Forming Faithful Leaders Through Contextual Learning
The Contextual Ministries (CXM) Program at Virginia Theological Seminary integrates theological education with real-world ministry. Through intentional field placements, reflective supervision, and community-based learning, CXM equips seminarians to grow in spiritual maturity, pastoral identity, and contextual awareness. Students are placed in congregational or ministry settings where they engage in hands-on leadership and learn to discern God’s activity in the everyday life of the Church.
Rooted in VTS’s commitment to practical formation, CXM fosters the habits of prayer, reflection, and service that shape resilient and faithful leaders.
About CXM
Brief overview of the program, highlighting its purpose and the importance of practical ministry formation at VTS.
The Contextual Ministries (CXM) Program at Virginia Theological Seminary prepares future church leaders through immersive, hands-on ministry experiences. Rooted in theological education and practical application, the program equips seminarians to integrate academic learning with real-world ministry under the guidance of experienced supervisors and community leaders.
Whether through parish ministry, community outreach, or specialized ministry settings, CXM fosters spiritual growth, leadership development, and a deeper understanding of vocational calling.
Integrating Learning, Practice, and Purpose in Ministry
The Contextual Ministries (CXM) Program at Virginia Theological Seminary is a required, immersive field education experience designed to prepare seminarians for faithful, competent, and reflective ministry. CXM brings classroom learning into real-world ministry settings, allowing students to serve, lead, and learn in a parish or specialized ministry site under the guidance of an experienced supervisor and a lay support team.
Who Participates in CXM?
CXM is required for all M.Div. and MA in Christian Formation students, including those on non-ordination tracks. Students in Anglican Studies, Diploma in Theology, or other MA programs may participate with permission from the Director of Contextual Ministry.
When Does It Begin?
CXM typically starts in the Middler (second) year and spans the academic year, although January and Summer Term intensives are also available. M.Div. students complete 9 credit hours of CXM, while MA students complete 6.
What Does CXM Involve?
Each seminarian commits to approximately 12 hours per week of ministry at their site. This includes:
- Sunday liturgical leadership and congregational engagement
- Teaching, outreach, and administrative ministry
- Regular supervision with an assigned mentor
- Monthly meetings with a Lay Support Team
- Participation in theological reflection through Colloquy sessions
- Creation of a personalized Learning Covenant outlining formation goals
Why CXM?
Through CXM, students integrate prayer, study, theological reflection, and ministry. They are guided to ask core questions like:
- “How is God present and active in this context?”
- “What does faithful, contextual leadership look like here?”
- “What is God forming in me through this experience?”
How Is Formation Assessed?
Seminarians are not graded traditionally, but formation is deeply supported and guided. Progress is marked through written reflections, supervisor evaluations, and feedback from lay support teams. Competency areas include leadership, collaboration, contextual awareness, pastoral identity, and theological integration.
Tracks and Flexibility
CXM offers different tracks, including intensive models and partnerships. Students may also propose new sites with approval, provided the site can meet formation requirements
Meet Our Community
Connecting with Those Who Shape the CXM Experience
Brief text introducing the community aspects of CXM, emphasizing collaboration and mentorship.
The CXM Program thrives through the dedicated efforts of seminarians, supervisors, and lay conveners who form a vibrant and supportive learning community. Together, they shape the future of ministry through mentorship, practical experience, and collaborative reflection.
Seminarians
Our students bring passion, curiosity, and commitment to their ministry formation. Through the CXM Program, they gain practical skills, spiritual maturity, and invaluable experience in diverse ministry settings.
Supervisors
Experienced mentors who guide seminarians through hands-on learning. Supervisors offer theological insight, professional wisdom, and personal support, fostering the growth of emerging leaders.
You (the Contextual Ministry Supervisor) must participate in a development program under the CXM Director’s oversight during your first two years of Seminarian supervision.
Your participation and certification as a VTS CXM Supervisor are based on:
- Commitment to supervisory responsibilities
- Affirmation of CXM in the Seminary curriculum
- Concurrence with the CXM Purpose and Goals as stated in Seminary policy.
- Competence as a CXM Supervisor as determined by the CXM Director
If you are clergy, you must:
- Be in good standing with ecclesiastical authority.
- Have completed a three-year minimum of full-time ordained ministry postgraduation.
- Have at least one year in the context in which supervision takes place.
If you are laity, you must have relevant experience and position for Seminarian supervision.
PRIVILEGES
You have access to the following Seminary privileges during the academic year in which you actively supervise a Seminarian:
LIBRARY
You may check out up to ten books per four weeks from the Bishop Payne Library, with one renewal allowed and the standard overdue charge per book.
LUNCHEON
If you are on campus for supervisory business, you may eat lunch at the refectory up to once a week, compliments of the Seminary. A reservation must be made through the Contextual Ministry (CXM) Coordinator at least 2 business days in advance.
LIFELONG LEARNING CLASSES AND MASTERS LEVEL COURSES
This privilege does not cover cost of meals in the refectory, unless otherwise specified.
You are eligible for the following through the Lifelong Learning program:
- One tuition free evening Lifelong Learning class.
- Discounted rate on workshops and other programs offered by Lifelong Learning such As Prepare/Enrich.
- 20% discount on overnight accommodations when participating in Lifelong Learning events or classes.
Please contact the CXM Coordinator to verify eligibility. Upon verification, The CXM Dept. will inform the Lifelong Learning Department who will send instructions for registration and discount codes.
If you are currently supervising a Seminarian, you are eligible to take one regular masters
level course during that academic year:
- Tuition free, if audited through the Auditors Program
- With paid tuition for credit, with the permission of the professor.
- To register, please email the Registrar and copy the CXM Coordinator.
Lay Conveners
Community leaders who support the connection between seminarians and their ministry contexts. Lay conveners offer guidance, encouragement, and a lay perspective that enriches the formation journey.
Suggested Destination: Landing page introducing seminarians, supervisors, and lay conveners
Linked Section Text: Meet the people who bring the CXM Program to life. Whether you’re a prospective participant or a ministry partner, get to know the seminarians who are actively growing through field education, the supervisors who guide their learning, and the lay conveners who offer grounded, community-based wisdom and support.
Resources Hub (For Seminarians, Supervisors, Lay Conveners)
Essential Tools for Growth and Support
Direct visitors to tailored resources for each group.
Seminarians
Links to forms, guidelines, and reflection tools
Supervisors
Supervision guides, training materials, reporting templates
Lay Conveners
Support guides, communication tools, program expectations
Seminarian Forms:
Contact Information Form – Lay Support Team Convener
Lay support Team’s Evaluation of Seminarian
Sermon Response Form
End of the Year Evaluation of Lay Support Team’s Ministry
Listener Response to Reading Scripture in Worship
Supervisor Forms:
Application to Serve as CXM site
CXM Supervisor Evaluation – Spring Semester
FED Supervisor Evaluation – Form Z – PRXT 603
Three Year Addendum and Contextual Ministry Agreement
CXM Fall Semester Supervisor Evaluation – PRXT 600
FED Supervisor Evaluation – Form A
Lay Support Team Forms:
Contact Information Form – Lay Support Team Convener
Lay Support Team’s Evaluation of Seminarian
Sermon Response Form
End of Year Evaluation of Lay Support Team’s Ministry
Listener Response to Reading Scripture in Worship
Key Events & Celebrations
Marking Milestones and Building Connections
A brief introduction to the significance of CXM events with a small photo gallery.
CXM Fair
CXM Fair
The CXM Fair serves as the official launch of the site placement process. Supervisors from ministry sites across the region gather on campus to introduce their congregations or organizations and meet potential seminarians. This dynamic event helps students explore available placements, ask initial questions, and begin the process of discernment for where they might serve during the academic year.
CXM Interview Day
CXM Interview Day
Interview Day is the next key step in the site placement process. After the fair, students are invited to schedule formal interviews with supervisors whose sites they are seriously considering. These structured conversations provide an opportunity for mutual discernment as students and supervisors discuss ministry expectations, schedules, and fit.
Annual CXM Celebration
Annual CXM Celebration
Each spring, the Annual CXM Celebration brings together the entire CXM community including students, supervisors, lay conveners, and faculty. The event is centered on fellowship and appreciation, providing space to reflect on the work accomplished throughout the year and to give thanks for the shared commitment to formation.
CXM Fair:
- Saturday Aug. 23, 2025, 9am – 12noon
CXM Interview Day:
- Saturday Jan. 31, 2026, 9AM -1PM
- Wednesday Feb. 4, 2026, 6pm – 9pm
CXM Celebration:
- Friday April 24, 2026, 5:30pm -7pm