Empowering and Encouraging Early Ordained Ministry to Thrive

Habits and practices instilled during the initial years of ministry have a shelf life that impacts one's pastoral practice for years to come.

What is Phase 3?

The first three years following one's first placement and ordination is a crucial time in a person's life and ministry. In the Uniting Church in Australia, the third phase of formation is a natural progression from Phase 1 (Period of Discernment) and 2 (Core Phase) of ministry formation. It is part of one whole integrated educational and formation experience. In Phase 3, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop with peers in ministry practice is vital and strongly encouraged. 

The fundamental purpose is to give ordained ministers "better practice" support and training that relates directly to the unique challenges of encountering ministry as an ordained minister for the first time.

The Third Phase of Ministerial Education is intended to be a period of sustained and intentional mentoring and support for newly ordained ministers during the first three years of ministry practice. It is to be a period of an increased partnership between the Presbytery, the placement context and the newly ordained minister to assist the minister to make a smooth transition from the Core Phase into active and responsible ministry and to develop lifelong habits of engagement in professional development activities such as professional supervision and continuing education. (Assembly Phase 3 Guidelines)

A vital principle in the design of this phase is the need for Third Phase participants to have more focused support and peer learning opportunities than those in Phase Four.

Accountability and support lies with Presbytery and the following training and peer learning will be carried out by Vital Leadership at UME on behalf of the Presbyteries through an ongoing letter of agreement of collaboration.

Third Phase of Formation will include:

• A mentor provided by Presbytery (mentoring training program is offered by UME). This is in addition to regular pastoral supervision which mandated in the UCA Code of Ethics.
• An Early Stage Third Phase retreat is facilitated by Vital Leadership mid-April each year. This provides a space for newly ordained ministers in new placements and those awaiting placement (often in supply) to peer reflect on ministry and mission practice, the joys, challenges and learning.
• A second half of the year retreat each year is facilitated by the Head of Vital Leadership, which includes opportunities for reflection in community, and some structured learning around topics that are alive and relevant for the participants.
• A number of seminars and workshops throughout the year to involve a variety of people with expertise contributing input and a peer reflective learning process (These can be online or face to face). Some possible topics are Theology of self-care, Conflict management, Resilience and Adaptivity, Spiritual Practice, Community formation, Resources, Compliance, Risk and Safety in Ministry, and more. Vital Leadership Pathways, working with Presbyteries can provide much of these.
• Towards the end of the third year, the PRC/Ministry committees need to oversee an intentional conversation with between the Presbytery, the minister and placement body; exploring growth and development in ministerial identity and practice, exploring affirming and challenging formation influences and habits, and, to assist the minister in naming what will be helpful in updating their ministry profile for ACOMP. It may be necessary to document strategies that arise out of this conversation for further work to be attended to by each participant and body, with PRC oversight.
• Ministers in their Third Phase will be encouraged to join or form a community of practice, providing opportunities for mutual support and regular reflection on ministry practice within the Presbytery and beyond.
• Ministers in their Third Phase will also be encouraged to maintain a Continuing Education agreement, with their Presbytery appointed person/mentor. 

The team at UME - Vital Ministry Team can assist Phase 3ers and Mentors in exploring continuing education options. 

Would you like to know more about Phase 3?

For more information or assistance contact Rev. Dr Niall McKay - NiallM@nswact.uca.org.au