Exploring Ordained Stipendiary Ministry in the Diocese
Ordained ministry is one of the most challenging yet rewarding and exciting vocations in modern society. We welcome inquiries from those exploring a calling to missional leadership in the Anglican Church. Our desire is to select appropriate candidates and prepare them for dynamic ministry in a changing world. Once selected, candidates undergo a mix of theological and practical preparation as outlined below.
Candidates for stipendiary ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle generally undertake a three year Bachelor of Theology degree at the University of Newcastle. Click here for more details.
Integrating the study of theology within a university setting allows students to develop theological perspectives in the context of a broad learning environment. During your three years you will study courses in theology and religious studies, and the program is well-integrated with a broad range of liberal arts courses. Accreditation for previous theological study may be obtained. As an accredited university program students are eligible for HECS while studying theology at Newcastle university.
The Diocese of Newcastle is committed to a baptismal ecclesiology in which every committed Christian is encouraged to discern their gifts and use them for God within the church and the world. This takes a specific expressing in a way of being church called Ministering Communities in Mission.
The formation program builds on this ecclesiology and offers practical ministry related training in such areas as practical mission, preaching, pastoral care and liturgy. Over the three years students attend a formation program each Thursday during university terms. They are prepared to be energetic and visionary leaders able to work with both existing parishes and also in fresh expressions of church so that they have a wide range of skills upon graduating.
Ordinands are also placed in parishes around the diocese of Newcastle for ministry experience . There are three types of placements throughout the program. The first six months is spent Exploring Sunday Ministry; visiting a number of parish ministries across the Diocese of Newcastle to experience the diversity of Sunday worship.
The next year entails Growing in Sunday Ministry where Ordinands are placed in a parish to gain experience preaching, leading worship and in pastoral ministries. The final 18 months is spent in Ministry in Mission where in addition to Sunday ministry the Ordinand will be involved in a fresh expressions of church or other missional activities in the parish.
Newcastle Diocese also offers training in Ordained Pioneer Ministry. Ordained Pioneer ministers have a calling to pioneer Fresh Expressions of Church or to plant congregations in new areas.
Candidates for Ordained Pioneer Ministry share some parts of the theological education and formation program with other candidates for ordination but also receive specific training in mission and Fresh Expressions ministry. The parish placements for Pioneer Ministry Candidates are specifically geared towards Fresh Expressions of Church.
Financial assistance and supported accommodation is available for students training in the diocese.
If you believe that God is calling you to ordained ministry and would like to explore that calling in the Newcastle diocese then please email the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, the Reverend John Power to express your interest.