Registration for MLD Courses or Practicums

The MLD courses must be taken in their numbered sequence:

            DVML 501      Ministry Leadership Development 1

            DVML 601      Ministry Leadership Development 2

            DVML 701      Ministry Leadership Development 3

These courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters. No more than one course may be taken in the same semester.

 

The MLD practica, referred to as MLPs, must be taken in their numbered sequence:

            DVML 550      Ministry Leadership Practicum 1

            DVML 650      Ministry Leadership Practicum 2

            DVML 750      Ministry Leadership Practicum 3

A practicum may be taken in the fall or spring semester, or during the summer term (first and second terms combined). Students typically take only one practicum in a given term, though occasionally, special ministry circumstances warrant credit for two practica. Consult with the MLD Director for details on ministry placements that may qualify for two credits.

1. Identify a viable ministry placement. An acceptable placement for a ministry leadership practicum is one where the student has the opportunity to take responsibility for some aspect of Christian ministry, to use his or her gifts in the service of Christ and his church, and to gain hands-on experience in the performance of many ministry duties for which he or she is receiving training in other courses in the Beeson M.Div. curriculum. Many students are already serving in ministry positions that would serve as acceptable placements for a practicum; others must seek out such positions for the purposes of their practica. It does not have to be a paid position, nor does it have to be in a local church. Students complete practica in a wide variety of ministry settings, both paid and voluntary, in titled positions and as interns. It is recommended that students consult with the MLD Director with questions concerning the placement(s) they are considering. Assistance in locating a ministry opportunity can be gained from Beeson’s Placement Office.


2. Identify a qualified and willing ministry mentor. To learn about Beeson’s standards for mentors, please see the document, “Guidelines for Mentors." It is critical that the content of this document be shared with a prospective mentor before he or she commits to serve in this capacity. Among other things, the Guidelines document spells out some expectations the Divinity School has of mentors and their work with students.


3. Submit the following materials to the MLD Office by the deadline posted on the MLD webpage. Generally speaking, the deadline will be six weeks prior to the beginning of the academic term in which the practicum is to be taken.

• MLP Proposal Form (fully completed) –This form asks for detailed information about your proposed ministry placement for the practicum and about the person you are suggesting serve as your ministry mentor.
• Signed copy of the “Samford University Assumption of Risk, Release, and Indemnity Agreement – M.Div. Internship Experience” form
• Current resume of your prospective mentor (unless already on file in MLD Office)

You may deliver, mail, or fax these materials. No  action will be taken to approve the practicum proposal until all required materials have been submitted.

4. The MLD Director will review the proposal. If there is a problem with any part of the proposal, the student will be informed of such and given opportunity to revise the proposal. If the proposal gains approval from the director, then…


5. The MLD Office will request that the BDS Records Officer register the student for the appropriate practicum. Notification that the proposal has been approved and that the student has been registered for the practicum course is provided by copying the student on the e-mail requesting his or her registration in the course. Students, however, should always take care to check their registration status on Banner to insure that the course – DVML 550, 650, or 750 – appears on their schedule.