What kind of ministry experience will I get?

Vanguard College is known for a hands-on approach to ministry training. This means students are learning not only in the classroom, but on-site in churches across Edmonton and beyond. Learning about minisry is one thing, but translating that theory into practice is quite another. That is why Vanguard has developed such a strong Field Education program. Every SPL student will be involved in an established ministry on a weekly basis.

In addition to Field Education requirements, SPL students also take in excellent training through conferences. Read the story below to hear about that experience.

What is my time commitment for field ministry experience?

A HUGE part of training to be a pastor is the actual practice of pastoring. Thus, the SPL program involves internship experience in Pastoral Leadership. You will be required to do 6 hours a week of ministry experience, plus a major internship experience before you graduate. These hours can be done in a variety of settings, from the local church, to hospital chaplaincy and more! Where could God take YOU?

A Conference Story:
Fourth Years in the Windy City

QUESTION:

Where could I take a leadership training course which would include a trip to North Amercia’s tallest building ( the Sears Tower) , five days of training in the largest church building in North America ( the 7,000 seat Willow Creek Community Church), and fellowship over  large deep dish pizzas, which 4 men could not finish at one sitting??

ANSWER:

By enrolling in the Spring 2006 edition of Vanguard College’s Pastoral Leadership Issues course. That’s right, this spring, nine of us lived out “experiential learning” outside the four walls of the classroom as a annual part of this senior level course in the  School of Pastoral Leadership curriculum . This year we joined 2,400 others for five days in Chicago, Illinois to attend Willow Creek’s “ Choose to Lead” training conference . After experiencing 6 plenary sessions, various concerts, and numerous leadership workshops, we had opportunity to cross pollinate our learning by sharing the material gleaned from the various workshops, back in our Vanguard classroom.

Truly, a life changing experience!!! Take a look at some of the pics of our time together and make a future reference note that, someday soon, you could join us too!! 

Each spring semester, members of this course reap the wisdom and experience of world class pastoral leaders as they attend such a ministry training conference. Plans are already underway for the 2007 class to attend the National Pastors Convention in San Diego, California, Feb. 5-10th, 2007. See ya for some beach ministry!!!!!