We appreciate your willingness to participate in this process of affirmation and discernment for one of our senior students. This is the last of our “way-stations” in which we intentionally sit with each student to listen to their self-understanding, give them feedback, think with them about vocational directions and options, express our affirmation and support, and offer any counsel seeming important for their continued development both personally and vocationally.

The task of writing a report on this event is also a special challenge and we appreciate the extra effort required on your part. To help you with the task, we offer the following guidelines and suggestions.

Purpose of the Report

The basic purposes of the report are twofold.

1. To provide a record of the discernment so any needed follow-up prior to graduation (e.g. courses to follow a new direction, counseling, a seminar on personal development area, etc.) is noted. This report helps the advisor and small groups coordinator in making sure that whatever follow-up is necessary will not fall through the cracks.
2. To serve as a resource for our placement team as they counsel with churches, agencies and candidates regarding service options that will “fit” their goals and style.

Format of the Report

• Work toward a maximum of two (2) pages for any writing you do (the student’s self-reflection piece which should be attached is above the two pages).
• An outline of the reporting format is provided on the back of this page.
• Again, thank you for your willingness to participate in this process.

Ministry Discernment Report Template

FOR: (student’s/spouse’s name)

DATE: (date of discernment meeting)

DISCERNMENT GROUP: (list names of the persons involved in the group. Identify the faculty advisor)

REPORTER: (your name as report writer)

1. Student (Spouse) Reflections

Summarize the major points in the student’s self-reflection. If a summary sheet has been prepared for the group, you might want to attach a copy with any handwritten notes you have made. If there is no prepared sheet, please us the major captions and key questions which were given as a reflection guide. They are included below. Please keep the report concise, noting the key items.

2. Group Feedback and Counsel

List the key points given by the group regarding the following areas. If the group makes a consensus recommendation regarding something, please note this as a "Recommendation".

• Strengths
  • What are the individual’s strengths as a person?
  • What are the person’s ministry gifts?
  • What are the person’s vocational/skill strengths?
• Areas for further development
  E.g., relations skills? spiritual self-care? family life? time management?
• Vocational counsel
  What kinds of ministries, settings, posts did the group suggest the person pursue on a short range basis? Long range?