Growing leadership in the Uniting Church

By Bindy Taylor
Editor-in-Chief and Communications Manager

Posted in Leadership

Rev Nigel Rogers, CEO and General Secretary of the Uniting Church SA, is particularly passionate about driving the Uniting Leaders programs forward.

“I’m invested in this initiative because developing leaders in the life of the church is absolutely critical in the life of every congregation – and us as the whole Uniting Church,” Nigel says.

“I want to see a renewed push in leadership development, especially for the sake of a generational transition in our leadership.”

While the Uniting Leaders initiative is still developing and growing, some information about the three core programs is already available:

Intern Year

An exciting, one-year program designed to disciple and cultivate young leaders (18-25 years old) who are active members of their local congregation. Participants will meet together at Uniting College on Wednesdays during school term time and participate in a mid-year urban mission trip to Sydney. Each week, students will also spend time in leadership and ministry within their local congregation or community. Students will also undertake units in the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Christian Life and Ministry (10496 NAT – Adelaide College of Divinity RTO Code 4863). Course fees are subsidised by the RH White scholarship. This course begins on Wednesday 24 February, 2016. For more information, please contact Course Coordinator Danica Patselis on 8416 8408 or Turn on Javascript!. Download the Intern Year flyer here.

Intern Plus

A leadership course for active members of a congregation who are seeking to be involved in ministry. Intern Plus is a program for those who have the capacity to develop as emerging leaders in the Uniting Church SA. 

Intern Plus provides an opportunity for individuals to explore God’s call upon their life through: theological education, practical ministry experience, undertaking a Period of Discernment and mentoring. Flexible work hours are negotiated with the congregation to allow for work alongside study. Intern Plus currently has an intake of four participants per year. Register your interest with Turn on Javascript! or phone 8236 4295. Congregations may also recommend emerging leaders they believe are suitable for the Intern Plus program. Download the Intern Plus flyer here.

Uniting Leaders Plus

A four-unit, postgraduate qualification achieved over 18 months, with the first intake commencing in July 2016. Units include: Christian Leadership, Leadership and Organisational Culture, Advanced Christian Leadership, and Reflecting on Best Practice. The course links theory and reflection with real life projects and supports a flexible approach to learning. It is a formally accredited course, which suits ministers who haven’t studied for a few years and want to refresh their leadership skills to be the best leader they can be. Uniting Leaders Plus is suitable for ministers in placement, lay or ordained.


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