Ministry Masterclasses - Bite-Sized Ministry Refresher Sessions
We have developed a set of “bite-sized” ministry refresher sessions which we call “Ministry Masterclasses”. The masterclasses run online every month or so and are designed to help those engaged in ministry to step outside their silos for a couple of hours and engage with peers around their ministry.
Probably the thing I love most about my job is to meet with ministers, pastors and other leaders of the church to reflect with them on the joys and struggles of ministry. Almost invariably, I find the people I share with filled with grace and passion for the kingdom of God and the mission God has entrusted to the church. These faithful servants typically have years of ministry experience and are committed to the growth of their ministry in partnership with the people they have been called to serve, as well as deep awareness that lifelong learning is essential for all people of faith, especially ministers and leaders. While many have a clear sense of what they need to learn and when they are going to engage in this learning – others may be less confident in which steps to take in continuing education and ministerial development. When we have our heads down in the day-to-day life of congregations, faith communities and agencies, sometimes it can be difficult to step back and get a broader perspective on the diversity of paths for the current and future church.
In a response to this need we have developed a set of “bite-sized” ministry refresher sessions which we call “Ministry Masterclasses”. The masterclasses run online every month or so and are designed to help those engaged in ministry to step outside their silos for a couple of hours and engage with peers around their ministry. They are led by experts in particular areas of theology and ministry practice who introduce a key topic for the church. This is followed by an extended conversation around the questions that are raised by those gathered.
In 2024 we covered topics including the nature of ordination in the 21st century church, how to think systematically and theologically about music in worship, reclaiming evangelism in the Uniting Church and many more. In 2025 we are planning sessions on helping congregations to better engage young people, biblical preaching in 2025, Worship as ‘Divine Drama’ and the theology and history of Presbyteries – a subject pertinent to discussions in the wider church this year. At the end of the masterclass, attendees are provided a further reading and resource list to help them go deeper.
The first Ministry Masterclass for the year, So a young person walks into your church, will be facilitated by David Toogood, Pulse's Education and Resourcing Facilitator. In this session, David will be covering the following questions:
- How does your church address the three questions a young person is searching to answer in their lives:
- Who am I?
- Where do I fit?
- What difference do I make?
- The three questions every church should be able to answer about their ministries with/for young people:
- Is it safe?
- Is Jesus in the center?
- Is it fun?
For most people, the Ministry Masterclasses constitute a prompt to further reflection on ministry practice, however some take the opportunity to explore specific topics further through formal academic study, conferences, presentations, and teaching in their own congregations and presbyteries. I invite you to check out the Ministry Masterclass website on a regular basis to see if there are any topics that might be valuable for your ministry.
For more information about the Ministry Masterclass or to make a time to reflect on your ongoing ministry education please visit the event page here.
Or feel free to contact me at NiallM@nswact.uca.org.au.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr Niall McKay