, open your online evaluation
2. Go to print the document (Ctrl+P)
3. When prompted to print, change the destination to PDF and save the
document to your computer
The seminary faculty makes the final determination as to whether or not the
completed internship meets the requirements of the seminary and the church.
It is the responsibility of the intern, and/or supervisor to assist the internship
committee chairperson with basic technology support as needed.
The Contextual Learning office is available to assist as well as needed. If assistance is
needed, having the supervisor or intern view your computer screen with you, is the
best place to start. The Contextual learning Office is available, as a second option, to
talk you through the steps, but we are unable to view your computer screen.
If you have any questions regarding the evaluations, please contact the Contextual
Learning office. We are here to help and support the intern, supervisor and committee!
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Writing and Submitting Evaluations
All evaluation forms are found and submitted online. Each page is completed independently
for the intern, supervisor, and committee. Please refer to the following links for guidance on
how to complete and submit these evaluations:
For Students http://www.luthersem.edu/contextual_learning/internship/intern_forms.aspx
For Supervisors http://www.luthersem.edu/contextual_learning/internship/for_supervisors.aspx?m=6301
For Internship Committees
http://www.luthersem.edu/contextual_learning/internship/lay_committee.aspx?m=6268
The internship committee chairperson is responsible for submitting the online Mid-Point and
Final Evaluation form on behalf of the full committee. The entire committee is expected to
participate in the evaluation process by providing the chairperson their feedback and
reflections on the evaluation questions.
Interns are responsible for ensuring that signatures are properly completed and copies are
given to the Intern’s candidacy committee or denominational leadership.
Confidentiality of Internship Reports
The evaluative reports are submitted online to the Contextual Learning Office. Three Month,
Mid-Point and Final Evaluations are reviewed by the Contextual Learning Office, the intern’s
Faculty advisor, Faculty committee, and the intern’s candidacy committee or denominational
leadership.
The evaluations are confidential and not to be shared without the permission of the intern*
or respective authors.
*ELCA: The exceptions to the above are the statements written by the intern, supervisor
and committee that appear on the form that is sent to the bishops of the ELCA as part of
the assignment and first call process.
Final Evaluation Recommendations
Interns will receive narrative comments and feedback on final evaluations. In addition, at
the conclusion of the final evaluation, the intern, supervisor and committee will each submit
one of the following Recommendations for the intern:
Unconditional Recommendation
Conditional Recommendation
Denied
Interns who receive a Conditional Recommendation or Denied on their Final Evaluation see
information under Concludsion of Internship - Final Evaluations and Panel Review sections.
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Internship Project
Your internship project is a specific and planned opportunity to experience one’s Christian
Public Leadership while on internship.
What is the project?
As a part of internship, students will complete a major project that deepens learning of
particular leadership skills, while engaging a curiosity and/or passion of the intern while in
collaboration with their context. The project provides an opportunity for a focused, hands on
experience. The intern will grow and deepen in competency and leadership, engaging the
various skills and interests of self and others in the context.
It is also important that this project be new to both the intern and the life of the context.
Developing the project for the first time will give the intern an opportunity to exercise
initiative and to take responsibility for a ministry project that has not been developed at
that context previously.
Choosing an Internship Project
The internship project invites the intern to be a curious leader, pairing past coursework, life
experiences, wonderings about pastoral identity, leadership, and life in a context into a rich
opportunity for “safe risk-taking” along with the support and guidance of the supervisor and
committee.
Project: Process, Proposal, and Timeline
Process: The project may be a stand-alone experience or an extension of one or more
learning goals.
Listening in on the life and questions of your context and the community it is situated in
may provide additional curiosity and ministry possibility for your project. What do you see
or hear that pairs with your own interest and wondering? What is God up to that you might
tend to and/or deepen? Or are there new seeds to be planted?
Project Proposal: The intern will write a specific project proposal and request the feedback
of both the supervisor and internship committee, regarding appropriateness for the
development of the intern and the context. Use the online form to compose a first draft.
After receiving feedback from the supervisor and internship committee, return to this form
to make changes and submit the online proposal to Contextual Learning. Students may
return to this project proposal throughout the internship year to refine it, accommodating
changing circumstances as they occur.
Timeline: Regarding timing, the project may occur at any time during the internship, but at
minimum, a project proposal should be submitted by the Mid-Point of the internship with
the final Project Report submitted prior to the conclusion of the internship.
Prior to submitting the final Project Report, the intern should include the Supervisor and
Internship Committee into reflective evaluation of the project, what was learned, how the
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intern grew in leadership, knowledge and skills, and what impact was experienced by others
because of this project.
Submission: The final Project Report should be submitted online by the intern through the
Contextual Learning Webpage.
Project Completion: Opportunities to share your Project experience will be a part of post-
internship events and tools through the Contextual Learning office. Examples of this include
the post-internship Reflection event, and the Contextual Learning e-news communication.
Sharing your project story with others, both the “Whoops” and “Wows”, bring contextual
learning to life.
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Supportive Relationships during Internship
Supervising Pastor
This primary, supportive relationship on a daily basis will accompany, guide, listen,
challenge and offer feedback during internship. The supervisor is a resource as the intern
develops learning goals, projects, and ongoing reflected learnings.
Off-site Supervisor: Some internship sites will require an off-site supervisor. Best practices
for off-site supervision will require intentional and regularly scheduled communication.
Contact the Contextual Learning Office for recommendations on developing best practices
for off-site supervision.
Internship Committee
The committee is a supportive group of five to eight people from the internship context,
who have agreed to support, encourage, affirm, and challenge the intern through both
formal and informal experiences, listening, and feedback.
Formal experiences include:
Public Welcoming/Worship Service into the context.
Monthly meetings for full-time, or every other month meetings for part-time
internship, for support and feedback.
Reflection on Learning Goals; Mid-Point and Final Evaluations; Project Proposal and
Report.
Confidential support within contextual learning community.
Informal experiences include but not limited to:
Introductions to people in the context and community.
If intern is moving into the community, assist with moving in, and other related
tasks.
Hospitality such as dinners, coffee together, outings, and other as appropriate to
community context.
Additional resources to support the committee in their work can be located on the
Luther Seminary Contextual Learning Webpage on Luther Seminary’s Website.
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Cluster Events
Each year in the fall and spring, all interns and supervisors are invited by the nearest ELCA
seminary, in the region the internship is located in, to a Cluster retreat or meeting.
At these cluster events, supervisors and interns gather for worship, learning, reflection,
fellowship, and an opportunity to meet and network with ministry colleagues.
These opportunities provide support for interns and supervising pastors to grow in their
unique leadership roles, while sharing together the journey of internship.
Schedules will be made available in the Fall and Spring from the host seminary.
You are encouraged to contact the Internship staff person at the seminary in your internship
region for the dates and cluster information.
Luther Seminary Regions 1 and 3
Lutheran School of Theology- Chicago Region 4 & 5
United Lutheran Seminary Regions 7 & 8
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Region 9
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Region 2
Trinity Lutheran Seminary Region 6
Wartburg Theological Seminary Region 4 & Iowa Cluster
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Special Circumstances during Internship Pastoral Acts Interns are restricted in some pastoral functions either because of church policy or state
law.
Holy Communion Interns are not expected to preside over Holy Communion.
*For ELCA (Word and Sacrament) interns, consultation and permission of the intern’s
Bishop, Congregation’s Bishop, and Church Council of the Congregation is necessary
if exceptions to the general expectation are desired for the good of the worshiping
community in which you serve.
For ecumenical interns, consultation with your denominational leadership regarding
an intern’s role in presiding over Holy Communion is requested, and a commitment
to follow the leadership’s decision is expected.
Baptism In emergencies an intern may perform a baptism as may any lay person. However, any
non-emergency situation is governed by the policies of the respective denominational body.
ELCA (Word and Sacrament) interns: The ELCA requires an ordained person to
preside at baptism.
Ecumenical interns: please consult with your denominational leadership.
Wedding In many states an intern may not legally officiate at a wedding service. Consultation with
your supervising pastor and your denomination’s leadership is requested, regarding an
intern’s capacity to officiate at a wedding.
Funeral Neither church policy nor state law insists that funerals be conducted by an ordained
person. Therefore, interns are free to conduct funerals with the consent and guidance of the
supervising pastor.
Supervising Pastor Vacancy If a supervising pastor vacates their pastoral role in the internship context an automatic
review of the assignment occurs. If the vacancy occurs before the internship begins, the
intern will often be re-assigned. If the vacancy develops after the internship begins, every
effort will be made to continue the internship by seeking to find alternate forms of
supervision either with the assistance of an interim pastor, associate pastor, neighboring
pastor, or, on rare occasions, utilizing supervisory expertise by lay people within the
congregation.
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When Internships Become Problematic Reminder: Throughout one’s internship, both Luther Seminary’s student policies and the
congregation’s employment policies apply.
Occasionally internships experience more difficulty than expected. When an internship
begins to struggle, there are often warning signs.
Examples are:
• One participant, supervisor or intern, is working far harder at the relationship than
the other.
• One participant is feeling forced to assume some behavior that seems inappropriate
(for instance, when a student is expected to be the pastor's best friend or expected
to cover for the pastor, or vice versa).
• Communication is poor and people operate on the basis of assumptions. Regular
meetings and sessions are not held.
• Real encounter is avoided and negative feelings are not expressed. Behaviors include
keeping the other at a distance.
• No words of appreciation, thankfulness or encouragement are spoken.
• One participant alone is in charge of the agenda or the relationship. A dependent
relationship develops.
• One participant feels controlled. Trust is not evident.
• One participant feels manipulated. Secrets are kept.
• One participant assumes responsibility for what is clearly in another person's job
description and gives unsolicited advice.
• One participant delegates what is his or her duty to another is to avoid responsibility
or work.
• One participant feels that boundaries have been violated (pursuant to Luther
Seminary Boundary Workshop learning, Luther Seminary student policy, and/or
congregational workplace and/or sexual harassment or employment policy).
If you find yourself in an internship where several of the problematic
characteristics of internship are present, please contact your Point Person in the Contextual Learning office.
On occasion, even staying attentive to these issues, notifying Contextual Learning, and
working to address problem areas will not always lead to a satisfactory resolution. If this
occurs, it may be necessary to end an internship before its scheduled end date.
Any decision to end an internship early is the responsibility of the Contextual Learning staff
following consultation with those involved including the intern, supervising pastor, and
possibly the committee. Additional consultation may include any of the following:
Intern’s faculty advisor
ELCA Intern: Candidacy Committee or synod staff
Ecumenical Intern: denominational leadership
Others, as discerned by Contextual Learning team and intern
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Internships can end early for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, there is a need for
the supervisor, congregation, and intern to process what has happened. The Contextual
Learning team will provide an opportunity for reflections and review.
Possible next steps include:
• Intern, supervisor and internship committee may be asked to provide a report within
one month of the conclusion of the internship detailing their perspective on the
internship and the reasons for its early termination.
• With respect to the student whose internship ended early, experience indicates the
necessity of time to review what happened, and consider opportunities for the future.
Accordingly, it is not advisable to seek an immediate re-assignment.
• Resuming seminary course work may be an option for some students, but in most
instances a student is better served by stepping back from the process entirely for at
least one month, or more.
• An automatic Leave of Absence (LOA) is granted and strongly recommended for the
remainder of the semester in which the termination takes place. If more time is
needed, a longer LOA may be requested from the Dean of Students Office.
• If the termination of an Internship happens within the first 3 weeks of the internship,
a determination will be made by the Director of Contextual Learning and the
Academic Dean.
Any decision regarding an internship re-assignment will involve consultation with the
student. An early ending may mean an unanticipated extension of the student's academic
program.
In situations where the internship was not completed, the necessity of extending the
academic program be necessary. The primary goal of Internship is to learn and grow while
in a context. Reducing the time in a context may hinder the fullness of the experience if
time is shortened and challenges are not attended to.
A number of resources may be expected or arranged to help students before, during, or
after Internship. Resources and support opportunities include:
Leaderwise (formerly North Central Ministry Development Center)
St. Kate’s Spiritual Direction Services
Clergy Coaching
Other similar agency
Luther Seminary Office of Contextual Learning guidance
Other resources may include:
The Contextual Learning office advocating for some form of financial support for the
above services.
Continuation of internship stipend for one month or some travel expenses.
Transportation and relocation expenses will be arranged in conversation with
Contextual Learning.
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Conclusion of Internship Post Internship Reflection
Reflecting on your internship experience at it’s conclusion is an important step. The
Contextual Learning team staff hosts an annual fall event, to gather with the interns who
have recently completed their internship, listen in on their stories, both the “wow” and the
“whoops” encountered, and to reflect and learn together.
The event is hosted on the Luther Campus for those who are able to join us in
person, and live-streamed for those who are not.
The date and time is annouced in the monthly “Ministry in Context” email newsletter.
Luther Seminary faculty and staff frequently attend the event, listen and learn from
the intern stories, and celebrate the momentous conclusion of the internship journey.
Internship Grades
Each semester of internship is assigned a grade, based on the following:
First semester, the three month evaluations from the intern and supervisor must
exhibit growth and a willingness to learn through the evaluation comments.
Second semester, the final evaluations from the intern, supervisor and committee
must exhibit competency in the areas of Personal Characteristics of a Ministry Leader
and Skills for Ministry Leaders.
Grades submitted are Pass or Fail.
Final Evaluations
Final evaluations are utilized for next steps in the student’s process.
Final evaluations include:
A Final paragraph, used by the Seminary Faculty, the ELCA Candidacy Committee,
and Ecumenical denominational leadership to discern next steps for a student.
One of three possible Recommendations:
o Unconditional Recommendation: the student moves forward in their process
with no additional requirements.
o Conditional Recommendation: the student will experience a “pause” in their
process. The Contextual Learning staff will organize and facilitate a Panel
Review*, in conjunction with other student partners such as faculty advisor,
ELCA Candidacy synod representation, or other denominational leadership.
These student partners will gather with the student to reflect together on the
evaluation comments, and consider what additional support and work is
needed by the student to address and grow in the areas described in the
evaluations.
o Denied: The student’s journey into ordained leadership is stopped, and in
conjunction with the Contextual Learning staff, faculty advisor, ELCA
Candidacy Committee or respective denominational leadership, an
assessment of the future pathway will be discerned.
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*Panel Review
If the supervising pastor or internship committee identifies multiple issues
throughout the internship such as: serious difficulties in ministry, as a pastoral
leader or theologian, and/or the student remains unwilling to learn and not
manifesting themselves as a Pastoral Leader and Theologian, this behavior may
constitute receiving a Conditional Recommendation or Denied on the Final
Evaluation. If the student receives a Conditional or Denied on one or more of the
Final Evaluations (Intern, Supervisor, or Internship Committee) a Panel Committee
will be convened by the Contextual Learning Office to review and reflect upon the
Internship. The Panel Review’s purpose is to make recommendations for addressing
the identified issues. Additional supervised involvement in ministry may be
necessary in order to meet expectations that will qualify a student for entering the
approval process.
Graduation
If an internship is “culminating”, meaning all required academic credit has been achieved
with the conclusion of the Internship, and the internship concludes in the summer months,
the student may walk at the May Luther Seminary Commencement ceremony, but a grade
is not posted nor the diploma sent, until the three Final Internship Evaluations are
submitted with Unconditional Recommendation.
ELCA students:
Candidacy process
For candidacy checklists, information about ordained ministry and rostered leadership,
information about entrance, endorsement, or approval, and candidacy advice and
encouragement, please visit Luther Seminary’s Candidacy website at
http://www.luthersem.edu/candidacy/. Or contact the Candidacy Coordinator at
ELCA Approval
Internship is expected to be completed, including the final internship evaluations received
by the Contextual Learning Office, before ELCA seniors or affiliated candidates are eligible
for Luther Seminary’s faculty to vote on their approval recommendation for ordination.
Following faculty action, synodical candidacy committees make the final decision on all
questions of approval. .
Recommendation for Approval prior to the Completion of Internship
At times, it is necessary and important to consider action by the Luther Seminary faculty
prior to the completion of internship, in order to facilitate synod approval and ELCA
assignment in a timely manner for first call. Interns will receive detailed instructions
regarding steps to enter the approval process between 3-6 months after internship begins.
The three possible scenarios for approval prior to the completion of internship are:
1) In the case of concurrent/part-time internships, the above expectation is modified in
the following way. When the first twelve months of the concurrent/part-time internship
have been completed, a student may be considered by the faculty in the succeeding
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semester (the 1st semester of the 2nd year of internship). Prior to a vote in a faculty
meeting, summary statements from the final internship evaluations must be submitted by
the supervising pastor, the internship committee, and the intern. If faculty recommendation
for approval is given, it will be contingent upon satisfactory completion of the internship.
2) Where any of the following circumstances apply, students may request approval prior
to the completion of internship in writing to the Contextual Learning office:
a) a culminating internship,
b) affiliated and have completed their “Lutheran year” prior to internship,
or
c) seniors needing to complete only one semester and a January term
after internship.
3) For a 2-year full-time “residency” internship, the first twelve months will meet the
seminary and church requirement for internship. A resident intern may be considered by the
faculty upon completion of the first twelve months of the residency and the submission of
final internship evaluations from the supervisor, the internship committee and the resident
intern. Final approval can be given to the student while the residency internship continues.
Faculty consideration for students requesting an approval recommendation prior to the start
of internship is granted will occur when:
all three summary statements from the final evaluations have been submitted by the
supervising pastor, the internship committee, and the intern;
at least eight months of the internship have been completed; and all mid-point
evaluations have been submitted and reviewed.
If the request is granted, please note that: the faculty recommendation for approval
will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the internship.
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Candidacy Process in the ELCA
Entrance
•Begins a journey of discernment which explores an individual's potential for rostered ministry and readiness to begin the process of theological study and candidacy in the ELCA.
Endorsement
•Encourages and affirms those who clearly demonstrate gifts and qualities for a specific form of ministry in the ELCA, as well as identifies areas for growth and development.
Approval
•A time in the journey when the candidate articulates the call to ministry and demonstrates readiness to assume a leadership role as a rostered ministry in the ELCA.
Assignment & Call
•A churchwide assignment process for approved candidates in which they are assigned to a synod of this church based on the ministry needs of the church. They are then available for a Letter of Call for service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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Candidacy Process for Rostered Ministry in the ELCA
Entrance Endorsement After
Endorsement Approval
Candidate
-Read “What Shall I say?”
-Be registered by an ELCA congregation after minimum one year active membership -Complete all entrance requirements at least 6
months prior to seminary
study Deaconess Community recommends candidate Diaconal ministry candidate registers for formation event
-Prepare endorsement
essay -Participate in endorsement panel interview -Complete CPE if required
Investiture replaces
Endorsement for deaconess candidates
-Continue theological
preparation -Maintain contact with bishop and candidacy committee contact person -Complete supervised
field experience or
internship -Keep file up to date
-Prepare approval
essay -Participate in approval interview -Complete candidate resume forms
Congregation
-Assist in discernment -Register applicant Provide personal and financial support
-Provide personal and financial support -Nurture candidate
-Maintain contact with candidate -Provide personal and financial support -Nurture candidate
-Provide opportunity for candidate to be involved in ministry in the congregation -maintain contact with candidate in
anticipation of first Call
Seminary/
College
-Admit candidate after positive entrance decision
-Administer financial support
-Participate in endorsement panel
interview (ELCA seminary/college advisor)
-Report progress to Candidacy Committee
-Monitor committee recommendations
-Prepare & vote on faculty
recommendation -Report to Candidacy Committee
Candidacy
committee
-Receive application and registration
-Establish relationship with candidate -Arrange: Initial Interview Psychological/career evaluation Entrance Interview
-Make Entrance decision
-Receive endorsement essay
-Receive reports -Participate in endorsement panel interview -Make internship recommendation -Make Endorsement
decision and report to
all partners
-Receive reports from seminary/college
-Provide ongoing contact and meet with candidate when helpful
-Receive approval essay
-Receive seminary recommendation or college reports -Participate in approval interview Deaconess candidates must have positive
recommendation from
Deaconess Community -Make Approval decision & report to all participants for Ministry & Dept. for Synodical Relations