Lesson 1
Academy of Iambe
IAM-390 — Celebrant Practicum
Prescribed course of study in celebrant practicum.
| Minimum time | 8 supervised practicum hours; actual time may be substantially greater |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | All taught courses completed or concurrent with approval |
| Purpose | To demonstrate competent religious leadership in real or realistically simulated Church settings before ordination. |
Practicum Requirements
Attend at least six Gatherings of the Returning Smile as a participant or candidate observer.
Assist with at least two Gatherings in a defined role such as Reader, moderator, technical host, hospitality lead, or Offering-of-the-Jest facilitator.
Prepare and lead at least two original Iambist talks. At least one should occur within a complete Gathering led substantially by the candidate.
Complete at least one supervised ritual exercise: First Cup, Mending of the Cup, Last Toast, Joining of Cups, First Welcome, or Receiving-of-the-Lamp simulation as appropriate.
Complete one pastoral listening role-play or supervised interaction with documented boundaries.
Complete one governance/stewardship scenario involving an expense, conflict, compensation, asset, or Perpetual Feast decision.
Submit the Practicum Portfolio and receive supervisor sign-off.
Lessons
Lesson 2
Practicum Stage 2 — Assist Two Gatherings
Lesson 3
Practicum Stage 3 — Lead Two Original Talks
Lesson 4
Practicum Stage 4 — Lead a Complete Gathering
Lesson 5
Practicum Stage 5 — Ritual Demonstration
Lesson 6
Practicum Stage 6 — Pastoral Boundary Demonstration
Lesson 7
Practicum Stage 7 — Stewardship Scenario
Supervisor Rubric
| Domain | Meets Standard | Needs Revision | Does Not Meet Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctrine | Accurate; source boundaries maintained. | Minor confusion correctable through coaching. | Materially misrepresents doctrine/history after correction. |
| Liturgy | Confident, coherent, adaptable. | Sequence or transitions need practice. | Cannot lead a recognizable safe Gathering. |
| Humor ethics | Consent/power/context considered. | Misses some risks but responds to coaching. | Uses coercive, harassing, or cruel humor without insight. |
| Pastoral boundaries | Listens, respects limits, refers appropriately. | Needs stronger boundary language. | Practices beyond competence or mishandles serious risk. |
| Hospitality | Welcoming, inclusive, non-coercive. | Some barriers overlooked. | Repeatedly excludes or pressures participants. |
| Stewardship | Understands Church ownership, controls, documentation. | Needs additional policy practice. | Treats Church assets as personal or ignores conflicts. |
| Leadership | Prepared, calm, accountable, open to correction. | Inconsistent preparation or defensiveness. | Abuses authority or rejects supervision. |
| Records | Accurate and timely. | Incomplete but repairable. | Fabricates, materially embellishes, or refuses required records. |
Practicum Portfolio
Six Gathering observation logs.
Two assistance-role sign-offs.
Two Original Talk manuscripts/outlines plus recordings or supervisor notes where available.
One complete Gathering packet and post-service record.
One ritual demonstration evaluation.
One pastoral-boundary evaluation.
One stewardship scenario response.
Candidate reflection: 1,000–1,500 words on readiness, limitations, and continuing formation goals.
Supervisor recommendation: Ready for Ordination Examination / Additional Formation Required / Candidacy Should End.