Context

In the DL M.Div., learning is not limited to the classroom, but extends into local congregations. Christian public leadership in the church is the shaping context of the Distributed Learning student. Unlike residential students who become immersed in the seminary context, distributed students become immersed in a congregation in their area. As a DL student, you will spend three to five hours a week at your contextual site for the first five semesters (not including the Greek semester).

The goals of contextual education are the following:

• To enable you to experience leadership in various areas of congregational ministry: education, visitation, administration, preaching, etc.
• To allow you to be in regular conversation (2-4 times each month) with a mentor in your area.
• To reflect with other DL students about ministry in the various settings represented.

Ultimately, throughout your contextual work, your coursework feeds your ministry and your ministry feeds your coursework.