This association is comprised of professors and professionals who are engaged in theological field education. Whether you are a seasoned theological field educator or new to the field, ATFE is committed to supporting you. We are an international ecumenical community that is marked by an extraordinary degree of collaboration, a spirit of generosity and a commitment to professional development and academic research in theological field education. Within the greater ATFE membership, there are also a number of caucus groups that share similar traditions or theological outlooks. The various caucuses identify with particular denomination, geographic regions, ethnicities, or special interests. You will find information about the caucuses in this website.
In every accredited ATS (Association of Theological Schools) school that forms or trains persons for ministry, theological field education is an integral component to its curriculum. That is, every divinity school or seminary must include an experiential component in their curriculum that provides a place for students to practice ministry and a corresponding space to reflect theologically on their practice. Ministry experience, reflective seminars, methods of theological reflection and reflective praxis, peer learning and pastoral supervision are some of the aspects of a theological field education learning environment.
Whether you are looking for guidance, information or educational tools to begin your new role in theological field education, or exploring new avenues in research that call upon insights from other disciplines, this ATFE site is the place for you. Learn more about whom we are and the resources we have to offer. We invite you to consider joining one of the caucus groups that shares a similar denomination or theological outlook. Share employment opportunities. See what research is currently being done in this field. Access some of the publications or resources noted in this site. If you are not already a member, please consider joining us.
The Association meets every two years for a conference that includes keynote speakers. Our 32nd Biennial Consultation is scheduled for January 23 to 26, 2013 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Your ATFE Steering Committee for the 2011-2013 biennium is comprised of 9 people, each of whom take responsibility for various portfolios and tasks for ensuring the maintenance of its structure and for furthering the development of this field in theological education. We will be meeting in Williamsburg, VA to plan the upcoming biennium. As you browse through the website, take a look at our Steering Committee and feel free to contact any of us concerning their particular role in the Association or questions you might have about ATFE.
Lorraine Ste-Marie
Saint Paul University, Ottawa ON
ATFE Chair for 2011-2013