Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Notes on an Internship Site Visitation

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From Rev. Jane Jenkins, Director of Contextual Education

 

Purposes
  1. To get acquainted or better acquainted with the intern, the supervisor, the internship committee, and the site.
  2. To offer diagnostic and consultative help for the intern and supervisor in seeking to strengthen the quality of the learning and serving done by the intern.
  3. To serve as educational mentor and learner through interaction with the internship committee.
  4. To function as liaison to/from the Trinity Lutheran Seminary faculty in relation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s theological education enterprise.

 

Procedures
  1. To consult with the intern for approximately one hour.
  2. To consult with the supervisory pastor for approximately one hour
  3. To meet with the supervisor and intern together for at least one hour.
  4. To meet with the internship committee and intern together for approximately 1-1/2 hours.
  5. To tour the facilities (worship/educational space, intern’s office.)
  6. To be exposed to as much of the community and as many of the members as may be feasible during the brief visit.

 

General Notes
  1. Relax.  You are being visited by a caring helper.
  2. Do some advance planning, as shall I.
  3. Within the announced time frame of the visit, please feel free to plan events and visitation sequences that seem to best fit your situation.
  4. Plan to get some practice using a consultant/mentor.
  5. I do not share a discussion agenda in advance.  My portion of a discussion agenda evolves in the context.
  6. I very much appreciate the courtesy of your helpfulness with my transportation, especially when I travel by plane.  We shall attempt to provide accurate information on what we believe to be feasible connections.  Unavoidable snafus and delays are unfortunately quite common.
  7. When visiting on a Sunday or when weekday meetings or services are held, I am willing to speak, bring a “greeting,” conduct a forum/discussion, or whatever, as you may deem appropriate and helpful.  Just let me know if I may assist in any such way.
  8. I come as a learner as well as a teacher/mentor.  Please give some advance thought to what I should/could learn about the challenges/difficulties of life and ministry in your setting.
  9. Thank you kindly for welcoming me into your arena of ministry.