Each threshold corresponds to the traditional disciplines and fields of religious study at the Graduate Theological Union (noted in bold, and in historically Christian language).
Starr King faculty created a series of learning outcomes for each threshold. These learning outcomes are used to support and document students’ progress in each threshold area.
Understanding the Thresholds
At Starr King School for the Ministry, our overall goal is to help each person prepare for religious leadership, within a multi-religious and counter-oppressive context. Towards that end, students will develop competency in each of the eight threshold areas described below.
Students will consult and work with their advisors to ensure they meet these learning outcomes. In their first semester, they will conduct a Threshold Review with their advisor to identify areas where they already have some experience and those that will require more of their attention. In their second year, students will work with their advisor as they write an in-depth Threshold Assessment that reflects their work to date in each of the threshold areas. This assessment will become an essential part of their Portfolio Conference and Packet. In their final year, students will prepare a Final Threshold Assessment – again in conversation with their advisor – as part of their Petition to Graduate.
The Offices of Pastor, Chaplain, and/or Spiritual Activist
Students will develop leadership skills in their faith community and/or in interfaith settings. Work in this threshold may include courses in Cultural and Historical Studies of Religions, Ritual Studies (Liturgical Studies), Functional and Pastoral Theology, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold students will:
The Offices of Prophet & Social Change Agent
Students will learn to assess and respond to injustice and complex ethical issues in their communities and the world, while recognizing their own social locations and/or privileges. Work in this threshold may include courses in Ethics and Social Theory, Religion and Society, Religious Leadership for Social Change, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Preacher and Spiritual Activist
Students will learn to use the sacred texts of the communities they serve in their speaking, writing, art and activism. They will also develop interpretations of sacred texts that are multi-religious and counter-oppressive. This threshold may include courses in Cultural and Historical Studies of Religions, Media Skills, Biblical Studies, Biblical Languages, Homiletics, Preaching, Sacred Texts, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Scholar and Activist
Students will learn to articulate their thea/ology and call to ministry. They will research and connect the histories of dissenting traditions to current events. This threshold may include courses in History, Church History, Media Skills, Storytelling, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Pastor, Chaplain & Spiritual Director
Students will develop skills for tending to the spiritual needs of the communities they serve. They will also develop and/or deepen a spiritual practice of their own. This threshold may include courses in Religion and Psychology, Spirituality, Pastoral Care, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Practice, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Theologian, Scholar & Activist
Students will learn to articulate the thea/ological foundations of their ministry and call to religious leadership and/or spiritual activism. This threshold may include courses in Systematic and Philosophical Theology, Cultural and Historical Studies of Religions, Social Theory, Religion and Society, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Teacher, Educator, Facilitator
Students will develop skills and resources for facilitating the learning, growth and transformation of the people and communities they serve. This threshold may include courses in Theology and Education, Organizational Development, Conflict Transformation, Religious Education, Human Development, Field Work and Internships. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
The Offices of Liturgist & Artist
Students will learn to employ the arts in a variety of ways in their ministries and will develop and/or deepen a creative practice of their own. They will also learn to recognize cultural misappropriation and ways of avoiding and/or countering it. This threshold may include courses in Liturgical Studies, Art and Religion, Spirituality, Field Work and Internships, and specific artistic disciplines. To meet the learning outcomes for this threshold, students will:
It is not unusual to find yourself feeling overwhelmed at times. Your advisor will be there to support you as you plan your academic and vocational program. Starr King, as you will see, uses the language of “thresholds” and “portals” to ground students’ learning experiences. The thresholds point you to the breadth and depth of work that is expected of you. But you – in conversation with your advisor – will explore how, when and where you best do that work. The portals describe in a general way the issues you and your advisor will address each year and when certain key tasks (e.g., your threshold assessment) need to be completed.
While each student’s path through Starr King will be unique, the portals provide a common structure through which all students will pass. These portals and their associated tasks (including some threshold learning outcomes) are as follows:
Portal One: Exploring
Portal Two: Deepening
Portal Three: Going Forth
Tasks marked with an asterisk (*) are required at specific times in a student’s journey through Starr King. Tasks marked with two asterisks (**) require student registration for the semester in which the task will be completed. Be sure to communicate with your advisor as to the best time to complete the required tasks.