The National Ordained Ministry Information Pack
National Ordained Ministry Information Pack
Includes
- Flowchart of the National Assessment Process
- Foundation Theological Study Requirements
- Application for National Ordained Ministry
- NZ Police Vetting Service Form
- National Ordained Ministry Internship Requirements Statement
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What is National Ordained Ministry?
Ordained ministers of word and sacrament have, following the Presbyterian tradition, been known as “ministers”, and as “ministers of word and sacrament” and as “teaching elders”. 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. Those who are trained for National Ordained Ministry are eligible to receive a call from any PCANZ or Co–operating Venture church or ministry context anywhere in the country.
Discerning Your Call to National 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.
Your call will need to be discerned and affirmed by your Presbytery, and the National Assessment Workgroup, for you to engage with the training and formation for ordination.
What study and training is required?
You will first need either a Bachelor of Theology or a Graduate Diploma in Theology from one of our approved training providers: Otago University, Laidlaw College, Carey Baptist College, or Pacific Theological College (Suva). Once your sense of call has been affirmed by the National Assessment Workgroup, you will be a “Foundation Studies Student” and your study is referred to as “Foundation Studies.”
(If you study for a graduate diploma, you will need to study several extra subjects in addition to the graduate diploma to fulfil PCANZ requirements.)
After you have graduated with your theology qualification, you will enter the two–year internship programme. Your status will change from “Foundation Studies Student” to “National Ordained Ministry Intern.” You will be placed in a church and be involved in ministry and mission in that context. Three times a year you will attend a residential block course at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership. Each block course is at least two weeks in duration. You will have assignments, projects, and events to attend to as part of your training and formation.
How to Apply for National Ordained Ministry
The key people to talk with are your minister and your Presbytery Candidate Convenor. They will guide you through the process. Download the “National Ordained Ministry Information Pack” which includes the application forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PCANZ has specified particular subject areas your theology qualification needs to include. These include biblical studies, Christian thought and church history, ministry in church and society, and Te Ao Māori. 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.