Practicum Program — Safe, Christ-Centered Care Formation
What This Program Is About
Practicum is not a checklist. It is the systematic observation, reflection, supervision, and formation of a person learning to care for others in the name of Jesus. Every hour tracked, every activity logged, and every supervisor signature represents a commitment to Christ-centered, accountable, safe ministry.
Formation Over Credentials
Practicum is about becoming a person of wisdom, humility, and care—not just accumulating hours.
Safety & Accountability
Every activity is supervised, documented, and approved by trained staff to protect students and those they serve.
Christ-Centered Care
All practicum activities are grounded in Scripture, prayer, and the Gospel, not technique or advice-giving alone.
For Students: What Practicum Means
Structured Learning
Practicum is not informal shadowing. It is systematic care work with clear categories, documented hours, supervisor feedback, and ongoing formation.
Honest Reflection
You are invited to honestly reflect on what you are learning, where you are struggling, how you are being formed, and what you need from your supervisor.
Supervision & Correction
Your supervisor is not your cheerleader alone—they are your teacher. They will affirm, challenge, correct, and guide you toward wisdom and integrity.
Accountability
Every activity is logged, reviewed, and approved. This protects you, protects those you serve, and honors the trust placed in you.
Confidentiality
Student practicum information is private. Only authorized supervisors and RHM staff have access to your logs, feedback, and approval status.
For Supervisors & Field Directors: Your Role
Observer & Assessor
- Review all student practicum logs
- Assess alignment with program outcomes
- Identify growth areas and struggles
- Provide written feedback
Mentor & Guide
- Meet regularly with your supervisee
- Ask clarifying questions
- Challenge and affirm growth
- Provide pastoral and practical guidance
Gatekeeper & Approver
- Review and electronically sign each activity
- Approve hours only when confident
- Reject or request revision when needed
- Ensure integrity and safety
Protector
- Protect student confidentiality
- Identify red flags early
- Report concerns to leadership
- Ensure safe care practices
Supervisor Responsibility
As a supervisor, you are a gatekeeper. Your electronic signature on a practicum approval means you have personally reviewed that activity, assessed it, and affirmed its quality. Do not approve hours you have not observed or thoroughly discussed. Your integrity protects the student, the ministry, and Christ's witness.
How This Program Keeps Students & Clients Safe
Why We Do This — The Theological Why
"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." — Matthew 10:39
Practicum is an invitation to lose yourself in service. Not to perform or impress. Not to accumulate credentials. But to become small, humble, and useful in the hands of Christ. Every hour tracked, every supervisor meeting, every moment of doubt and growth is an opportunity to lay down your own agenda and be formed by the Spirit into someone who truly loves others the way Jesus does.
We Believe in Humble Formation
The goal is not to produce confident counselors. The goal is to produce humble servants who know their limits, trust God, and seek wisdom from others.
We Believe in Accountability
In the Kingdom, we answer to one another. Practicum creates structures of mutual accountability that keep us honest, safe, and growing.
We Believe in Slow Transformation
Real formation takes time. We do not rush students through practicum. We slow down, observe, reflect, and let the Spirit work.
We Believe Supervision is Biblical
Moses had Aaron. Paul had Barnabas. Jesus sent disciples out two-by-two. Supervision is not a weakness—it is biblical wisdom.
Staff Resources
Supervisor Training Guide
Learn how to use the practicum tracking system, approve hours, and provide feedback to students.
Supervisor Expectations
Clear standards for observation, feedback, approval, and reporting within the practicum program.
Confidentiality Policy
Guidelines for protecting student practicum information and maintaining privacy.
Questions About the Program?
Contact the RHM Director of Practicum or your assigned supervisor. We are here to support your formation and ensure a safe, Christ-centered learning environment.
