Students in the Applied Studies stream of the Master of Theological Studies degree at Grebel find Supervised Experience in Ministry (SEM) courses to be highly rewarding aspects of the curriculum. With two required placements, students explore ministry in a practical setting. Under the guidance of a local supervisor, students set learning goals, develop a reading list, and write a summative paper.
MTS student Sarah Weber is combining her SEM with a Clinical Experience Placement, under the umbrella of Luther College at Wilfrid Laurier, and the Waterloo Region Health Network. She writes:
"This year I enrolled in the Psychotherapy Spiritual Care program at WLU and I spend one full day in class focusing on theory and practical training, and then another full day in a clinical setting under the supervision of a certified psychotherapist who is a Spiritual Care Practitioner.
I am in a cohort of six people, all from different traditions and cultures, where we engage with both the evidence-based theory and the living human document. We learn from and encourage one another as we step out of the classroom into face-to-face encounters with patients across the various hospitals. I am assigned to floors five and six north, which are approximately 120 patient rooms and the staff that goes with them. One of those four units is filled with medical students and student nurses. I am trying to build relationships with the staff and care for the patients as needed. It is an amazing way to put your faith into action and live out the message of Jesus to care for those in need. I have grown immensely not only in my knowledge and practical skills as a student psychosocial therapist, but also in my understanding of the human need for care.
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the annual gathering of the Ontario Region for the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, held in Markham, Ontario. It was an opportunity to make new connections, renew old ones and learn about what is new and exciting within the world of Psychosocial Spiritual Care. I attended workshops and panels, one of which featured Grebel’s very own Professor Jane Kuepfer, and I listened to a very lively keynote speaker who reminded us to find joy in our daily lives and to continue bringing that joy to others. I accepted the position of student representative to sit on the Ontario committee and look forward to engaging with other students and practitioners as we journey together in our roles as Spiritual Care Practitioners."
In each SEM course, a 120 hour placement (often ten hours per week, but it could be more intensive, such as a two-week summer camp) is chosen by the student with the approval of Carol Penner, the Applied Studies Coordinator. Placements can vary depending on student interest and calling, and might take place at a church, soup kitchen, denominational office, Christian non-profit, correctional facility, or long-term care facility.
Sometimes a student comes with an idea for a placement, sometimes Carol will have ideas to consider. Students can take both their SEM courses in the same placement or may try different locations. SEMs are usually volunteer positions but if students are already employed, an SEM can sometimes be a part of existing work if it is a new project.
For an SEM in a hospital, there is a specific training program called Clinical Pastoral Education which involves an application to the hospital program and a longer commitment of time. These are valuable learning experiences and are often required if you are looking for employment in chaplaincy.