Appendix 2: Local Ordained Ministry Training Requirements

<typohead type="3">1. Introduction</typohead>

1.1 A Presbytery may ordain a local ordained minister who has been assessed and accepted for training after they:

1.1.1 Have completed Foundation Studies Theology Degree or Diploma requirements including the equivalent of at least 60 credits of supervised parish-based field work.

1.1.2 Have obtained a Pastoral Leadership Certificate from the Principal of the School of Ministry based on Presbytery training for pastoral leadership, a theological synthesis project, and me eting core compliance requirements.

1.1.3 Have concluded a trial service and sermon to the satisfaction of the Presbytery.

1.2 It should be possible to complete these requirements within two years of committed study and responsible parish ministry.

<typohead type="3">2. Foundation Studies Theology Degree or Diploma</typohead>

2.1 Degree or Diploma Awards

2.1.1 A minimum of 180 to 188 theology and field education credits (depending on the award) are required prior to ordination, as well as the Certificate of the School of Ministry ( 120 credits). All theological credits should be from approved papers and courses towards an NZQA level 6 or above theology award undertaken with a provider recognised by the Church.

2.1.2 Recognised providers include the Un iversity of Otago, the B ible College of New Zealand, and the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies. We expect it will also be possible to study at the University of Auckland.

2.1.3 The following are suitable for study prior to ordination:
The 8 papers required for the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies (EIDTS) Associate Diploma in Ministry Studies, (128 NZQA credits), plus 60 credits of parish-based supervised field education.

At least 7 papers of the University of Otago Diploma of Theological Studies (DipThSt), worth not less than 42 points (equivalent to 126 NZQA credits), plus 60 credits of parish-based supervised field education.

Three semesters’ study for the Bible College of New Zealand (BCNZ) Ministry Internship Diploma (MIDiploma), (180 NZQA credits including 60 credits of parish-based supervised field education).
A credit point is about 10 learning hours. One university point is worth three NZQA credits and represents about 30 learning hours. A full-time study course is recognised as 120 credits or 40 points over 30 weeks. This is same as saying that a 6 point university paper is 0.15 of an full time course.

2.1.4 Those who have already completed a BMin or a MIDip, can be assumed to have met this part of their requirements for local ordained ministers ordination, though if they have not done it already they will need to do Presbyterian studies as part of their post-ordination learning contract.

2.1.5 Those with an Lth, BTh, BD, DipThSt, or similar, can be assumed to have met most requirements. However depending on the actual papers in their award, and their parish experience, they may be required to do the equivalent of 60 credits parish-based supervised field education arranged in connection with their pre-ordination parish ministry. If they have not done it already, they will need to include Presbyterian Studies in their post-ordination learning contract.

2.1.6 After ordination local ordained ministers are encouraged to work towards the completion of their awards as part of their post-ordination learning contract. In the case of EIDTS and DipThSt students, a further 7 papers are required.

2.2 Presbytery Training for Pastoral Leadership and Core Compliance leading to the School of Ministry Pastoral Leadership Certificate (120 credits)

2.2.1 This training is provided by the Presbytery to a national standard with support from the School of Ministry and the National Church prior to ordination. Some assignment work will be required, as well as assessment of prior learning, towards the School of Ministry Certificate in Pastoral Leadership. The certificate indicates to the Presbytery that they may proceed with ordination. A Ministry Training Portfolio will be developed by the candidate to gather material for the Certificate.

2.2.2 Credit figures shown are indications only at this stage. Credits for the Certificate are cross-credited from the Foundation Studies Diploma and other recognised courses as well as from seminar and assessment work of the Presbytery training.
1. Presbyterian Leadership (25 credits including 18 credits for the EIDTS Presbyterian Studies paper). Key issues include working as a team with session/managers/parish council and as a member of presbytery. Questions such as " What is involved in signing the Formula?" "What about the Westminster Confession?" and "Is it possible to be a Presbyterian minister and have scruples about the baptism of infants?" need to be worked through carefully.Requirements in relation to fundamental doctrines, worship and organisation of the church need to be discussed so that it is clear what is and is not being agreed to and the implications for this for responsible ordained ministry.

2. Pastoral Care and Safety (15 credits including required pastoral studies paper). Presbyteries should ensure that all candidates have received basic supervised training in pastoral care and are certified as having participated in a seminar dealing with boundary issues in pastoral relationships, protocols for helping avoid being a victim or perpetrator of sexual misconduct, and procedures of complaint. All candidates will have been required to agree to a police check as part of the application process.

3. Worship, Sacraments and Mission (15 credits). All candidates should be provided with training and ongoing support in relation to parish planning and mission, leading worship and the conduct of weddings, funerals, baptism and communion.

4. Supervised Field Education (60 credits). This met by the BCNZ MIDiploma, but may need to be a rranged separately by the School of Ministry and the Presbytery for other local ordained ministers candidates.

5. Synthesis (10 credits) (see synthesis).

6. Spiritual Direction and Supervision (5 credits) Credit will given on evidence of having participated in regular supervision and spiritual direction or a directed retreat, to a total of 50 learning hours.

<typohead type="3">3. Learning Contracts</typohead>

3.1 Local ordained ministers training take places in three phases, each documented by a Local Ordained Minister Learning Contract.

1. A pre-assessment learning contract – negotiated with the Presbytery and the School of Ministry for a period of ministry and training, prior to formal assessment.

2. A pre-ordination learning contract nego tiated as part of assessment to cover the period prior to ordination. Since this training may extend over more than one year, it will be revised each year until completed. This includes the writing of a personal theological synthesis.

3. A post-ordination learning contract, for the two or more years required to complete full foundation studies Theology degree or diploma. For those who have completed their degree or diploma, post-ordination training will be credited towards the Certificate and Diploma of the School of Ministry.

<typohead type="3">4. Transfers from Local Ordained Ministers to National Ordained Ministers</typohead>

4.1 A local ordained minister who is accepted for national ordained ministers training through National Assessment may study through distance learning for the equivalent of the 240 credit Diploma of the School of Ministry. Local ordained ministers can accumulate credits towards the Diploma of the School of Ministry once they have completed the full requirements for national ordained ministers foundation studies.

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Appendix 2: Local Ordained Ministry Training Requirements