Ministry Residency

Earning a Master of Divinity and testamur for ordination in The United Church of Canada at St. Andrew’s College provides a unique opportunity to integrate theological education with the practice of ministry.

As a student, the Ministry Residency provides you a 20-month ministry appointment (during years three and four of the MDiv program) in a community of faith or pastoral care setting while continuing your academic study and peer learning completed in your first and second year of study. The Ministry Residency includes your Ministry Practicum in the learning site, and five Learning Circles with student colleagues and faculty; four of which are normally held on site at St. Andrew’s College, and one which takes place in Indigenous ministry settings. The Practicum and Learning Circles will be your opportunity to focus on your own learning goals for ministry and to meet the competencies required as a Candidate for Ministry in the United Church of Canada.

Your Ministry Residency is designed to be an exciting and rewarding part of your theological education. You will have the opportunity to serve church and community, gain pastoral experience, experience more than one church year in ministry, earn income and benefits, and share the journey with colleagues and faculty in reflection and study. Once you are approved as a Candidate for Ministry and pass the ‘Readiness for Supervised Ministry Education (SME)’ interview with the Candidacy Board, you will gain access to ‘Church Hub’ and be able apply to different SME sites based on your needs and desires.