Professional Project

The Professional Project and Paper is a unit of work designed specifically to enhance the candidate’s competence in ministry and to make a significant contribution to the candidate’s setting of ministry. This unit of work must be designed, executed, and evaluated within a specified time, utilizing the various roles and competencies of the candidate, and involving the laity and others in his/her setting of ministry. It must not be a unit or expansion of work previously done in this setting of ministry. This course addresses the quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods methodologies for research. The course equips students with the ability to identify project topics and methodologies appropriate for their project. In addition, the course addresses the interface of theological and social science disciplines. Quantitative content of the class includes Basics of Sampling, Question Construction, Answer Scales, Rudimentary Statistical Analysis, Analyzing Data, Participant/Observer Methods and Ethical Issues. Qualitative content will include observation/conversation reporting and interviews.

A Professional Project must meet the following six specifications:

1. Relates to the candidate’s setting of ministry

2. Contributes to the candidate’s setting of ministry

3. Equips for ministry the laity and others in the candidate’s setting of ministry

4. Enhances the development of critical, reflective, and integrative skills among the candidate and others in the setting of ministry

5. Involves substantial biblical and theological reflection

6. Shows evidence of genuine, new learning by the candidate, and contributes to public knowledge about the particular practice of ministry.