Contextual Education

Contextual Education at Candler

Contextual Education is the heart of the Candler curriculum. Integrating theological education with opportunities for formation in ministry and leadership in churches, social service agencies, hospitals, and other clinical and ecclesial settings, Candler’s unique Contextual Education program is designed to educate—through scholarship, teaching and service—faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world.

Contextual Education at Candler includes the following:

  • Contextual Education I and II: A four-semester sequence, Contextual Education I and Contextual Education II, required of all MDiv students. Typically completed in the first and second year of the MDiv program. Learn more about Contextual Education I. Learn more about Contextual Education II.
  • Teaching Parish: The program is open to United Methodist students appointed to student pastorates as well as students serving pastorates in other denominations and in non-denominational churches. Learn more.
  • Episcopal and Anglican Studies: Student-pastor placements in Episcopal churches; fulfills the Contextual Education requirement for MDiv students. Only for those who are postulants or have the written permission of their bishop. Learn more.
  • Clinical Pastoral Education: Student placements in hospitals, clinics and community agencies, focused on pastoral care, counseling and relational skills development; for credit. Learn more.
  • Internships: Student internships for credit; may be in churches, agencies or with existing internship programs. For MDiv, MTS and MRL students. Learn more.

View all events »

"Candler’s ConEd program is both spiritually nourishing and deeply rewarding.... As you are placed in ecclesial and non-profit settings you get a real, hands-dirty experience of ministry that is humbling. It’s a carefully crafted way to not just imagine yourself in various ministry contexts, but to actually inhabit those spaces for a while and learn what it is truly like. In addition to discussing and writing about theological and ministerial insights—you get to apply them! Con Ed at Candler is like the perfect dressing room in a clothing store. You get to try on your favorite outfit to make sure it’s the right fit before you walk out the door."
-Co'Relous Bryant MDiv '22