JourneyOnline
Trinity College Queensland’s new strategic model reflects a fresh direction in leadership training in the Queensland Synod. Journey reports.
Against the backdrop of a constantly evolving, competitive tertiary education sector, Trinity College Queensland has unveiled its Future Ministry Model for providing lay education and chaplaincy training.
The initiative has been approved by the Board for Christian Formation (BCF) and endorsed by the Synod Standing Committee.
Dr Leigh Trevaskis, Trinity’s recently appointed director of Education for Ministry, says that at its core the Future Ministry Model “looks to produce mission-ready graduates from our accredited and non-accredited pathways into ministry”.
“We’re appointing faculty that contribute at all levels of theological education and in 2017 we’ll launch a new program for lay people. A heavy emphasis on preaching and the application of the Bible and Christian theology will characterise Trinity, delivered in flexible modes to meet the challenges of a modern lifestyle.”
The changes—which include appointing a new dean of Formation and Dispersed Learning and a lecturer in Church History and Society—will entail a major shakeup of the present faculty structure, but those due to leave the college have been provided with appropriate notice periods and support services.
Rev David Baker, chair of the Synod Standing Committee notes, “Aspects of the new direction meant that staff changes had to occur. The staff who are not a part of the future of Trinity are quality people, who have gifts to help the church fulfil its mission. They are being supported through this transition.”
Rev Peter Lockhart, chairperson of the BCF adds, “Whilst the BCF laments the loss of staff and recognises this involved changing its own mind on some decisions through the process, the BCF came to the conclusion that the model being proposed and the new team would provide greater efficiencies and opportunity for the Synod moving into the future.”
Peter stresses that the Future Ministry Model “invites people from beyond the bounds of this Synod and the Uniting Church to get involved”.
“Some of this certainly builds on what has been developing at Trinity and I give thanks for the staff who developed the college to this point. For me one of the keys to this model is that there is a vision that says we are here to offer quality theological education, formation, and spiritual development to everyone across the Synod at whatever level they wish to study, unaccredited seminar through to a doctorate.
“As the Chair of the BCF I encourage your prayers for, and then also your participation in, the life of Trinity.”
For more information on the Future Ministry Model visit trinity.qld.edu.au
