Field Education

While Brite Divinity School does not operate a job placement service, the Office of Field Education and Supervised Ministry serves as an honest broker to help match students seeking jobs with congregations and agencies looking for part-time seminary workers.

Students seeking "learning and earning" experiences while in seminary can commence the search process by filling out the Field Education Information Application. As requested, the Director of Field Education and Supervised Ministry provides vocational counseling and conversation for students seeking employment.

Supervised Ministry

The Supervised Year in Ministry is an essential component of Brite's Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry degree programs. The purpose of the Supervised Year in Ministry is threefold: (1) to make a Minister-in-Training available to a local church or agency for service as a pastor, youth minister, student associate, or other agency-based ministries; (2) to help the student toward a better self-understanding both as a person and as a pastor or non-profit ministerial leader; and (3) to help the student develop a sustainable spiritual discipline and professional ministerial career.

Usually located mid-point in the student's academic program, the Supervised Year consists of two semesters of course work and carries 6 semester hours credit. Students who have completed 21 credit hours must apply to the Office of Field Education and Supervised Ministry for admission to the Supervised Year in Ministry. In addition to the course, the Supervised Year in Ministry requires close supervision in an approved congregation or agency and participation in a Theological Reflection Group.

Theological Reflection Groups

The Theological Reflection Groups are regularly scheduled meetings of small groups of students (7 or less) with a pastoral leader and a faculty consultant. These conferences are reflective and integrative in nature. Aspects of ministerial practice are presented during the conference for analysis and evaluation, utilizing, and integrating the various theological disciplines. The student is expected to be able to share (communicate) his/her theological perspective.

2023-2024 Theological Reflection Group Leaders

Rev. Dr. Michael Bell, Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX

Rev. Russ Boyd, Ridglea Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Fort Worth.

Rev. Barbara Heptig at LGBTQ Saves, Fort Worth

Rev. Dr. Lucia Kremzar, Flower Mound Presbyterian Church, Flower Mound, TX

Rev. Dr. Alphonetta Wines, Union Memorial United Methodist Church, Coolidge, TX