It should be noted that the Ministry Apprenticeship Program is one aspect of a wider emphasis on training in general. We are seeking to train as many congregation members as possible in skills for Christian service. This must of course be done according to the gifts God has given people. But we are eager to see each member be as effective as possible in Christ’s service.

The Sydney Anglican Diocesan Mission - adopted by our Parish Council - includes this as emphasis as one of the four key strategies (quoted below):

“3. Strategy for the Diocese

Fundamental Aim

To multiply Bible-based Christian fellowships, congregations and churches which equip and nurture their members and expand themselves, both in the Diocese and “in all the world”.

Fourfold Policy

In submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations,

1. To call upon God for such an outpouring of his Spirit that his people will be assured of his love through his word, seek to please the Saviour in all things, manifest the godly life and be filled with prayerful and sacrificial compassion for the lost in all the world.

2. To enable parish churches to expand numerically, equip and nurture their members, and become the mother-churches of as many fellowships and congregations as possible; and also to take further initiatives to create fellowships by penetrating structures of society beyond the reach of the parish church with the gospel.

3. To multiply the number of well-trained persons (ordained, lay, full time, part time, voluntary) lovingly dedicated to the creation and development of such parishes, congregations and fellowships by proclaiming the gospel.

4. To reform the life of the Diocese (including our culture, ordinances, customs, use of resources, and deployment of ministry) to encourage and enable the fulfilment of the fundamental aim.”

For further information and support envelopes for the Apprenticeship Scheme see the newsdesk at St Faith’s or visit www.mts.com.au.