Developing the ministry pathway

"The pressing need of out day is for the development of Christian leaders." Bruce Meller - Superintendent, Ministry and Mission

The current state

In 2008, 14 Presbyterian congregations were looking for ordained ministers and had the resources to pay them. A further 17 congregations were looking for part-time home missionaries. And a larger number of opportunities existed for people to work as full or part-time assistants to their ministers.

In 2008, 8 students graduated from the PTC to take up pastoral ministry. Other people were engaged for other ministries. The PTC is training and equipping leaders, but how are we recruiting them in our local churches?

The Church needs more workers. It needs to recruit them. It needs to train them. And it needs to retain them. In increasing numbers.

This is a big enough challenge at any time, but it is made more difficult by the lack of a clear pathway in ministry and a clear programme of training. For the lack of these things, many potential Presbyterian leaders are accepting opportunities in other churches.

We need to offer the next generation a vision for service and equipping for that service.

The new crop

Our church does not lack people who are keen to serve. Young and old, they are currently seeking to be equipped
to lead through God’s strength. By God’s spirit, growth is still vibrant, strong and sustained.

Presbyterian Youth (PY) camps have doubled over three years to see more than 600 young people and leaders participating annually – 1000 are projected within five years. Those completing PY’s Young Leaders Training and Internship Program have more than doubled over five years – seeing 25 leaders graduate this year.

Café Theologica, a partnership of the PTC and PY to provide a Certificate in Theology, is growing - offering online, flexible, easy-listening training by distance.

More people want to do practical, pre-college, apprenticeship-style training in their local churches through the METRO (Ministry Equipping Training and Recruiting Organisation) scheme - however funding is limited.

Things are happening. People are keen to train, serve and build local churches.

A new training option

The distance Diploma in Theology is a strong step forward, offering strategic, accredited training for local leaders who are serious about being equipped.

It delivers flexible training options to people in local churches, enabling them to stay in their hometown and balance family, work, ministry and study.

METRO trainees, home missionaries, youth workers, early retirees, women’s workers, children’s workers, SRE teachers – all can be equipped where they are.

Austudy approved, the distance Diploma in Theology is accredited, transferable training, completed full or part-time over two to three years.

Diploma studies with credit average can count towards a theology degree for those who choose to go on to further study.

Making it happen

Can we show leadership now, and provide for the next generation of local leaders?

$500, 000 over three years is required.

By God’s grace, we can make it happen.

Tax deductible donations towards the SRE component of the distance Diploma - including work done towards building and strengthening leaders in schools ministry - frees PY’s finances to be used developing other elements of the distance Diploma.

We want to deliver flexible training options and an accredited strategic ministry pathway - which builds healthy leaders and healthy churches, across the state.

Can we see all of God’s church growing in Christ?

This is your invitation to be involved, building for the next generation.

Enabling local churches to develop local leaders.