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CERTIFICATE IN
THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY |
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| For some time now the Diocese of Willochra has been using
the Trinity Certificate in Theology
and Ministry material so that people in parishes and ministry districts
can grown in faith and enhance their
understanding of Scripture,
Theology and Ministry. The
Diocese of Lichfield Board of Ministry developed the material in
collaboration with the members of the
Local Ministry Scheme. The
material used in Australia
has been edited and contextualized
by staff of Trinity College
Theological School in
Melbourne. Several study groups in the Diocese of Willochra
have completed the course, and others are in progress.
Diocese
of Willochra Anglican
Church of Australia
2005 |
“The
studies have been a highlight of my spiritual journey”.
“I
haven’t done any study since I left school, but the group approach
made it easy for me. I’ve even attempted some essays”.
“I
was so inspired that that I researched eagles in the library and
designed my own tapestry and did that as my creative assignment”.
“The
group decided to do some research in the congregation and then we
designed a quiet time before the morning service. Our priest was happy
to co-operate and most people appreciated what we were training to
do”.
“I
really look forward to our group. We have become so supportive of each
other. I wish other people in the congregation could have the same
experience”.
“Some
of the reading really challenged me to think about what I really
believe”. |
Diocese
of Willochra
Trinity
College
Certificate in Theology and Ministry
For
a learning community |
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Getting
started |
| People
in a local area form a group and agree
on the meeting place and time. For example one group meets every
fortnight during school terms from 5.30-7.30. They take
turns to provide a simple meal to eat as they work. When circumstances
prevent meeting for some time e.g illness or holidays
of group members, they will suspend the study till they can get
back to a regular
pattern. Local arrangements can be
very flexible, however a group wishing to
work quickly can cover the material in two
years. |
| It
is best if the group has a designated leader.
It might be the District Priest or Parish
Priest. However, one group meets without
anyone trained in theology but invites
the Ministry Development Officer to one meeting a unit to ask
questions, discuss
difficulties, and talk over the approach to take to the assignments. |
| There
needs to be a contact person who arranges, through the Ministry Development
Officer, for materials to be posted from
Trinity College. The account will be sent
to the MDO who will then forward an
account to the group, less the diocesan discount of $ 10.00 per
person per unit. |
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Six
units |
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| There
are six units of study, most of which have
eight sessions. Some groups have found some
sessions so interesting that they have discussed them over several
meetings. |
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The
six units are: |
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| 1.
Experiencing Faith |
2. Understanding
the Old Testament |
3. Understanding
the New Testament |
| 4. The
Story of the Church |
5. This
We Believe |
6. Serving
Christ Today |
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Home
preparation |
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| Students
read the session at home and do some preliminary thinking about the
subject. |
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Group
meeting |
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| The
group meets to follow a process which involves
sharing experiences, discussing faith and
learning together. Ideas for further reading are
suggested. |
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Audit |
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| You
can take the course by audit which means that
you do not do any assignments.
If complete
the course you will receive a Certificate of
Recognition from the Bishop. |
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Assessment |
| There
are several assessment options: academic essay, informal essays, group
activities, creative work. The assessment is not marked, but
it is sent to the MDO for comment. Those who complete the six
assignments will be
awarded the Trinity Certificate in Theology
and Ministry. If
students would like to study
further they can do three more units for an Advanced Certificate or
transfer to the Diploma in Ministry course online with Trinity College. |
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Fees |
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Each
unit costs $40.00 plus postage. The Diocese
subsidises each unit by $10.00. |
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Support |
| The
Ministry Development Officer is happy to come
to you to explain the program and to get
you started. She's just a phone call away for
ongoing support. |
|
Dorothy
Thorpe |
PO
Box 96 |
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Gladstone
SA 5473 |
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Phone:
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(08)
8662 2249 (office) |
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(08)
8632
2310
(home) |
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Email: |
ministrydevelopment@diowillochra.org.au |
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