JourneyOnline
THE CHURCHES of Christ and the Uniting Church in Queensland signed a landmark joint agreement regarding the Certificate IV in Pastoral Care in July.
Queensland Synod Chaplaincy coordinator Rev John Cox said the agreement will benefit both churches.
“It is an opportunity for the Uniting Church to build on the great work the Churches of Christ have done,” he said.
“The possibilities are endless with this.”
He said one of the passions of the Chaplaincy Commission was to “provide excellent chaplaincy across the life of our services that the gospel may be expressed”.
Churches of Christ in Queensland pastoral care training team leader Mark Kirk said the joint agreement was a significant event.
“The partnership we are signing today is a huge step in the direction of setting a standard of pastoral care that the industry can follow,” he said.
“We’ve got a long way to go but I am excited at what the prospects might look like in the future given the pilot work we’ve done.
“It has been a real privilege to be part of this journey and this occasion.”
Churches of Christ in Queensland Executive Director Dean Phelan said he was excited by the partnership.
“We see the significant benefits the Uniting Church will bring to this.
“I think it is significant for pastoral carers.
“To put a framework around what is effective pastoral care is a very significant thing.
“Most importantly it is significant for the people in need.”
Queensland Synod moderator Rev Bruce Johnson said it was always important to look for what you can learn from other churches.
“We are doing this very small thing … yet it is part of what God seems to be doing globally.
For me that is exciting.”
Mr Johnson thanked all those who had been involved in the journey to signing the agreement.
“The signing of this agreement seems to me to have a much bigger significance than we probably imagine at this point.”
Photo : Churches of Christ in Queensland Executive Director Dean Phelan and Synod Moderator Rev Bruce Johnson sign the joint agreement. Photo by Mardi Lumsden
