UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL EDUCATION COMMISSION

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1 UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL EDUCATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Education Commission held July 2011 at the Centre for Theology and Ministry, 29 College Crescent, Parkville, Victoria 1. WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYERS The Chairperson, Dr Ron Skilton, welcomed all to the meeting with a special welcome to those for whom it was their first MEC Meeting: Rev Ken Devereux, MEB representative, representing Rev Alan Jeffery, MEB WA Dr Sue Boorer representing Rev Dr Alexander Jensen, Principal, Perth Theological Hall (note- has previously attended) Dr Judith Long, Principal, Nungalinya College Rev Elizabeth Warschauer, MEB and Lay Specified Ministries Representative, NT, representing Rev Jenny Tymms Rohan Pryor, Vic/Tas Lay Ed Specialist Rev Grant Finlay, representing Rev Dr Richard Wallace, Principal, Yalga-binbi Institute Rev Prof. Randall Pryor led opening worship and gave recognition to the Wurrudjeri people of the Koolin nation, the indigenous people who were custodians of the land on which this meeting is taking place. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND HOURS OF SESSION J11/01 It was resolved that the Proposed Agenda as circulated be accepted, and that changes be made as necessary during the course of the meeting. Addition of Items 5.5 Youth and Young Families Report 5.6 Formation for Deacons 1

2 3. ATTENDANCE NSW Rev. Carolyn Thornley Professor Clive Pearson Rev Amelia Koh-Butler NT Dr Judith Long Rev Elizabeth Warschauer QLD Rev Dr Geoff Thompson Rev Dr Rob Bos Mrs Jenny Brecknell SA Rev. Dr Andrew Dutney Mr Craig Mitchell Rev Phillip Gardner VIC/TAS Rev. Dr Jenny Byrnes Rohan Pryor Rev. Alison Whish Rev. Grant Finlay Rev Prof. Randall Prior MEB United Theological College Principal Lay Specified Ministries Ed Specialist Nungalinya College Principal MEB and Lay Specified Ministries Representative Trinity Theological College Principal Lay Specified Ministries Representative MEB, representing the Board for Christian Formation Uniting College for Leadership and Theology Principal Lay Specified Ministries Working Group MEB MEB Lay Ed Coordinator MEC member for Tasmania (Representing Rev. Dr. Richard Wallace), UAICC UCA Theological College Principal WA Rev Ken Devereux Dr Sue Boorer Rev Dr Geoffrey Lilburne EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Dr Ron Skilton Rev Dr Marian Zaunbrecher Mrs Shayne Hearley MEB Perth Theological Hall Lay Ed Specialist Chairperson, MEC Secretary, MEC Admin Assistant OTHER REPRESENTATIVES Rev Terence Corkin APOLOGIES Rev Dr C Mostert General Secretary, Assembly MOW/MOD Working Group (Vic) 2

3 Rev Jenny Tymms Rev Dr Alexander Jensen Rev Alan Jeffrey Rev Dr Dean Brookes Rev Dr Richard Wallace Denise Champion Lay Ministries Specialist (NT) Principal, Perth Theological Hall MEB, WA MEB, SA Principal, Yalga-binbi UAICC NOTE: All decisions were reached by consensus unless otherwise stated. J11/02 It was resolved that the membership as listed above, be received. 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES J11/03 It was resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held July 2010 at Grace College, University of Queensland, be received as a correct record. 5. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY MEC REVIEW 6. REPORTS The Chair welcomed Rev Terence Corkin, General Secretary, Assembly to the meeting for the purpose of this discussion. Rev Corkin spoke to his discussion paper highlighting the proposed change in structure of the MEC. The recommendation of the ASC is that the MEC be replaced by an Education for Ministry Working Group and that the Regulations concerning MEBs, theological colleges and candidates be reviewed. The membership broke into discussion groups from which a MEC working group was engaged to frame a response to the Assembly s discussion paper as follows: In response to the paper submitted by the Assembly General Secretary, Terence Corkin, to the MEC meeting on 12 July 2011, the MEC welcomes the opportunity to contribute to a review of its current status and relationship with the ASC. The resolutions prepared by the working group as outlined in Appendix 1 were proposed to the ASC as a way of contributing to this process. 6.1 Executive Report The Executive Secretary spoke to the report as circulated. J11/04 It was resolved that 1. the Executive Report, including the List of Candidates, be received; 2. the Visitation Schedule be approved with appropriate changes i.e. change from colleges to synods, and moving SA to 2015; 3

4 3. the MEC - (i) receives the report for the Deacon Presessional; (ii) approves the name change from Presessional to Intensive; (iii) providing accreditation is able to be maintained, the Deacon Intensive scheduling to one week be approved; (iv) approves the following rotational schedule; 2012 Sydney 2014 Melbourne 2016 Perth 2018 Adelaide 2020 Brisbane (v) requests future Intensive planning to integrate the DUCA national conference and continuing education into a one-week intensive; (vi) encourages future continuing education events to intentionally explore the diakonia of the whole church rather than only the specific ministry of deacons 6.2 Working Groups J11/05 It was resolved that the reports be received en bloc Working Group meeting Continuing Education J11/06 It was resolved that Seeking a Heart of Wisdom revision Rev. Dr. Rob Bos spoke to the report as circulated. (i) the MEC receives and approves the document in principle, recognising that the anomaly regarding Pastors CEM has yet to be resolved, which is referred back to the Executive for correction and distribution via the ASC; (ii) the MEC thanks and discharges the working group for its work; (iii) the MEC accepts the offer of Sharon Hollis to further the work of the Working Group; (iv) the MEC expresses its appreciation to the Rev. Dr. Rob Bos for his good work Lay Specified Ministries Working Group It was noted that an additional member Mr James Harwood has been added to the Lay Specified Ministries Working Group. 4

5 6.2.4 MOW/MOD Working Group It was noted that 2011 is the twentieth anniversary of the decision to ordain Deacons, and 2012 is the 20 th anniversary of the first ordination of deacons. 7. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY VISITATION OF COLLEGES J11/07 It was resolved that the visitation reports be received en bloc visit to CTM Vic/Tas. Rev Dr Rob Bos spoke to the report. J11/08 It was resolved that the Ministerial Education Commission - 1. Continues to recognise Uniting Church Theological College (within the CTM) as a college approved to prepare people for the ordained ministries of the Uniting Church 2. Encourages the Executive Director of CTM and the Director of the Commission for Mission to continue efforts to build a helpful working relationship as per Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Review of the Centre for Theology and Ministry 3. Encourages the Principal to explore the use of adjunct faculty, especially those from other cultural contexts 4. Approaches the Assembly s Multi- and Cross- Cultural Ministry Committee with a view to arranging a joint consultation between representatives of Theological College faculties and the Committee to develop further strategies for the formation of candidates from non-anglo backgrounds 5. Reminds Presbyteries in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania that people who perform any of the functions in Reg (a) need to attain competency in at least the Basis of Union and ethos of the Uniting Church, and the Code of Ethics, irrespective of their position titles 6. Thanks Rev Dr Rob Bos and Dr Sue Fairley for their good work on the visitation team to the College Revisitation of SA Uniting College for Leadership and Training Rev Dr Clive Pearson spoke to the report. J11/09 It was resolved that the Ministerial Education Commission 1. Ensures this report serves as a supplement to the 2009 report; 5

6 2. Rescinds the words until the end of 2012 from Resolution J10/ Warmly commends the Principal, Faculty and the student body of Uniting College for Leadership and Theology for their vision, resilience and grace and the enthusiasm with which they have managed considerable change in their processes of formation for effective missional leaders 4. Thanks Dr Suzanne Boorer and Rev Dr Clive Pearson for their good work on the visitation team to the Uniting College in Adelaide. 7.3 Future Visitations st Semester Revisit Uniting College of Leadership and Theology, SA Clive Pearson Sue Boorer August 2011 United Theological College Jenny Byrnes Vicki Balabanski 2011 Centre for Theology & Ministry Trinity Theological College 2012 Perth Theological Hall Nungalinya College 2014 Yalga-Binbi College 2015 Uniting College for Leadership and Theology South Australia Sue Fairley Rob Bos Chris Mostert Philip Gardner Ron Skilton Carolyn Thornley Jione Havea (tbc) Nancy Ault 2016 United Theological College J11/10 It was resolved that the MEC (i) (ii) accepts the Visitation Schedule and that the MEC Executive will appoint the Visitation teams works to refine the Visitation guidelines as it pertains to both the Visitation Team and the receiving college with a view to considering managing and implementing change what constitutes a visitation? 6

7 some things cannot be resolved by agreement issues of interpretation of the rules and compliance thereto. (iii) thanks the Visitation teams of Sue Boorer, Clive Pearson, Rob Bos and Sue Fairley for their work and discharges them from the tasks. 8. REPORTS, Contd. 8.1 Lay Educators Report from Lay Educators Meeting J11.11 It was resolved that (i) (ii) the reports from the Lay Educators Meeting, Lay Educators and from MEBs be received as read; the recommendations as outlined below be approved Report from Lay Educators Meeting Issues arising from meeting were: 1. Reporting by Lay Educators to the MEC: what reporting process and content are useful for the MEC? Guidelines for Lay Educators reports would assist Lay Educators. Recommendation: Refer to MEC Executive for clarification 2. Presbyteries reporting annually to the MEBs purposes, follow-up? Recommendation: Request Working Group on LSM to explain the issue and make recommendation to MEC Executive 3. Ministry of Pastor: process for reviewing regulations and rules, eg. who determines if a position must be designated as a pastor position based on the four criteria? Recommendation: Request the ASC to clarify the intent of Reg (a) in terms of the determining responsibilities of church councils regarding designation of appointments as Pastor appointments. 4. Formation of Pastors: who sets the standards for formation of pastors? If presbyteries aren t capable of determining or resourcing these areas, how might synods assist? 7

8 Recommendation: Request Synods Lay Educators to work on compiling guidelines and supporting resources to assist presbyteries and synods 5. Pastor pathway b : if this wasn t about floating pastors or pastors in waiting what was the original intention? The MEC noted that any representative function beyond that which is normal for a disciple of Christ will fall under the Pastor regulations and guidelines. This must be so when the position has been designated as a Placement. The MEC notes that the Ministry of Pastor was established by decision of the 11 th Assembly and has been in full operation for approximately four years. The MEC has responsibilities related to oversight training and assessment of Pastors. However, through the participation of Lay Educators in its membership, a number of broader issues and challenges regarding the implementation of the Ministry of Pastor have been raised. In the light of its observations the MEC considers that there would be merit in reviewing the way in which the Regulations and MEC rules regarding Pastors are operating in the life of the Church. The MEC is not proposing that there be a full revisiting of the ministry but that there be a review established in the following way. J11/12 It was resolved that the MEC requests the Assembly Standing Committee to bring a proposal to the 13 th Assembly in the following terms: That the 13 th Assembly 1. Determines to review of the ministry of Pastor with a view to achieving the following outcomes: (a) Evaluation of the ways in which the Church has been able to implement the assessment, educational and oversight responsibilities assumed within the Regulations in relation to the ministry of Pastor; (b) Identification of the areas where the current expectations about how this ministry will be administered and supported are being achieved and where they are not; (c) Identification of concerns related to the selection and appointment of Pastors; and (c) Make recommendations to the ASC arising from the review; 2. Authorises the Assembly Standing Committee to (a) Appoint the Review Group; (b) Finalise its terms of reference; 8

9 (c) Receive the report and take action, including changes to the Regulations, in the light of the report; and 3. Requests the Standing Committee to report to the 14 th Assembly on the outcome of the review. REPORTS, Contd NSW/ACT Northern Synod Queensland South Australia VIC/TAS Western Australia J11/13 It was resolved that in light of the changes within the NSW/ACT Synod, the MEC expresses its thanks to the ELM Centre for its leadership in lay education, its sharing of resources and its innovations over the past 34 years. 9. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Revision of MEC Guidelines for Supervision Carolyn Thornley spoke to the report. J11/14 It was resolved that the MEC- 1. thanks the Task Group for their work; 2. adopts the Pamphlet The Why and What of Supervision ; 3. receives the document Professional Supervision: a process of reflection on ministry experience ; 4. recommends to Synods that there needs to be a person designated within the Synod to oversight supervision and keep lists up to date; 5. requests a conversation at the next National Presbytery Ministers Conference re the new documents; 6. forwards the two documents to Presbyteries and Synods; 7. ensures that all people in ministry receive Professional Supervision: a process of reflection on ministry experience; 8. forms a task group (Rev. Carolyn Thornley to convene) looking at the Training of Supervisors as this seems to be the main issue remaining. The Task Group is to consist of Rev. Beth Seaman, Rev. Alison Whish and others working with Professional supervision. 9

10 10. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY REVIEW OF LAY PREACHER 10.1 Craig Mitchell spoke to his report highlighting the terms and scope of the review as approved by the MEC in He advised the meeting that the group is working towards preparing a report for Oct 2011 in order to forward it to the Executive and the next Assembly (due March 2012) J11/15 It was resolved that the Review of Lay Preacher report be received. 11. Theological Educators Consultation Dates for 2012 J11/16 It was resolved that 12. REPORTS, Contd. (i) the next Theological Educators Consultation be held in Perth April 2012 at Shoalwater Bay, WA; (ii) the issue of who attends be referred to the Theological Educators consultation as well as a possible review of the current guidelines Reports from Principals Report from Meeting of Principals NSW United Theological College NT Nungalinya College QLD Yalga Binbi College QLD Trinity Theological College SA Uniting College for Leadership & Theology VIC/TAS Theological Hall WA Perth Theological Hall The MEC noted that all Synods are responsible for adequately funding theological education (Reg (b)) and that therefore there is a need to rethink how theological education is funded. J11/17 It was resolved that (i) the above reports be received, taken as read and approved en bloc; (ii) the MEC congratulates and thanks the Rev. Dr. Richard Wallace for his years of service to the church, including his membership of the MEC and notes his retirement as Principal of Yalga-binbi; (iii) the MEC congratulates the Rev. Judith Long on her appointment as principal of Nungalinya; 10

11 (iv) the MEC congratulates Rev Dr Alex Jensen, Dr Nancy Ault and Rev Dr Norman Young for receiving Teaching Excellence Awards; (See Appendix 2) (v) the MEC congratulates Rev. Dr Andrew Dutney on being made a full professor at Flinders University Ministerial Education Boards Ministerial Education Board Representatives Meeting NSW/ACT Synod Ministerial Education Board Northern Synod QLD Synod Board for Christian Formation SA Synod Leadership Development Council VIC/TAS Synod Centre for Theology and Ministry WA Synod Ministerial Education Board UAICC J11/18 It was resolved that the above reports be received and approved en bloc. 14. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY The Practice of Being a Cross-cultural Church Rev Dr Clive Pearson spoke to the need to consider how the Church in the future will form people for candidature in light of the increase in the percentage of candidates from backgrounds which are non-western and for whom English is a second language. He set out the various areas which theological colleges will need to consider in relation to curricula, crosscultural relationships, resources and library. 15. GENERAL BUSINESS It was noted that Resolution J11/08 (4) above refers to this issue Advertising The Rev. Dr. Clive Pearson presented a report. The concern is both the content and issue of advertising. It was noted that the SA Uniting College of Leadership and Theology agreed to take responsibility for Coolamon s students and courses until South Australia is not the Assembly s preferred provider of distance education and is not replacing Coolamon. J11/19 It was resolved that the MEBs in each Synod be requested to submit to the MEC Executive a brief outline on issues regarding advertising and communication with respect to delivery of programmes. Issues to be considered could include Whether colleges need/should advertise? 11

12 If so what focus should be included? Clear definition of where the responsibility lies with lay and ordained education? Does Distance Education need to be seen as a complement to approved studies and processes rather than a replacement? Whether an advertisement could include a comment that people should refer to the local bodies responsible for oversight of ministries? How much should Synods consult relevant personnel when planning to advertise? Is a protocol on advertising warranted and what should be included? After this input is collated, the Executive will then be asked to consider a way forward Youth and Families Report J11/20 It was resolved that the MEC Executive follow up on the Youth and Families Report to see how the discussion can be progressed and report back to the next meeting Academic Formation J11/21 It was resolved that the MEC form a task group comprising Randall Prior (Convenor), Geoff Thompson, Selesi Felpura Craig Mitchell and Richard Wallace to further the initial conversation regarding academic formation with relevant parties, taking into account current developments and incorporating MEC discussions thus far, consulting other stakeholders such as CALD groups and Congress with a long term view of revising the rules for ordained ministry. The Group is to report back to the 2012 MEC. J11/22 It was resolved that the MEC Annual Meeting in 2012 be held at Nunyara, Adelaide, South Australia, and that the South Australian representatives be responsible for local arrangements for the meeting. Dates for the Annual Meeting are July

13 16. Thanks J11/23 It was resolved that the MEC express its thanks to (i) the Vic/Tas Synod, Jenny Byrnes and her administration staff; in particular, Heather Cameron and Andrew Ogge, for hospitality and excellence in arranging the facilities; (ii) the MEC Executive, the Rev Dr Marian Zaunbrecher, Dr Ron Skilton, Dr Sue Fairley, Mrs Jenny Brecknell, the Rev Dr Rob Bos and Mrs Shayne Hearley for their contribution to the success of the MEC Annual Meeting; (iii) Dr Ron Skilton for his chairing of the meeting and to the worship leaders, Suzanne Boorer, Rob Bos, Randall Prior and team for their contribution; (iv) Special thanks was expressed to Rob Bos for his contribution to the MEC over 34 yrs. 17. CLOSE The Chairperson closed the meeting with prayer at 3.55pm Confirmed... (Chairperson) Date 13

14 Appendix 1 THE MEC S RESPONSE TO THE ASC PAPER In response to the paper submitted by the Assembly General Secretary, Terence Corkin, to the MEC meeting on 12 July 2011, the MEC welcomes the opportunity to contribute to a review of its current status and relationship with the ASC. The following resolutions are proposed as a way of contributing to this process. The MEC : 1. recognises that the Assembly has determining responsibilities for the establishment and standards of theological education 2. considers that the proposed mandate needs to give more detailed consideration to the content of the vision statement so that it more adequately reflects the fullness of the Basis of Union how the mandate might adequately express required standards, recognize the pursuit of excellence, and respond to periods of significant transition in education and formation for ministry the important benefits of an ongoing visitation schedule for approval of Synod educational institutions appropriate structure and clarity of function of such a working group a suitably equipped membership of any working group which recognizes the distinctive role and responsibility of education and formation of leaders in the church, which allows for the involvement of stakeholders and peers, and equal representation across the Synods. clarity about the ministries for which there is responsibility and precision about the language around lay education (eg the distinction between lay specified ministries and lay ministry in general) 3. (a) holds that the relationship between such a working group and the body involved in a national consultation must be such that there is mutual confidence and cooperation between the two, and that the work and deliberations of one appropriately influences the work and agenda of the other. (b) requests scope for the working group to maintain channels of communication, consultation and sharing of resources between synods and other bodies without needing to go through the ASC on matters that are not determinative decisions. 4. agrees that there continues to be a need for Assembly accreditation standards (or rules) for education for ministry, and that such standards are not, and cannot be addressed fully by any University-related processes of accreditation. 5. (a) asks that attention be given to the way in which the ASC is resourced to make determining decisions in relation to education for ministry (which could be assisted by the appointment of a national consultant) 14

15 (b) asks that the matter of the provision of adequate funding resources to enable the work to be done well, be addressed. 6 asks the ASC to recognize that the Synods, Presbyteries and Congress also hold areas of determining power in education for ministry (for which the various institutions of education for ministry are accountable), and that there needs to be continuing clarity about these respective roles. 7 Asks that the membership of any working group reflects and addresses the culturally diverse nature of the church, including its indigenous constituency. ADDITIONAL RESOLUTION As the work of the ASC s task group directly impinges on the work of the MEC, and potentially has significant implications for those areas of responsibility currently under the MEC, request that the Chair of the MEC be able to present the MEC s response to the task group. 15

16 APPENDIX 2 Australian Awards for University Teaching 2011 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Rev Dr Norman Young Citation Wording For sustained, distinguished and collaborative teaching in an ecumenical setting, and for leadership in the development and enhancement of theological education, nationally and internationally Synopsis Norman Young has, as a teacher for over fifty years, made an outstanding contribution to theological education in Australia and overseas. Based on sound scholarship, his teaching has inspired generations of students through its clarity, conviction, openness and engagement with real-life issues. Many of his students have themselves become teachers testimony to his mentoring effectiveness. He has reached wider audiences through publications and through lectures on ecumenism and on ecology Australian Awards for University Teaching 2011 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Dr Alexander Jensen Murdoch University, Western Australia Citation Wording For innovative and holistic approaches to curriculum design and teaching in response to pedagogical challenges particular to Theology Synopsis Dr Jensen has responded to the particular pedagogical challenges of theological education by revising the systematic theology curriculum, developing teaching resources, and applying approaches to teaching that enable students to integrate academic learning, personal spirituality and praxis of ministry. These also help students to engage fruitfully with an inherently difficult subject matter, which may pose significant challenges to their own religious or non-religious presuppositions. 16

17 2011 Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor s Award for Excellence in Teaching Rev. Dr. Alexander Jensen 2011 Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor s Citation for Excellence in Enhancing Learning Dr. Nancy Ault 17