Field education is an integral part of preparation for ministry at Louisville Seminary. Through supervised experiences in congregations and agencies, the student has an opportunity:

• to develop basic skills in the practice of ministry,
• to clarify and focus the sense of call,
• to discern specific gifts for ministry,
• to integrate theology and theory with experience,
• to develop pastoral identity and character,
• to build a network of persons (ordained and lay) who can serve as references as the student seeks a first call and who can continue to be mentors during early years in ministry.
  The importance of this dimension of theological education was reflected in the response to a questionnaire sent to all Louisville Seminary alumni/ae. They rated field education as the most important contributor to their competence in the practice of ministry.