Auckland Presbytery Education

Study Leave

Study Leave is Presbytery-approved leave for a planned programme of learning with clear, specific goals and usually an integrative theme. Its purpose is to maintain a vital and educated ministry and resource the mission of the church. Entitlement to study leave is normally included in the terms of call, and  enables ministers to gain time and distance from their routines for refreshment and reflection, to strengthen and enrich their ministry through focused study, and to undertake study or research that can benefit the wider church.  Ministers who comply with the provisions are paid while away from the parish on Presbytery-approved study leave. Study leave usually applies to programmes of more than two weeks, and extra funding may be required.

• Read the regulations...
• FAQ's...
• Consider a Ministry Exchange...
• Apply for funding from Bill Best Travel Fund or the Knox Centre
• Download the Auckland Presbytery application form (Word, PDF)

Topics covered by ministers who took Study Leave in Auckland in 2009:

Cross Cultural Communication, Parables and Judaism, Preaching in a Postmodern Context, and courses at Cambridge University.  If you would like to read a report, contact the Clerk.

Ministry Development Programme

From 31 July 2009, national and local ordained ministers will be required to undergo a ministry review every two years. The General Assembly has adopted a framework for these reviews, and identified specific aspects of ministry to be reviewed. Where a minister is under the authority of another denomination or in kindred service, they will be expected to demonstrate that the review system being used is compatible with that of PCANZ.

Ministry Reviews are aimed at identifying leadership development needs for clergy and, in some cases, their parishes. They are an opportunity for congregations and peers to provide relevant and timely feedback that enhances a minister's job satisfaction, role clarity, connection with members, and training needs. They also encourage the minister to engage in reflective practice and set meaningful goals. Reviews address the minister's ongoing formational programme and ensure their engagement in regular professional development through short courses, retreats and other formational activities which, unlike Study Leave, are fitted into a normal working year.

Read the introductory booklet...

Find a reviewer....

2010 Auckland Presbytery Meetings:

February, May, August, November

Ministerial Certificate of Good Standing

A number of other denominations e.g. Baptists, Anglicans have an annual practising certificate. Health and educational professionals all do. General Assembly 2008 agreed that all active ministers must hold a certificate of good standing. As a baseline all ministers on the roll have been awarded good standing for five years. To maintain this good standing they must in future be able to show that:

• they have been reviewed regularly
• their parish complies with the requirements for congregational reviews
• they have fulfilled the developmental requirements of their minister review
• they receive regular and adequate supervision
• they are not the subject of disciplinary procedures and have passed a police check

Find out more on page 3...

Events

We have no events currently planned. Mark Johnston recommends this Church Planting event.