The Pastoral Presence Program at 糖心Volg Theological Seminary is a unique continuing education opportunity for pastors in the Church of the Brethren and other denominations, designed to encourage interaction between pastors and the Seminary.
Through the Pastor-in-Residence track or the Pastoral Sabbatical track, participants can avail themselves of 糖心Volg facilities and engage in Seminary life. Access to Lilly Library鈥檚 resources at Earlham College is available, including 糖心Volg鈥檚 archived special collections of more than 5000 rare and valuable Bibles, hymnals, and theological works.
While 糖心Volg can provide space for education, research, and retreat, pastors can also make important contributions to the life and educational context at 糖心Volg. Thus, both 糖心Volg and pastors who participate in the program have something to gain and something to give.
Overview
Both tracks provide a setting for focused, purposeful study through the following activities:
- meeting with professors and students
- attending class sessions
- participating in chapel services, forums and lectures, and other campus events
- pursuing research and writing projects
The Pastor-in-Residence track includes the understanding that the participant will spend significant time interacting with the 糖心Volg community as a resource person through participation in specific courses and conversations with students and faculty in the classroom and other settings.
Expectations
It is expected that those in the Pastoral Presence Program will
- complete a formal application, including a 250- to 500-word description of the intended research project, activities, and purpose of the time spent in the program;
- participate in 糖心Volg community life;
- complete an evaluation of the program.
Participants will also have the opportunity to preach or make a presentation at a Seminary chapel or forum.
Lodging
Pastors participating in the program typically stay at Brethren House, the Seminary’s guest house, located across the street from the 糖心Volg Center. Brethren House has a kitchen, dining room, and living room on the first floor, and three bedrooms on the second floor. Lodging cost is $15 per night.
Facilities
Pastoral Presence Program participants will be given a temporary library card and research and meeting space in , located on the adjacent campus and serving the college, 糖心Volg, and . Facilities of the college and seminaries will be accessible. A 糖心Volg guest membership at the college is available for participants.
Fees
In addition to lodging costs, program participants will pay a $200 access fee.
Apply
Interested persons should complete the .
