The Local Ordained Ministry Information Pack
Local Ordained Ministry Information Pack
Includes
- Flowchart of the Local Ordained Ministry process
- Local Ordained Ministry Handbook
- Local Ordained Ministry Application Form
- Local Ordained Ministry Foundation Theological Study Requirements
- NZ Police Vetting Service Form
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What is Local Ordained Ministry?
Local ordained ministers (LOMs) are ministers of word and sacrament ordained by a presbytery for ministry in a particular parish, ministry context, or chaplaincy ministry. Ministers are responsible for preaching and teaching the Word and administering the sacraments. In this tradition, the minister is understood as the guardian of the Gospel and along with the elders is concerned with the spiritual rule and pastoral oversight of congregations, leadership in mission and the government of the Church through its courts.
As a Local Ordained Minister, you are trained in the ministry context in which you will be ordained. If you discern a call to another ministry setting, you will engage in a process which assesses your sense of call and any further training that may be required.
Identifying Your Call to Local Ordained Ministry
As seen in Scripture and church history, God consistently calls people into specific areas of vocational ministry and service. The way in which a person becomes aware of such a call is enormously varied. Yet, the way that call is discerned and tested relies on involvement within our community of faith. Specifically, this includes friends and family, your church, your minister and church elders.
There are four ways in which someone might respond to a call to Local Ordained Ministry:
- A Ministry Settlement Board discerns a particular person is suitable for Local Ordained Ministry
- A person within a congregation discerns a call to Local Ordained Ministry and approaches the Ministry Settlement Board
- A person might discern a call to Local Ordained Ministry and, with the support of their Church Council, approaches the Presbytery for any opportunities within the Presbytery
- A Presbytery might identify another ministry context where Local Ordained Ministry is possible, and that ministry context oversight body engages in a discernment process.
Your call will need to be discerned and affirmed by your Presbytery with advice from the National Assessment Workgroup.
If your call is affirmed at the Presbytery assessment, you will be a Local Ordained Ministry Probationer for the duration of your training and formation.
Foundation Theological Studies - Requirements for Local Ordained Ministry
You will need to study at least a Diploma in Christian Studies through one of the PCANZ’s approved training providers: Otago University, Laidlaw College, Carey Baptist College, or Pacific Theological College. This qualification has set subjects. The PCANZ Foundation Theological Studies requirements include biblical studies, Christian thought and church history, ministry in church and society, and Te Ao Māori. We may need you to study a few more subjects in addition to the Diploma in Chrisitan Studies to satisfy PCANZ requirements.
During your study, it is essential that you stay in contact with the Dean of Studies at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership to ensure you select the correct subjects.
How to Apply for Local Ordained Ministry
The key person to talk with is your Presbytery Candidate Convenor. Depending on what ministry context you are feeling called to, you will need to talk to your minister, Ministry Settlement Board, or Presbytery.
Download the “Local Ordained Ministry Information Pack” which includes the application forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum academic study required is a Diploma in Christian Studies.
If you have a degree in a non–theological discipline, you will be encouraged to study a Graduate Diploma in Theology.
To ensure that all PCANZ subject requirements are attended to, there may be extra subjects required.
Your qualification needs to be studied through one of the PCANZ approved training providers: Otago University, Laidlaw College, Carey Baptist College, or Pacific Theological College.
