Supervised Ministry and Vocational Planning

Integrating Theory and Practice in Contextual Learning

Supervised ministry is a vital part of theological education during which students are given the opportunity to integrate theory and the practice of ministry, explore vocation, experience leadership in the church and the world, and develop ministerial identity and competencies.

Internship Basics

Supervised Ministry

Supervisor Guidelines

Supervisor and Mentor Guidelines

CPE

Clinical Pastoral Education

Internship Sites

Internship Sites

Ministry Opportunities

Ministry Openings and Residencies

Vocational Planning

Vocational Planning

Calendar

Super Ministry Calendar

Forms

Forms

Upcoming Deadlines

May. 15
Thursday
Richmond--Fall/Spring Internship Forms Due
May. 20
Tuesday
Online - First Call, First Steps, 4:30 PM
May. 27
Tuesday
Virtual workshop - resume writing / Personal Discernment Form, 4:30-6:00 pm ET
Jun. 1
Sunday
Happy Summer!

See Full Calendar

Contacts

Charlotte Campus

Sung Hee Chang

Associate Professor of Supervised Ministry and Director of Supervised Ministry & Vocational Planning

schang@upsem.edu

980-636-1681

Richmond Campus

Dorothee E. Tripodi

Assistant Professor of Supervised Ministry and Director of Supervised Ministry & Vocational Planning

dtripodi@upsem.edu

804-278-4220

Explore SMVPO Forms

Learn More

Final call for the 2025 Sprunt Lectures. From May

Final call for the 2025 Sprunt Lectures. From May 6–8, our Richmond campus will host a powerful week of learning, worship, and community for pastors, alumni, students, and friends of the seminary.

This year’s lineup includes Miguel De La Torre, David LaMotte, and other thought-provoking leaders who will challenge and inspire.

Registration closes April 28. Don’t wait! Secure your spot now at our link in bio.

#UPSeminary #Sprunt25

Thanksgiving for the Life and Legacy of Pope Franc

Thanksgiving for the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

With deep respect and solemn gratitude, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis—servant of Christ, shepherd of compassion, and tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. His witness to the Gospel was marked not by grandeur but
by humility; not by power, but by love. In a world often torn by division, he reminded us that mercy is at the heart of God’s mission.

Pope Francis embodied a faith that listens, weeps, and walks with others. His prophetic call to care for creation and to lift the voices of the vulnerable will echo through generations.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” —Matthew 5:9

We give thanks for his life and legacy. May he rest now in the eternal embrace of the One he so faithfully followed.

— Dr. Jacqueline E. Lapsley, President
Union Presbyterian Seminary

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Mel in action

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Mel in action this Easter! During Children’s Time at Welborne UMC (Tuckahoe), Mel read The Monster at the End of This Book and helped kids connect Grover’s fear to Mary Magdalene’s worry when she found the empty tomb. A beautiful reminder that even when things seem scary or uncertain, resurrection hope is just around the corner.

Many other Union students and faculty were also in action this Easter—preaching, leading worship, and serving their communities across the country.

#UPSeminary @welborneumc

Sprunt isn’t just lectures—it’s a space to r

Sprunt isn’t just lectures—it’s a space to reconnect, reflect, and move together.

This year’s breakout groups feature Union’s world-class faculty like Melanie Jones Quarles, Frances Taylor Gench, Alphonso Saville, Josh Morris, Becky Davis, and Karen-Marie Yust, leading sessions that inspire and challenge.

You can also join the reUnion Choir, singing at both opening and closing worship, and made up of students, alums, faculty, staff, and friends. Prefer movement? There’ll be groups for walkers, runners, yogis, and more.

Come for the lectures. Stay for the community. Register now at the link in bio.

#UPSeminary #Sprunt25

Blessings from Union Presbyterian Seminary on this

Blessings from Union Presbyterian Seminary on this Easter! ✝

#UPSeminary

#UPSeminary President Jacqueline “Jacq” Lapsle

#UPSeminary President Jacqueline “Jacq” Lapsley preached at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on April 6, offering a powerful word to the congregation.

She was joined by Rev. Lee Hunter (MDiv ’23), pastoral resident, and Rev. Dr. Christopher Edmonston (MDiv ’99), senior pastor and our board chair!

We're grateful to see Union’s leadership and alumni actively serving across the church.

@whitememorialnc

Union Presbyterian Seminary mourns the passing of

Union Presbyterian Seminary mourns the passing of the Rev. Dr. Brian Albert Gerrish (1931–2025), Distinguished Service Professor of Theology, who died peacefully in Mechanicsville, VA, on April 14 at age 93.

A brilliant scholar, gifted teacher, and retired minister of the PC(USA), Dr. Gerrish shaped generations through his ministry and theological work. He taught for over three decades at the University of Chicago before joining Union, where he continued to mentor with wisdom and grace.

President Jacq Lapsley shared: “How grateful we are to God for the impact Professor Gerrish had on so many lives at Union and elsewhere, for his life, and for his witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We give thanks for his legacy.

Details regarding a memorial service will be announced in due course.

A few Union Presbyterian Seminary faculty, staff,

A few Union Presbyterian Seminary faculty, staff, and students recently swung out some of their end-of-semester stress at TopGolf! Shoutout to Dr. Sam Adams (3rd from the left) for organizing the outing on the community FB page.

#UPSeminary