Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development

Certificate IV of Christian Ministry ...

THE VISION OF THE COURSE

The National Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress has identified an urgent need for leadership, both within the life of the church and also in the
wider Indigenous community.

The Certificate IV and Diploma in Christian Ministry is the core formal learning for the development of Christian Indigenous leaders. There are places where the Congress would like to place ministry agents, like ministers or church development workers, but there is no one with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and gifts available. This course is targeting that need.

To adequately equip people for this task the course will involve participants in ministry practice in local communities. They will practice a wide range of tasks according to the identified needs of the local ministry area or congregation. They will repeat these tasks until they feel confident and have mastered all the skills involved. So the course is strongly practical in its approach

These periods of practice will fall between the residential workshops (see Course details below).

Each Intern will have a local Mentor. They will meet regularly with the Mentor to discuss their study and ministry practice. The Mentor will be their guide, tutor and assessor. Mentors will report to Yalga-binbi.

In line with the Congress approach to holistic evangelism the formal training will include Community Development principles and practice. These are built into the Christian Ministry course. Other studies will include Biblical, Theological, Spiritual Formation and Society and Community.

Congress is working within the guidelines of the UCA Ministerial Education Commission so that the course is recognised as suitable formation for the specified ministries of the Uniting Church:

  • Minister of the Word
  • Deacon
  • Youth Worker
  • Lay Pastor
  • Community Minister

A graduate may also exercise a ministry as a church development
worker in a lay capacity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
DOWNLOAD the COURSE HANDBOOK HERE as a pdf document.