In cooperation with the Wisconsin Annual Conference, the Office of Field Education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary conducts a program of training in rural and small town ministry (and more recently, some specialized urban ministries as well). Both intern and concurrent students are placed in town and country parishes in rural Wisconsin, working closely with experienced pastor-supervisors. Each student is chosen because of a vocational interest in rural ministry, each student is exposed to the full range of parish responsibilities, and each meets weekly with their supervisor and monthly with their lay committee.

The nine-month program begins each fall with a start-up seminar. The students meet together regularly for reflection, support, and input on the dynamics of rural life and ministry under the guidance of the program Coordinator. They are joined by the supervisors on a less frequent basis. These meetings, and the rest of the program, are organized and conducted by the Coordinator, a member of the Wisconsin Conference, in consultation with the Field Education Office at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Students and churches interested in participating in this program should contact Barbara Troxell or Otis Thompson at the G-ETS Field Education Office (phone 1.800.SEMINARY), or Chris Bethke, the Wisconsin Conference cabinet representative (1.608.837.0056).