Ministry Skills Program
Introduction
Commencing in 2006 the B.D. (& B.Th.) includes one compulsory unit relating to ministry skills in each year of the course. This stream aims to facilitate integration of theological study with reflection on practical and pastoral matters and to meet the various vocational and denominational needs of students. As a result the Diploma of Ministry (Dip. Min.), formerly offered as a co-requisite of the B.D. (& B.Th.) will no longer be offered.
Rationale of Program
The practise of congregational ministry must be shaped by theology and the Bible. It involves living and nurturing the life of faith in the pastor, individuals, groups and congregations. It is achieved by promoting faithfulness in life and doctrine.
The Congregational Ministry stream is designed to stimulate theological reflection in all areas of practical ministry, and to improve competency in pastoral relationships. It is a four year program with each year building on previous insights at both a deeper level and wider relational setting. Through the course the ability to preach publicly is developed, competency in personal, small group and congregational relationships sharpened, and growth in personal holiness facilitated. Student are introduced to key concepts in learning, teaching and communication to help them begin to apply these to their ministry practice
This program forms the connections between, and supports the benefits derived from, theological reflection during the course, the experience of congregational involvement as part of College chapel and ministry opportunities arising from student ministry positions.
Transition arrangements
The arrangements for students part way through the Dip. Min. are detailed in the following paragraphs.
For students in Year 4 in 2006:
- Those who satisfied the requirements for 15 Dip. Min. points by the end of 2005 were able to treat enrolment in CM301 as optional in 2006 AND may treat enrolment in CM401 as optional in 2007. Note: For Ordination Candidates in the Diocese of Sydney, if Ordained Anglican Ministry is NOT included in the completed 15 Dip. Min. points then that element of CM401 is compulsory;
- Those who satisfied the requirements for 10 or more Dip. Min. points by the end of 2005 AND satisfied the requirements for CM301 in 2006 and CM401 in 2007 will be awarded the Dip. Min. IF they qualify for the award of B.D. at the end of 2007;
For Students in Years 3 in 2007
For students in Years 3 in 2007, the Dip. Min is no longer available and the Dip. Min. points they have acquired prior to 2006 substitute for meeting the requirements for CM101.
For Students in Years 1 and 2 in 2007
For students in Years 1 and 2 in 2007, the Dip. Min is no longer available.