J10/01 It was resolved to associate Mrs Jenny Brecknell for the purpose of the meeting. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND HOURS OF SESSION

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1 UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL EDUCATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Education Commission held July 2010 at Grace College, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 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 Amelia Koh-Butler Rev Alison Whish Mr Ian Louttit Rev Phillip Gardner Rev Alan Jeffery The new Executive Rev Dr Rob Bos led opening worship and gave recognition to the Turrbal Indigenous people who were custodians of the land on which this meeting is taking place J10/01 It was resolved to associate Mrs Jenny Brecknell for the purpose of the meeting. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND HOURS OF SESSION J10/02 It was resolved that the Proposed Agenda as circulated be accepted, and that changes be made as necessary during the course of the meeting. 1

2 3. ATTENDANCE NSW Rev. Carolyn Thornley Professor Clive Pearson Rev Amelia Koh-Butler NT Mr Kevin Davis Mr Ian Louttit MEB United Theological College Principal Lay Specified Ministries Ed Specialist Northern Synod MEB and Lay Specified Ministries Representative Nungalinya College Acting Principal QLD Rev Dr Neil Sims, rep. Trinity Theological College Principal, Rev Dr G Thompson Rev. Dr Richard Wallace UAICC Rev Dr Rob Bos Dr Sue Fairley SA Rev. Dr Andrew Dutney Mr Craig Mitchell Rev Phillip Gardner Rev Dean Brookes VIC/TAS Rev. Dr Jenny Byrnes Rev Prof. Randall Prior Rev. Barbara Spencer Rev Prof Chris Mostert Rev Alison Whish WA Rev Alan Jeffrey Rev. Dr Alexander Jensen EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Dr Ron Skilton Rev Dr Marian Zaunbrecher Mrs Jenny Brecknell Mrs Shayne Hearley Lay Specified Ministries Representative MEB Representative Uniting College for Leadership and Theology Lay Specified Ministries Working Group Convenor Lay Specified Ministries representative MEB MEB Representing the Centre for Theology and Ministry Principal, Theological College Ministry of Deacon Working Group Ministry of the Word Working Group Presbytery Representative, Tasmania MEB Perth Theological Hall Principal Chair, MEC Secretary, MEC MEC Executive MEC Administration Assistant J10/03 It was resolved that the membership as listed above, be received. 2

3 APOLOGIES Rev Terence Corkin Rev Dr G Thompson Rev Dr Geoffrey Lilburne Rev Dr L. Lee Levett-Olson Ms Denise Champion UCA Assembly General Secretary Trinity Theological College Principal Lay Specified Ministries Representative (WA) Principal, Nungalinya College, (NT) UAICC NOTE: All decisions were reached by consensus unless otherwise stated. 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES J10/04 It was resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held July 2009 at Goldstein College, University of NSW, be received as a correct record. 5. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Formation of Specified Ministries presentation by Principals and Working Group for Lay Ministries. 6. REPORTS 6.1 Executive Report The Executive Secretary spoke to the report as circulated. J10/05 It was resolved that the MEC approves the process as outlined in the document Transfer of Candidates between Synods and request the Secretary to circulate this to Synods and Presbyteries. Budget It was noted that the Executive will ask for a budget increase from the Assembly to allow for the extra demands on it. J10/06 It was resolved that the Executive Report, including the List of Candidates be received. 6.2 Working Groups Working Group meeting Continuing Education It was resolved that the Rev. Rob Bos convenes the Working Group on Continuing Education, that the Rev. Sharon Hollis and the Rev. Dr. Rob McFarlane be invited to join the group, noting that the group will function by electronic media. 3

4 J10/07 It was resolved that the MEC: 1. resolves to review Seeking a Heart of Wisdom: Guidelines for Continuing Education for Uniting Church Ministers; 2. appoints a task group to undertake the review; 3. appoints the Rev Dr Rob Bos (Convenor), the Rev Sharon Hollis and the Rev Robert McFarlane to the task group; 4. asks the Task Group to confer with people in each Synod responsible for CEM; 5. requests the Task Group to report to the MEC Executive at its earliest convenience, but not later than March 2011; 6. authorises the Executive to pass on a proposed revised document to the Assembly Standing Committee for approval Ministry of Deacon including planning report for the Deacon Presessional The Rev Barbara Spencer spoke to her report. J10/08 It was resolved that: (i) the report for the Deacon Presessional be received; (ii) that a rotational schedule be set up for where the course will be held; 2010 Brisbane 2012 Sydney 2015 Melbourne 2017 Perth 2019 Adelaide 2020 Brisbane (iii) the MEC make available to the hosting College appropriate funding for facilitating the course where possible; (iv) the Executive develop a process for the review of the course; (v) the course be accredited for qualification by the College which is or will be responsible for planning, running and administering the course at any given time; (vi) the course is a requirement for Deacon candidates; (vii) the course be run as an intensive in either January- February or June-July; (viii) the MEC Executive requests the Colleges to report on how they are providing for the formation of Deacon candidates. 4

5 6.2.4 Minister of the Word The Rev Dr Chris Mostert spoke to the report. J10/09 It was resolved that: (i) (ii) (iii) the report be received; the Rules for MOW and MOD be revised so that the words three years full time or equivalent of in clause 8 be deleted and the words undertake a course of replace these words. the MEC approves the establishment of a combined working group of MOW and MOD, of at least 6-8 members, to include at least three from each ordained ministry Lay Specified Ministries Mr Craig Mitchell spoke to the report. J10/10 It was resolved that the - 1. report be received; 2. revised Core Competencies be approved; 3. MEC Executive approach the Assembly General Secretary regarding the provision of information about the ministry of Pastor to culturally and linguistically diverse groups; 4. terms of the Review of the ministry of Lay Preacher be approved, subject to consideration by the MEC Executive of any administrative and financial requirements; 5. MEC Executive advises the Assembly Standing Committee of the need for review of Regulations and , and J10/11 It was resolved that reports be received en bloc. 7. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY VISITATION OF COLLEGES 7.1 Follow up response from visit to the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, SA to 2009 Visitation. Also, Distance Education function. J10/12 It was resolved that the MEC 1. notes that in the Synod of South Australia and Uniting College for Leadership & Theology the duration of the Core Phase is normally three years or the equivalent 2. exempts the South Australian Synod and Uniting College from Rule 2, to the end of

6 3 recommends to the Assembly that UC for Leadership & Theology be recognised as an approved centre for training for ministry (Reg (a)) 4 recognises the courses offered through United College for Leadership and Theology as fulfilling the Regulations of the Uniting Church for the ministries concerned, and the Rules of the MEC, until the end of BY AGREEMENT 5 evaluates the effectiveness of the innovations in ministerial education and training being implemented by the Leadership Development Council and Uniting College at the next Visitation scheduled for notes Resolution J09/17 (v) Dr Suzanne Boorer and the Rev Dr Clive Pearson be requested to make a follow up visit for the first semester of 2011 and complete their report for the Annual Meeting of the MEC for that year ; Report from Visitation of Yalga-binbi College The Rev Prof. Randall Prior spoke to the report. J10/13 It was resolved that: 1. the MEC affirms the Board and Staff of the Yalga-binbi Institute for the clarity and purpose of their vision, and their shared commitment to God and to the Indigenous people of Australia, through serving this vision; 2. the MEC affirms the Yalga-binbi Institute for their holistic approach to theological education, the development of a curriculum appropriate to the needs of Indigenous people, and the contribution made by the Mentor Program; 3. the MEC affirms the commitment of the teaching staff of Yalga-binbi for their sense of vocation and commitment to their teaching and leadership responsibilities. 6

7 J10/14 It was resolved that: 1. the Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development be recognised as satisfying the MEC rules for theological education and ministry formation; 2. the MEC affirms the vision which informs the work of the Yalga-binbi Institute, and the way in which the Institute commits itself to, and represents, the vision in all aspects of its work; 3. the MEC recognises the specific nature and processes of discernment which inform decisions about Indigenous applicants for candidature, as a valid form of discernment; 4. the MEC ensures that Yalga-binbi is informed of the regular TEC gatherings, and that the teaching staff be expected to attend. J10/15 It was resolved that the UAICC, through its regional representatives and Synod theological colleges, be encouraged to explore ways in which - a. the Congress national program in leadership development can be delivered in regional locations; and b. our covenant together is strengthened through the increased support of Indigenous students. J10/16 It was resolved that: 1. the regional committees of Congress explore suitable field placements, other than a student s own local community, in which students can be exposed to, and equipped for, wider roles and responsibilities in ministry; 2. the National Congress oversees the requirements of the Uniting Church in relation to its teaching staff e.g. including continuing education; 3. the matter of succession to the present teaching staff be explored deliberately, with a view to the possibility of appointing at least one Indigenous person on the teaching staff; 4. the appointment of, or part-time involvement of, Indigenous people, in the delivery of teaching, be explored deliberately; 5. the matter of the number of students attending the courses be examined and the related issues be reported to the Congress MEB and be followed up; 6. the matter of the number of students dropping out from their studies be explored and the issues be addressed by the Congress MEB. 7

8 J10/17 It was resolved that: 1. the Board of Yalga-binbi explores opportunities for field placements through the partner institutions on the campus of Yalga-binbi (e.g. through CCDEU, Elders Village, Drug & Alcohol Rehab); 2. Yalga-binbi and the partner institutions on the same campus explore ways of closer interconnection and cooperation, both with the staff and the students; 3. students in leadership training have conversations with recognised state and national Indigenous leaders, as role models for their own leadership development; 4. Yalga-binbi initiates discussions with Trinity College and Pilgrim Centre in the Synod of Queensland with a view to developing the partnership in delivering theological education to the students of each of the institutions; 5. the teaching staff of Yalga-binbi explores resources which are now becoming available e.g. from Africa and the South Pacific, and their suitability for their formation program; 6. Yalga-binbi be encouraged to provide opportunities for continuing education for Indigenous Ministers and leaders; 7. Yalga-binbi be encouraged to develop further resources and opportunities for the training of youth leaders; 8. the funding possibilities through philanthropic trusts and other potential sponsors be explored. J10/18 It was resolved that: 1. the Synod of Queensland and the Calvary Presbytery enter into discussions about ways of developing a more consolidated partnership in the support of Yalga-binbi; 2. the Calvary Presbytery ensures that, for any committee within the Queensland Synod which requires UAICC representation, an alternate representative be appointed when the designated representative is unable to attend a meeting. J10/19 It was resolved that the Report from the Visitation Group to Yalga-binbi College, be received. 8

9 J10/20 It was resolved that (i) the energy and vision of the Principal, the Rev Dr Richard Wallace be commended; (ii) the MEC expresses its thanks to the visitation team comprising the Rev Prof. Randall Prior, the Rev Carolyn Thornley and Sealin Garlett for its work and report on Yalga-binbi College. 7.3 Future Visitations Proposals J10/21 It was resolved to accept the Visitation schedule and that the MEC Executive will appoint the Visitation teams. 8. REPORTS, Contd. 8.1 Lay Educators Report from Lay Educators Meeting NSW/ACT Rev Koh-Butler (verbal report) Northern Synod Queensland South Australia VIC/TAS Western Australia no report J10/22 It was resolved that the reports from the Lay Educators Meeting and from MEBs be received as read. 9. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Review of Professional Supervision The Rev Phillip Gardner spoke to the report as prepared by the Rev Beth Seaman. Discussion ensued and questions asked. J10/23 It was resolved that revision of the MEC Trainers Manual for Supervision and Pastoral Supervision was required and a working group established for that purpose comprising the Rev Dr Neil Sims, the Rev Barbara Spencer, the Rev Carolyn Thornley, (Convenor), the Rev Beth Seaman and A Edwards. It was proposed that the Rev Jenny Tymms and T Floyd be corresponding members. J10/24 It was resolved that the MEC: 1. receives the report prepared by the Rev Beth Seaman and thanks her for her research and work on behalf of the MEC; 2. Executive writes to all synods, drawing attention to the conclusion in the report that supervision practices, participation rates in supervision and training for supervisors are generally not meeting Assembly requirements in most presbyteries of the Uniting Church in Australia ; 9

10 3. in addition to whatever responses synods decide to make within their areas of responsibility, the MEC Executive encourages the synods to provide resources to help support the steps being taken by the MEC to remedy this situation within its area of responsibility; 4. reaffirms the importance of Professional Supervision for professional development and maintaining healthy boundaries and work practices; 5. encourages the Assembly, Synod and Presbyteries to adopt the phrase Professional Supervision consistently; 6. encourages Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committees and Ministers to evaluate Professional Supervision practices with a view to improving the effectiveness of Professional Supervision in their presbyteries; 7. requests that the task group gather and share successful models of professional supervision; 8. Executive requests Presbyteries to consider how they resource ministers in remote placements; 9. considers whether post graduate courses in Professional Supervision might be offered by member colleges; 10. requests the Task Group to consider whether there should be particular recognition and training given to those with appropriate gifts and calling to supervise ministers in the third phase; 11. requests the Task Group to give particular attention to the supervision of those in Ministry of Pastor. 10. THEOLOGICAL EDUCATORS CONSULTATION 10.1 Review of MEC Guidelines for Theological Educators Consultation J10/25 It was resolved that the report on the Theological Educators Consultation with amendments be received Proposed Dates for Theological Educators Consultation 10

11 J10/26 It was resolved that the next Theological Educators Consultation be held in Perth early in 2012 prior to the beginning of first semester. 11. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Guidelines for the Third Phase of Ministerial Education Mrs Jenny Brecknell spoke to her report as circulated. 12. REPORTS, Contd. J10/27 It was resolved that the Guidelines for the Third Phase of Ministerial Education be amended and subsequently approved. The Chair expressed appreciation on behalf of the MEC to Mrs Brecknell for her good work on this report 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 J10/28 It was resolved that the above reports be received and approved en bloc 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 It was noted that no report was received from the UAICC. J10/29 It was resolved that the above reports be received and approved en bloc. 14. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Report from the Assembly Youth and Children s Ministry Task Group The Rev Michelle Cook was associated with the meeting for the purpose of presenting her report. 11

12 J10/30 It was resolved that the MEC: 1. receives the report and thanks the Rev Cook for her contribution; 2. asks the ASC to forward the full ASC Children, Youth and Family Task Group Report to the MEC; 3. asks Colleges and MEBs to examine the report from the ASC Task Group in the light of Assembly Res on equipping in the ministry of teaching all ages (children, youth and adults) and crossculturally, and to discuss the implications for formation for Specified Ministries; 4. invites Colleges to provide how they have addressed the previous resolution and how they will address the recommendations in the current Task Group Report; 5. sets aside a time for a facilitated conversation at the next meeting of the MEC; 6. forwards these recommendations to the ASC. 15. FIXED ORDER OF THE DAY Feedback re Formation from the Rev Dr Rob Bos, Observer At the July 2010 meeting of the Ministerial Education Commission, a considerable block of time was allocated to the conversation about formation in theological education. The summary of this discussion is appended. J10/31 It was resolved that the MEC receives the feedback as prepared by the Rev Dr Rob Bos and thanks him for his contribution as observer in the Formation discussions. J10/32 It was further resolved that the Executive will circulate the key questions arising out of the discussion on academic formation to MEC Members, with each faculty/meb to invite responses from local interested groups. The Executive will invite comment from the Assembly Doctrine Working Group on Theology and Discipleship Missiology and Evangelism. During the 2011 MEC meeting each synod/faculty will report on their findings. 16. GENERAL BUSINESS 16.1 MEC/ASC Relationship Mrs Brecknell spoke to her report for the information of the MEC membership. J10/33 It was resolved that the MEC receives the report Discussion Paper Reception of Ministers from other denominations into the Uniting Church. Document circulated 12

13 J10/34 It was resolved that MEC members be encouraged to respond to the paper Next meeting 2011 J10/35 It was resolved that the MEC Annual Meeting in 2011 be held in Melbourne from July and that the Victorian representatives be responsible for local arrangements for the meeting. Dates for the Annual Meeting in 2012 are July to be held at Nunyara, Adelaide, SA Thanks J10/36 It was resolved that thanks be expressed to 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; to Dr Ron Skilton for his chairing of the meeting and to the worship leaders for their contribution. 17. CLOSE The Chairperson closed the meeting with prayer at 4 pm Confirmed... (Chairperson) Date 13