Internships

We integrate service-learning into the fabric of our curriculum

Meadville Lombard’s MDiv program provides a web of practical experience and personal support that gives our students unparalleled opportunities to deepen spiritually, grow academically, and mature vocationally.

In their first year of study, as part of our Signature Courses, students in our Master of Divinity program develop theological grounding and the ability to read and appreciate communities of difference—key skills for religious and spiritual leaders which equip them for their internships and Clinical Pastoral Education units. MDiv students then go on to serve as interns in a faith-based community (most often a congregation) over a period of two years.

We uniquely knit these experiences into the fabric of our curriculum. Our students learn through practicing religious and community leadership in everyday, hands-on ways. These practical experiences are brought into the classroom in the way that assigned readings are used in other, more traditional, schools. They provide a basis for theological and spiritual reflection as students “act ourselves into new ways of thinking and being.”

Students proceed through our programs with the guidance of internship supervisors. These are congregational and community leaders who supervise, mentor, provide spiritual guidance, coach, and act as role models for students during the programs’ practical site work.

Meadville Lombard understands that the best religious and spiritual leaders are formed by many voices and many perspectives. They are shaped by teachers who excel in academics, seasoned practitioners, organizers and activists, and mentors who possess pastoral and spiritual wisdom. A Meadville Lombard education lends all these voices and perspectives to each and every student.