SUPERVISED MINISTRY
The Supervised Ministry consists of three units, with anticipated completion over a twelve-month period of time. It is anticipated that each unit should be completed in one to four month time frames. Each unit within the Supervised Ministry should have a focused ministry development area. It is to be realized that one who pastors a local congregation will be responsible for and involved in a multitude of roles while serving the congregation. The structure of the Supervised Ministry allows the student to experience these roles in a narrow sense by dividing them into three categories of focus. The desired focus for each unit is noticed below. This does not suggest that other ministries are omitted during each unit. This is just a suggested time for skill development in a particular area.

UNIT ONE: ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES
The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church includes an entire section of the various administrative duties of the local church pastor. These are included in 725:16-33. The focus of Unit One is to experience or observe these roles. This will include, but not be limited to the following areas:

• various meetings within structure of the church (LBA, Christian Ed., etc.)
• various reports for which the pastor is responsible (Service Report, Statistical Report, Quarterly Report, LBA reports, etc.)
• financial system of the local congregation
• responsibilities to the district
• auxiliaries of the local congregation
• day to day administration of the church
• structure of various ministries (Sunday School, children’s, ministry, etc.)
  

UNIT TWO: PUBLIC PRESENTATION (PREACHING, TEACHING, ETC.)
If the student anticipates preaching the minimal number of times (four), it may be valuable to schedule these weekly if possible. This allows the student to experience weekly study and preparation time. It has been said that Sunday comes, no matter what else happens during the week. It might also be helpful to review your Homiletics text and do extra reading about preaching. Each pastor establishes study habits and preparation time which are unique to the person. Do not sell yourself short on preparation time. Note how much time was designated to each sermon prepared. This may be helpful in the future.

UNIT THREE: PASTORAL CARE
The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church includes a section describing the general responsibilities of the pastor. These are included in 725:1-15. Some of these responsibilities include pastoral care. This may include ministries in the hospital, funeral parlor, home, business place, or some other place. Observe how your supervising pastor responds in various circumstances. Observe proper etiquette in different places. Local traditions should be discussed with your supervisor. Many books are available for guidance in this area. Avail yourself of this resource.

SUPERVISED MINISTRY REQUIREMENTS: 3 UNITS
1. Three hundred hours minimum investment in the ministry, or 100 hours per unit. Please do not include times of worship, or numbers four, eight, or nine below in the total number of hours.

2. An accountability/planning meeting will be scheduled at least two times per month with the supervising pastor. Include a plan for involvement in administration, upcoming ministries, etc. This will also be valuable for evaluation of recent activities and accountability time for continued spiritual growth in the student’s life.

3. Minimum of four preaching opportunities, with at least two in major worship settings, either Sunday morning or evening. These should be a "full length feature presentation" and not a devotional. Please be responsible for having these messages recorded on audio or video and available to the supervising pastor. It is also highly beneficial to the learning experience to listen and observe yourself as you preach.

4. Selected readings as assigned by the supervising pastor or S. Min. Coordinator. Required reading includes 20 hours per unit, totaling 60 hours minimum for the S. Min. Please do not include this time in your ministry investment (300 hours).

5. Involvement in, and exposure to, a wide variety of pastoral care, including: visitation; weddings; funerals; etc.

6. A report should be made every other month highlighting recent ministries. Ministry reports should consist of at least 500 words.

7. A "Ministry Journal": including your spiritual journey; ministry opportunities; challenges; exciting events; or any other material which you deem valuable. It is recommended the journals be updated regularly or daily so that material is fresh as it is written.

8. A research project will be written, consisting of a minimum of 2,000 words, on an aspect of the ministry as approved by the supervising pastor or S. Min. Coordinator. This may include the historical development of this ministry, relevance to ministry today, how the personality of the student effects this ministry, etc. This time should not be included in the total hour requirement.

9. A writing project, with a minimum of 1,000 words, reflecting your core values, philosophy, and path of ministry which you are pursuing. This time should not be included in the total hour requirement.

10. An assessment of your personal library. Ask pastors to allow you to peruse their libraries or ask what books and resources they find of greatest value. Develop your list of "must have" or desirable purchases. This will be a large, but essential financial investment for your present and future ministry.

SUPERVISED MINISTRY GRADING
A grade will be issued for each unit of supervised ministry which is completed, reflecting your work for that unit.

A total of three grades will be issued. The grade for each unit will represent completion of some items, evidence of development in the ministry, and progress in total requirements.

Completion items for each unit would include the following:

• completion of 100 hours investment in your ministry
• a summary of the planning sessions should be forwarded to the Supervised Ministry Coordinator
• provide documentation of the completion of 20 hours of selected readings
• completion of reports.

Development items for each unit would include the following:

• progress in focused ministry area for each unit
• supervising pastor should see a display of gifts and graces for the ministry, based upon involvement in a variety of pastoral care and ministries
• evidence of growth in the public presentation should be seen, based upon tape review. This may be applicable only in Unit Two.

Progress readily seen in major projects:

• beginning ideas or rough drafts on the research project.
• beginning of your thoughts on core values and philosophy of ministry.

Please provide plans for a personal library. This may include visiting or interviewing pastors, purchasing books, etc.

NOTES TO CONSIDER
Communication through the written word is very important within the congregation. When writing, use this opportunity to hone skills in research, presentation, spelling, grammar, etc. A few individuals in your congregation will evaluate your overall ability to minister, based on your writing skills.

Do not forget your own spiritual journey during this time. A person cannot adequately feed and minister to others without personal spiritual nourishment.

Issuing grades for supervised ministry can be difficult, based upon the "development" of a person.

A grade for the final unit will not be issued until satisfactory completion of all requirements and financial obligations.