The National Assessment Workgroup has responsibility for discerning who should be selected for training for National Ordained Ministry of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Co-convenors are Geoff New and Paul Prestidge.
The following is a guideline only for those who are applying. If you are already part way through your Foundation Studies, you may be required to do some papers in addition to the minimum required for the degree itself. This is especially likely if a number of papers have been cross-credited into your theology degree from other awards.
Your personal study programme will be discussed with you as part of National Assessment.
| Year 1 |
| Discussions with your minister and Presbytery Student Convenor. Initial application to your Presbytery in time for assessment and recommendation to the National Assessment Workgroup by 20 December. |
| Year 2 |
| If accepted by Presbytery, attendance at the National Assessment Weekend in May. |
| Years 1 to 3 |
| Completion of an approved theology Foundation Studies programme and degree as directed by the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership. |
| Years 4 to 5 |
| Spring School at end of Year 3. Summer School February of Year 4 Internship in a parish or other approved placement while completing the Ordination Studies Programme |
| After Spring School in November of Year 5 |
| Licensed to preach by your home Presbytery Available for call by a parish Ordained into the parish if a call is accepted by you |
Section 3 Book of Order Appendix E-13 Student Regulations
3.1) The church always treats a sense of call with great respect. It is the duty of sessions, presbyteries, candidates and students to test that sense of call. The testing of that sense of call will be through study, practice, prayer, and the wisdom and judgement of the church as ascertained by its teachers and councils.
3.2) The church relates the number of students accepted to its need for and ability to support ordained ministry.
3.3) Enquiry about acceptance as a student for the NOM begins through the moderator of the session of the parish. With the support of the session the candidate makes formal application to the Presbytery Clerk. The session also provides a certificate of church membership and a testimonial of Christian character.
3.4) The Presbytery requires the candidate to complete a standard application form which together with educational transcripts and other accompanying documents is considered by the Presbytery Students Committee. (The application forms are available from the Registrar.)
3.5) The Presbytery in acknowledging the application furnishes the candidate with a current copy of these Regulations and the Handbooks published by the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership and the National Assessment Work Group, and relevant sections of the Book of Order.
3.6) The Students Committee in due course meets with the candidate to consider the application. The candidate’s minister is associated with the committee while the candidate is under consideration. This process involves more than one meeting and, where appropriate, consultation with a spouse.
3.7) In reaching a decision the Students Committee bears in mind the candidate’s:
3.8) The Students Committee may:
The Students Committee must formally recommend a candidate as soon as it is satisfied that the candidate can meet National Assessment criteria, in accordance with regulation (4.3) below.
3.9) When the Presbytery supports the candidature the Clerk forwards to the Registrar the application and supporting documents together with the Presbytery report form. On receipt of the completed forms the Registrar arranges for the candidate to attend the next national assessment programme by passing the material on to the National Assessment Work Group.