How to Prepare for Ministry
What is formation?
"Formation" refers to preparation for ordained ministry. It is “the process of finding our place in the ministry of Christ which is the mission of God the Father in and for the world in the power of the Spirit” (Formation Handbook 2009, page 8). Formation does not stop at the end of this preparation, but it's an ongoing part of life in ministry
Formation at UTC
Formation at UTC includes studying for a BTh, joining in the worship life of the Centre for Ministry, being in a field education placement, attending integration classes with practising ministers, and participating in various other studies and seminars.
This formation programme focuses on seven main areas: personal, vocational, spiritual, practical, theological, ecclesial and missional. A Committee of Ministerial Formation oversees the whole process.
On Becoming a Candidate
In the Uniting Church, individuals respond to a call from God. This call is discerned by the wider church through a period of discernment and an interview with the Church Council, before being considered at a full presbytery meeting
As an applicant to the Synod Selection Panel, the person is required to have been a member of the Uniting Church for at least a year. If accepted, the person then enters the formation process.