The overall objective of field education is to provide practical experience and to develop the skills necessary for effective work as Salvation Army officers. Field education has been designed to offer a broad scope of exposure to Christian ministries through classroom interaction with guest speakers, the instructor and by practice through hands on experience in a local field practicum.
Field education provides a learning opportunity with intentional and defined learning outcomes building upon the learning and experiences with which cadets come to The College for Officer Training. Learning in the field context occurs through observation, skills training and practice, feedback and theological reflection. Experiences are designed to encourage cadets to integrate the experiential, intellectual and functional aspects of ministry.
Field education comprises part of the larger College for Officer Training program, and is also offered as a course for credit through the Booth University College curriculum. It is structured with specific learning outcomes, and is geared to five components of study within the cadets’ training experience. The movement within the five field components begins with orientation to the City of Winnipeg as the context for mission, and progresses over the 22 months into the role of the faith community as community partner, practice within a specific community context for summer internship, the pastoral relationship in a Corps context, and the administrative responsibilities for officers.
Summary of Field Education:
Field Education 1 (Sept – Dec) – Orientation to the City of Winnipeg as a context for mission. Cadets will learn to observe and evaluate the strengths and needs of community and, through theological reflection, begin to form an understanding of their role as leaders.
Winter Assignment 1 (two weeks prior to Christmas) – Observation and practice in a ministry unit in the Territory with specific focus on Christmas Assistance Programs.
Field Education 2 (Jan – June) – Cadets are placed in a faith based practicum with a social service emphasis. The practicum focuses on faith based response to community needs. Practice and reflection will assist cadets in beginning to form an understanding of integrated mission.
Field Education 3 (July – Aug) – A summer internship, as a context for mission, provides cadets with an opportunity for ministry experience in all areas of corps ministry.
Field Education 4 (Sept – Dec) – Cadets will intern at a ministry unit, under the supervision of the corps officer, with a specific focus on pastoral ministry. Theological reflection provides a tool to enhance their learning through reflection, observation and practice.
Winter Assignment 2 (two weeks prior to Christmas)
Field Education 5 (Jan – Jun) – Continued internship with a ministry unit with a broadened focus on pastoral ministry and administration.
In addition to the specific outcomes for field education, the following seminars and workshops are offered for skills development and training:
Mercy Seat Counseling, Leading a Time of Response, Planning a Worship Service, SAMIS, Shelby, Territorial Abuse Training, Determining Community Assets and Needs, Motivation for Working with the Poor, Ceremonies: Weddings, Soldier Enrollment, Funerals & Dedications, Following an Officer into an Appointment, Leaving an Appointment, Dealing with Local Media, Theological Reflection, Community and Family Services, Christmas Assistance Program, Thrift Stores, and Prayerwalks.
