The concept of “First Third” was approved in 2007 to “encourage the whole church to encompass diversity in expression and ministry by providing leadership for an integrated approach to ministry with a specialised focus on people within the first third of life”.
As part of implementation of the model, over the subsequent years, were multiple First Third Specialist placements (in Busselton, Trinity North, Metro South, Metro West), multiple training programs including John Roberto (Faith Formation 2020), Andrew Root (Relational Youth Ministry) , Ian Mobsby (New Monasticism), Dave Male (Fresh Expressions), Beth Barnett (Nurturing All-Age Connection and Community), Messy Church, and Godly Play, as well as programs such as KCO Camp Out.
In Oct 2015, the First Third Ministry Review was commissioned, culminating in a report in Dec 2016. Overall the review was positive, however there were recommendations for improvement.
In early 2017, the Presbytery Standing Committee requested the First Third Committee to develop a new model for First Third Ministry, in collaboration with others, for the Presbytery of WA.
In the development of the model, there have been numerous sessions online and face to face to gather ideas and feedback.
The “First Third Unit” today only has 1.0 FTE Project Officer. Approved at Synod September 2017 for the future, is budget for 1.0 FTE Project Officer (existing), 1.0 FTE Ministry Position (with allowances) (new), plus program costs, so the new model needs to initially develop within these limits.
Our New Model
First Third Ministry has always had intergenerational ministry at the heart. This ministry is done in the local congregations and UCA communities, led by people with a passion for this ministry.
In this new model, presbytery ministry agent(s) will equip the local champions and communities to network well with each other for encouragement and sharing, and resource the efforts of champions and communities for collaboration which produces greater effectiveness. The strength of new model is with everyone owning the network.
In the following pages, we are excited to introduce to you “Uniting Generations” which gives you more information about the new model.
If you would like to know more, contact Janine McDonald, First Third Officer at janine.mcdonald@wa.uca.org.au.
