HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

Project: Bethany started in 1989 as a vibrant Christian fellowship of college and university students meeting at the Korean Church of Boston; it was chartered as an independent congregation in the Boston Presbytery/Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2003. Over the last 6 years the congregation has quickly become a family church, with almost 30 children under the age of 8, and 60-70 adults worshipping each Sunday. We worship in a public school auditorium in Brookline, and most mid-week ministry happens in members' homes around the Greater Boston area. We still have a large number of collegians and young adults among our membership and are seeking to more actively nurture and equip this population, as well as more intentionally reach out to nearby campuses. Wed like to host seminary interns interested in serving this population, but were also open to interns interested in music ministry, adult education, childrens ministry, or some combination thereof.

Our worship is in keeping with the Reformed tradition: Christ-centered and ordered by the Word. It includes both traditional and contemporary forms. As a new church still very much in the process of discerning its identity and mission, we are simultaneously learning more about our community's needs and opportunities that exist to seek the welfare of the larger city around us. Our racial/ethnic makeup is 60% Korean American, 30% Chinese American and 10% Caucasian. Interns would be welcomed into our process of discernment and growth as a congregation, in strengthening our internal ministry and our external mission to the local community and beyond.

Student Involvement: We are in the process of making the training of seminary interns a focus of our congregation's mission to nurture, equip, and send out Christian leaders. Field ed experiences will be tailored to fit the intern's strengths, interests, and need for experience, though we prioritize the ministry areas noted above. All interns will be given opportunities to participate in worship leadership including occasional preaching, if that is desired. Interns will also be invited to participate in pastoral care (e.g., by accompanying the pastor on visits) and in important programs of the congregation (e.g., our fall and spring retreats).

Arts of Ministry Competencies: Preaching and Worship. Pastoral Care and Counseling. Religious Education and Spiritual Development. Denominational Polity.

Supervision: Seminary interns will meet with the pastor for conversation, theological reflection and prayer. The congregation's Personnel Team will designate a liaison who will provide regular support, feedback and prayer.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook