Interfaith Ministry Program
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm working full time. Am I going to have time for this?
The Interfaith Ministry program is designed for adult learners with other full-time commitments. If students find they need or want more time, they may choose to extend the program to a third year.
Am I required to be ordained?
Ordination is not required. A student may elect to graduate only. Our history tells us most students elect to be ordained, but students have until January of their second year to make that decision.
What will be my title if I am ordained?
You may call yourself Reverend, a term shared by Interfaith, Buddhist and Christian traditions. Some graduates use no title, while others refer to themselves as Community Ministers or Community Chaplains. The common denominator is service to individuals and communities.
How much time will I spend in class?
Classes meet one night a week for three hours from September - June. Vacation weeks in November, December, February and April follow the Maine public school calendar.
How are the workshops structured?
Students complete 2 workshops per month, either in-person or online. In-person workshops are typically held within 20 minutes of Portland, Maine the first weekend of the month and run from 9:30-4:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Online workshops are asynchronous self-paced modules that are available for two weeks so that the 6 hours of content per workshop can be completed according to each student’s needs.
Are the in-person and online cohorts the same?
Yes and no.
Yes.
Each delivery model of ChIME’s Interfaith Ministry program combines an intimate cohort community, a diversity of facilitators, and experiential curriculum delivery. Students engaging in any cohort model will will enjoy a deep sense of spiritual community, created by the strong personal relationships built over the course of the program.
No.
Cohort models differ in delivery method. When deciding which cohort will best serve them, prospective students are encouraged to consider proximity, access to technology, and their preferred learning style. The in-person cohort requires travel to/from ChIME weekly for classes. The online cohort allows weekly class attendance on Zoom. Students from either cohort can engage monthly workshops asynchronously online or they may attend workshops in person for a blended program experience.
What role do the expressive arts play?
Expressive arts are used both as vehicles to connect to and express the Divine and also as tools for assisting others to express their connection to Spirit. Explorations of music, visual art, writing, and improv, etc. are offered throughout the two years.
What types of support do you offer students?
Each student is assigned a Spiritual Companion who has a connection to ChIME (faculty, graduates, facilitators), and with whom they meet monthly. A Faculty Advisor supports each student in balancing all aspects of the program and paying attention to how it informs and is informed by other aspects of their lives. Students also identify a Spiritual Mentor of their own choosing with whom they meet four times a year.
Are there any scholarship funds available?
The Community Supported Tuition structure invites all students to select the tuition level that meets their ability to pay. Financial documentation is not required at any level. Additionally, students can set up a payment plan to spread tuition payments over the academic year. Prior year tuition must be fully paid before the student moves onto the next year or completes the program.
What are the expectations regarding practical experience?
Each student is required to complete 150 hours of community service during the first year and 150 hours in an internship during the second year. Students are encouraged to be creative in their selection of volunteer opportunities, stretching out of their comfort zones and into their communities. When requested, ChIME faculty and staff can assist in finding opportunities and making connections.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact Lisa Steele-Maley, Dean, at lisa@chimeofmaine.org.