Professional Development for Ministers
All people recognised as ministry agents such as Ministers of the Word and Deacons, are required to undertake regular professional supervision and to engage in up to ten days a year of continuing education.
SEEDS, our e-newsletter lists the type of continuing education available within the State. nationally and internationally for ministers. To subscribe to SEEDS, please contact us.
Phase Three
In the first three years after ordination, a particular program called Phase Three engages with these ministers to attend two retreat days a year and meet with a Professional Supervisor and Mentor.
Supervisors are trained in WA in the Pohly Method of Supervision.
Mentors are ministers with a minimum of three to five years’ experience working in the type of context which parallels that of the new minister.
School of Ministry
Annually, we carry out the School for Ministry, which seeks to address major areas of growth and interest in ministry.
The School of Ministry provides a strong basis for each minister’s Continuing Education program for Ministry Agents and those working in leadership in their congregations as pastors or in a voluntary capacity as pastors and active retired clergy.
Lay preachers, lay presiders, church council members, and committee convenors are especially encouraged to attend.
Ethical Ministry Workshops
All ministry agents and active retired clergy are required to participate in Ethical Ministry workshops each year and to regularly update training in Safe Church.
Ministers are required to live and work within the discipline of the Uniting Church for continuing status as a minister in good standing.
Minister’s Retreat
Ministers in active service are invited to attend a Minister’s retreat annually convened by the Moderator of the Uniting Church Western Australia.
Professional Development for Lay People
Summer Spirit
Summer Spirit, is an annual education event.
In 2021, the event took place on the 19-20 February. Read all about it here.
Sacraments Training
We also acknowledge that without the ministry of our lay leaders, there are many places where the church could no longer flourish.
Particularly in rural and remote contexts some will be set aside and trained to administer sacraments (Holy Communion and Baptism) on behalf of their community.
Recognition in this ministry is for three years and ongoing training is required.
Safe Church Training
All lay leaders need to engage in Safe Church training and Code of Ethics for Lay Leaders.
In this way we can strengthen our church in our awareness and care for one another, and most especially to vulnerable people within our midst: whether as children or as older people or with disabilities.
Mission Shaped Ministry
Mission Shaped Ministry is a course which trains both lay and ordained ministers in ways to revitalise their congregation.
We strongly encourage all congregations and faith communities to undertake this course as a priority within the life of our church.
Contact Us
For more details about the Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership (CEDAL) and continuing professional development, contact:
Rev Dr Anne Wright
Director of Education and Formation
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0434 578 015
Events and Activities
We host a number of events such as training sessions, lectures and workshops throughout the year.
To find out what events are coming up, please visit our Events page or sign up for our Seeds newsletter.
Stay In Touch
Newsletter
To keep up to date with what is happening you can subscribe to SEEDS, a monthly e-newsletter that outlines CEDAL updates and upcoming educational events in WA and interstate.
To subscribe to SEEDs email [email protected]
Facebook
Join us on our Facebook group, Equip Education Team.
