Circle of Care

Every person with a sense of call to pastoral ministry is best equipped when there is in place a seamless continuum of discernment, care and support helping them move from one phase of preparation to another.

For persons entering seminary, it becomes crucial to maintain contact with the sending community. One way to help this happen is for the sending congregation to appoint, in consultation with the student, a Circle of Care.

The Circle of Care is a group of four to six people committed to supporting the seminary student throughout the time of studies and into job placement after seminary.

Essentially this group will give deliberate attention to the specific needs of seminary students including but not limited to encouragement, accountability, financial counseling, and friendship. In addition, this group will be alert to special needs that arise during the time of study and provide links back into the sending community.

The Church Relations Office of EMU provides a helpful sheet of additional suggestions for support of students while at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Circle of Care members are welcome to visit campus any time throughout the year and participate in campus activities including classes and chapel.

Three deliberate times for campus visits will be offered for Circle of Care group members. An evening banquet is planned for beginning students as part of a New Student Orientation Day at the beginning of the Fall semester. A Circle of Care member is invited to attend that event.

Late in April is graduation. Circle of Care members of graduating seminarians are invited to participate fully in commencement activities.