AOCM Response to Article on Training
An article in the 10 June 2011 Church Times links very much to the AOCM Executives view of the value of diversity of training. Below is our response, which although not published we wanted to ensure you all saw.
Margaret, Annie and Sam
It is with pleasure and excitement I read the article on part time training in the 10 June edition. It affirms the validity of this pathway for formation for ministry and starts to dispel the perception that full time, residential based programmes is the only valid way.
This year’s AOCM (Association of Ordinands and Candidates for Ministry) Executive Committee wants to raise the profile and understanding of part time part residential programmes amongst those training for ministry as well as deepening the engagement with such programmes through their AOCM representative. Although focused within the training community, it does provide the opportunity to understand the contrasting approaches to ministerial training alongside the challenges and benefits residential and part residential training provide.
Being on a part time part residential training pathway myself (Eastern Regional Ministry Course), I can relate to the breadth of training this survey indicates exists. Training with those who hold and value other theological perspectives and opinions of worship and spirituality is challenging yet illustrates the deep wealth our Christian faith offers. What is so often humbling in our community is the way this diversity brings understanding, dialogue, honouring and affirmation of each of our calls, whatever our tradition. Part of this I am convinced is through the church placements which will be in contrast to our own context and tradition.
Ed Thornton highlights the difficulties of placement arrangements for those in part time training. ERMC, as I am sure other part time programmes have, have provided excellent and efficient support in arranging placements. This, though, isn’t about the staff doing all the work; as ordinands we do highlight what we are interested in and it is a two way dialogue as they are arranged. There is the issue of time, but this is something we discuss with our supervisor and placement church / organisation to ensure the required time and opportunity for reflection is possible.
There is richness in the diversity, flexibility and number of accredited routes for training for ministry. The heritage in the UK of ministerial training and the 21st century educational context of rising costs the Church find itself in forces us all to focus on the value, benefits and constraints of the available resources and options for those training for ministry. Part time, part residential programmes provide a high value opportunity alongside the distinctive approach of full time residential training. Both should be upheld and commended.
Margaret McPhee
Chair, AOCM
It is really encouraging to see Part Time, Part residential and regional training routes being discussed and their potential being recognised.
I am mid way through my training on a regional Part time Course(having started as an independent still trying to pluck up the courage to call the DDO).
It was a tough decision and took a lot of weighing up the pros and cons of each.
There were several people who when speaking to them were sceptical about the potential part-time training has and thought that all those training for Ordained ministry should go full time.
I am pleased that I did take the Part Time route even though at time getting the balance between work, family and study can be a challenge and with less time for work finances have taken a hit.
I am recently ordained, having trained with a regional ministry course. I too really benefited from the variety of traditions represented on the course, and personally found no problem with placements so would echo the comments from Margaret above. While there can be a difficulty in finding a balance with work family and study, this was actually good preparation for real life ministry. My one foot in the ‘real world’ while studying gave me a rich extra perspective. There was no sense of cutting myself off from the world, but being formed to take my part in serving the community in ministry.
Thanks Andy for your honesty of your experience, I am sure this will help to encoruage others who are weighing up the options. Perhaps ring the DDO?…