TRAINING FOR GOSPEL MINISTRY WITH METRO

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1 TRAINING FOR GOSPEL MINISTRY WITH METRO

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3 METRO AT A GLANCE ministry equipping training recruiting organisation And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 METRO is a commitment to what Paul commanded Timothy ensuring that the gospel of Jesus is passed on. It is a commitment to invest in reliable people and intentionally train them in gospel ministry. It is a commitment to guard the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. It is a commitment to training for gospel ministry through discipleship in local churches. METRO is a 2-year full time ministry apprenticeship program within a local church where a trainee is discipled by a trainer experienced in gospel ministry

4 WHO SHOULD CONSIDER METRO? Everyone should consider METRO. Effective ministry training in our local churches needs willing trainees, dedicated trainers and generous supporters. METRO is for trainees METRO is for men and women willing to invest 2 years in being better equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry. It is for those who want to be better equipped for serving where they are now. It is for those on a pathway to a more formal ministry position. And it is a great foundation for theological study and fulltime paid ministry. METRO is for trainees in any season of life young adult, middle aged or retiree. METRO is a great way to work out a person s suitability for paid gospel ministry. METRO is for trainers Each METRO trainee needs a trainer a role model and mentor to guide them through the program. Trainers need to be experienced in gospel ministry, dedicated to training and of the same gender as their trainee. Trainers need not be METRO graduates to be effective trainers. Every trainer is provided with ministry coaching. METRO is for supporters The work of raising up men and women for full time gospel ministry is bigger than each trainee and trainer. METRO trainees and trainers need personal supporters those who will partner them in prayer, encouragement and finances. This booklet might have been given to you by a METRO trainee or trainer because they are convinced that you share their vision for ministry training and they value your support. Thank you for your interest in them. Please prayerfully consider how you might spur them on and partner with them in this exciting program. Personal contributions to the METRO Training Fund are tax deductible.

5 METRO CURRICULUM METRO has developed a curriculum to grow trainees in three areas: PERSONAL GODLINESS MINISTRY SKILLS THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION The curriculum is flexible to adapt to each trainee s ministry context and interests. A component of the curriculum is the Timothy Partnership Certificate in Academic Studies (Theology). This study requires 0.5 days per week and is recognised by Austudy. The Timothy Partnership Certificate is delivered online. In gospel ministry godliness is more important than skills. Christian ministry is about character. This is not to say that skills are unimportant. But they are only to be valued in the context of godly character. So the curriculum emphasises daily bible reading & prayer as the key to godliness. PERSONAL GODLINESS Bible study Prayer MINISTRY SKILLS Big group teaching Small group teaching Evangelism & discipleship Elective (ministry to youth, children, university, men or women) THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION Introduction to study skills Old Testament New Testament Christian belief Character, competency & conviction Developing study skills Lay ministry field education Christian leadership & management METRO trainees receive a recognised qualification for their training investment the Academic Studies in Theology Certificate

6 WHAT BEING A METRO TRAINEE INVOLVES INVOLVES METRO is based on the biblical model of intentional and relational discipleship. The outcome of METRO is dependent on a growing relationship between you (the trainee) and your trainer. Your trainer will invest into your life and ministry. However, your trainer is expected to not just minister to you but to minister with you. So you will be asked to commit to the following: A trainee s commitment Attend the METRO application interview. Respect the wisdom and advice of your trainer. Meet with your trainer at the agreed times and be adequately prepared for each meeting. Conscientiously attend to your ministry responsibilities and study obligations. Attend the annual METRO conference. Complete the required reflection and term planners when due. Complete the Timothy Partnership Certificate in Academic Studies. The God I know and trust now is much bigger than he was 2 years ago. Obviously he hasn t changed, but my knowing him has. I know him now as bigger, stronger, more faithful, more loving, more holy, more personal, more satisfying, more sufficient, more than I knew before. Cath METRO Trainee "Asking for feedback is still slightly uncomfortable to do. It s quite easy to be proud when you do well or disappointed when you do not do so well. I m really trying to do things prayerfully and allowing God to use me in his service. I m also really trying to ask the important and deep questions to look for the constructive feedback, instead of the questions that just give the Good Job response." Simon METRO Trainee

7 WHAT BEING A METRO TRAINER INVOLVES INVOLVES Moving from one stage of life into METRO is a big step for trainees. It often comes with considerable sacrifice. So you (the trainer) will be asked to commit to the following: A trainer s commitment Attend the METRO application interview. Care, guide, teach and walk beside your trainee through all stages of their spiritual journey. Provide loving encouragement and correction to your trainee. Train in accordance with the METRO philosophy and curriculum. Meet with your trainee at the frequency agreed upon and for the period of time agreed upon. Be adequately prepared for each meeting with your trainee. Complete the required reflection and term planners when due. Ensure paperwork between your church, treasurer and the METRO Committee is complete. Attend the annual METRO conference. I never considered the impact my trainee would have on my ministry. Sure there was a cost on my time, energy and resources but I learned so much about myself too especially as I had to keep answering my trainee s great questions about why I do ministry (and everything!) the way I do. James METRO Trainer PASSING THE BATON BY COLIN MARSHALL What a ministry apprenticeship is about and the resources needed for making ministry apprenticeships happen. We recommend that everyone considering METRO read this book.

8 METRO MONEY Each METRO trainee is supported by a partnership between the trainee s church, personal supporters and the wider Presbyterian Church. How METRO is funded Trainee s Church METRO Scholarship PCNSW Trainee s Supporters Course Fees & Materials Timothy Partnership $3 200pa Matthias Media $300pa $14 000pa + $6 000pa Training Fund Australian Government Approved, Tax Deductible To qualify for a METRO Scholarship a minimum of $11 000pa needs to be guaranteed by the Trainee s church and supporters. Refer to the METRO information sheet for help in utilising the tax deductibility of the METRO Training Fund. The Training Fund is managed and supported by MTS Ltd. The METRO program is provided in partnership with MTS. Fund Administration & Training Support $2 000pa What each trainee receives Trainee Share $14 500pa METRO Trainee receives $23 000pa plus all course materials Austudy Allowance $8 500pa Due to varying study loads, the Austudy Allowance is only received in Semesters 2 & 3. Please note that while the ASTC course is recognised by Austudy, the trainee must also meet Austudy s eligibility criteria. Where the trainee is ineligible, the METRO Scholarship can be increased to a maximum of $12 000pa.

9 NEXT STEPS This booklet is designed to help potential trainees and trainers make a decision about getting involved in METRO, and taking the next step into training for full time gospel work together. METRO Prep The decision to enter METRO is a very significant one. Ordinarily, it s a decision that s begun at least twelve months ahead. This twelve month period should be used to prepare for METRO. In METRO Prep the prospective trainee starts meeting one-to-one on a regular basis with their trainer. These one to one meetings should include Bible reading and prayer together and be shaped by the three curriculum areas of METRO: personal godliness, ministry skills and theological reflection. The METRO Prep Fact Sheet available on the METRO website includes a suggested reading program for these meetings. Applying for METRO 1 Jan METRO Prep Preparation for METRO begins The closing date for applications has been extended to 30 September for this year and interviews will be held on 24 October 31 Aug Application due Complete application forms for potential trainees and trainers on the METRO website Oct METRO Scholarships confirmed Applicants informed of the outcome of their application and scholarship value early Mar METRO Conference Attend if you can to get a feel for METRO mid year Session and Congregational support Obtain Session approval of application and Congregational approval of financial details late Sep METRO interview All potential trainees and trainers are interviewed by the METRO Committee to assess the existence of a training relationship and plans for ministry training Oct-Dec Support raising Trainees and trainers begin raising financial support

10 AM I READY FOR METRO? If you are considering training for full time gospel ministry there are important questions to ask yourself and others. Before entering METRO, you need to prayerfully assess your suitability and readiness for ministry training. GOD S PERSPECTIVE ON MINISTRY AND GOSPEL WORKERS Godly character is more important than ministry skills: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9 MINISTRY LEADER S ASSESSMENT Ask your pastor, ministry leader or elder for an honest assessment of your character and ministry skills. SELF-ASSESSMENT Use the questions below to assess your suitability and readiness for ministry training. Questions What ministries have you been involved in so far? How have you seen God at work in these ministries? Which of your gifts have you seen used by God? What do you think are your personal strengths and weaknesses in ministry? Why do you want to be in ministry? What concerns do your parents, family or spouse have about you training for ministry? How do you see the next 10 years unfolding? (e.g. secular work, ministry training, theological study, marriage, family) Can you manage your financial responsibilities through these 10 years? Are you physically and mentally able to embark on full time ministry training? Do you have people around you who would financially support your ministry training? What questions do you have?

11 THE METRO NETWORK METRO is coordinated and overseen by the Presbyterian Church NSW METRO Committee. The committee is responsible for curriculum development, appointment of trainees and trainers and funding allocations to training churches. In discharging its role the committee liaises between local congregations and other committees of the Presbyterian Church that partner in ministry training. But the METRO network is bigger than the committee! METRO is a network of ministry trainees, trainers, coaches and supporters. You are not alone The key to effective training is a growing relationship between the METRO trainee and METRO trainer. Each METRO trainer is provided with a coach to encourage and support the training relationship. Coaches keep in contact with trainers by phone and . The annual METRO Conference enables interaction between all METRO trainees, trainers and coaches. More info If you require more information about METRO please use the contact details on the back cover of this booklet.

12 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 Contact details Website: admin@metro.edu.au The METRO program is provided in partnership with MTS.