16 - FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2007 News Extra CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Major changes in ministry training announced By Peter Hamill Ministry, with curriculum focus on Scripture, theology he launch of the new and ministry. Programme for Ministry • Training focused on Tin the Church of Ireland equipping ministers for all took place last week at two aspects of the role of a full- ministry evaluation meetings, time minister. one held in Dublin, the other • Development of a new in Belfast. Over 400 people in site and centre for training. total attended the two meet- • Provision for families built ings. Archbishop Alan Harper, into the new site. who chaired the launch in There was great excitement Belfast, said: “There could at both events and all seemed hardly be a more exciting encouraged by these new time than this to be a mem- developments. It is hoped to ber of the Church of Ireland. advertise for the new Director This Programme for Ministry of the Theological Institute by is the beginning of a journey Final year ordinand at the Theological College, Clare the beginning of the summer into new thinking and new Ashbridge (left), with Carmen Hayes, an ordinand from Derry and the programme will com- life in the Church.” and Raphoe, at the ministry evaluation evening at Newlands mence in 2008. The Programme for Cross, Dublin. Bishop Michael Jackson, Ministry has been developed College. The project team Bishop-elect Alan Abernethy chair of the project team, over the last two years, fol- comprises Bishop Michael and Andrew McNeile (project commented: “The future lowing a major review of the Jackson (chair), Bishop Ken co-ordinator). shape of ministry for lay peo- Church of Ireland Theological Clarke, Bishop Richard Clarke, The key elements of the ple and clergy alike is excit- programme are as follows: ing for the Church of Ireland. • Initial training for minis- Those of us who have been try undertaken in one’s own involved in the Programme locality by distance learning. for Ministry project so far • A choice of a full-time or are encouraged by the wide- part-time route resulting in spread interest throughout equivalence of training and the Church.” qualification. (Further information and • Once qualified, a freedom developments will be posted to choose whether to serve in on the project website: www. a stipendiary or non-stipen- ministry.ie.) diary capacity. • Final year spent as an intern in a training parish, APPOINTMENT with academic reflection on The Revd Darren M. one’s work. McCallig, Curate-Assistant Tom and Elva Stevenson, Lisburn Cathedral, at the ministry • Bachelor of Theology to of Monkstown, to be Dean evaluation evening in the Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick. be replaced by a Masters in of Residence and Chaplain of Trinity College Dublin, both Diocese of Dublin, Bishops reflect on Church’s mission with effect from 13th August 2007. ne of the very helpful features of the elements: growth, unity and service. He added: Ministry Formation Project’s theologi- “As a Church, we need to focus on those core Ocal review was that it asked key ques- aspects of discipleship that will help us deal Ordering tions of the House of Bishops. One of those with the challenges of today - we need to the Gazette questions was: ‘What is the mission of the turn discipleship into apostleship. This is a For full details about Church of Ireland for which we are preparing most exhilarating time to be a member of the placing an order for ministers in which to serve?’ Church of Ireland. New initiatives and great The Church of Ireland Gazette The bishops spent a considerable time developments abound. In the forefront is the locally or by post or online reflecting on this issue. Last week, the review of training for ministry and a proposal (PDF format), simply Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Alan to create a Theological Institute, but many telephone our office at Harper, presented the results of this thinking other green shoots of new growth are to be 028 9267 5743 at the ministry evaluation evening in Belfast. found. (prefix 048 from the The bishops’ statement reads: The Church “Only this week, I was present at the launch Republic of Ireland; of Ireland, an authentic part of the universal of the strategic plan for the Church of Ireland 0044 28 from overseas). church of God, is called to develop growing Youth Department and the launch of USPG Office hours: Mon. - Fri., communities of faith, in and through which Ireland. This is a time for us to be encour- 9.00am - 1.00pm the kingdom of God is made known, and in aged and enthused, and I am filled with hope Outside office hours, which the whole people serve together as fol- already by the reception that the plans for new please leave your name and number on our answerphone lowers of Jesus Christ for the good of the world. structures for training clergy and laity have and we will call you back. Archbishop Harper focused on three key received at the two launch events.”.