Formation

Intentional Formation

Formation is part of everything we do at Duke. From coursework to worship to field education, we’re intentional about forming students for prophetic and transformative ministry as we cultivate—as one unified reality—a life of prayer, a life of study, and a life of service.

Formational Programs

First-year students meet in small spiritual formation groups led by local pastors to reflect theologically on the nature of Christian discipleship, share concerns, and pray together. Advanced spiritual formation groups are also available for students in some certificate programs.

For students interested in lay or ordained ministry, we offer ministerial formation programs, including Commissioning and Full Connection seminars, Mentoring for Ministry programs, and denominational houses of study that provide opportunities to discern vocational calling, learn from experienced ministers, strengthen leadership skills, practice spiritual reflection, and gain practical knowledge.

In addition, many of our initiatives support student formation:

The Center for Reconciliation aims to form students into transformative Christian leaders who are equipped for the mission of reconciliation.
The Center for Studies in the Wesleyan Tradition supports a variety of offerings in Methodist and Wesleyan formation.
Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts encourages student to explore the intersection of the arts and ministry.
The Theology, Medicine, and Culture initiative creates opportunities for students to consider practices of healthcare in light of Christian tradition and practices.
The Thriving Rural Communities initiative supports the development of leaders for the rural church.

Real-World Experience in Ministry

Paid Internships

We build paid field education internships into our three-year residential M.Div. program, so students receive practical experience and training as a complement to work done in the classroom.

Formational and Denominational Support

Houses of Study

Our houses of study help prepare you for service—and ordination—in the communities and denominations in which you’ll serve. They include the Baptist House of Studies, Anglican Episcopal House of Studies, Office of Black Church Studies, Methodist House, Presbyterian/Reformed House of Studies, Asian House of Studies, and Hispanic House of Studies.

Nourishing a Life of Prayer and Discipleship

Worship Life

Services of preaching, music, Eucharist, and prayer are at the center of our community life as we gather for corporate worship eleven times each week during the academic year.

Discerning Your Call

Cultivating Your Spiritual Gifts

Our formational programs are designed to help you discern your call into ministry, in whatever form that takes for you. At Duke Divinity School, we attend to the discipleship of our students and create space for your spiritual gifts to flourish.

Friendship House

Residential Ministerial Formation

Friendship House is a residential ministerial formation program in which Duke Divinity School students and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live together in community. Three students share a four-bedroom apartment with one person with a disability. The program offers a unique opportunity to grow into one’s calling authentically, with integrity and deep faithfulness.

Student Sermons

The Art of Preaching

Student sermons are an important part of ministerial training at the Divinity School. Student Joseph Robbins M.Div.’18 preaches at a service for incoming students.