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Selection and Training

While the parish takes the initiative, the Presbytery has oversight of the process. The sense of call of the parish to a particular person is the starting point, to be confirmed by the person concerned and by the Presbytery.

Selection is a matter for the Presbytery in consultation with the National Assessment Workgroup.

Training consists of:

  1. Foundational theological studies consisting of a minimum 240 credit (equivalent of two full time 32 week years of study) diploma from an approved provider such as the Bible College of New Zealand or the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies.
  2. Formational training as directed by the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership in consultation with the candidate and the Presbytery. This will vary from person to person depending on their qualifications, skills and experience. It very often involves directed reading, completion of a selection of intensives and/or papers, either at the KCML or through other accredited providers, and supervised ministry experience.

Subject to the agreement of the Presbytery and the School of Ministry, some Foundation and Pastoral Leadership Certificate requirements may be completed after ordination. A LOM remains part of the training process until they receive their graduating Certificate.

Presbytery Responsibility Prior to Ordination

It is important that Presbytery ensure that the following areas are addressed prior to ordination:

  1. Parish and Presbytery 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 of this for responsible ordained ministry.
  2. Pastoral Care and Safety Presbyteries should ensure that 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  Candidates should be provided with training and ongoing support in relation to parish planning and mission, leading worship within the Reformed tradition and the conduct of weddings, funerals, baptism and communion. 
  4. A Local Ordained Ministry Synthesis. Candidates are required to complete a theological reflection exercise, which is called a synthesis. It normally requires several drafts and discussion with a Presbytery tutor. Although the time involved and the length is about half that of the synthesis requirements for National Ordained Ministry, the information on the NOM synthesis may be helpful in explaining the process and rationale. If in doubt contact the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.