The Intensive Program blends together theological reflection, conversation about ministry practice and areas of theory both from within the Church and in the wider community. Prior to the program, participants will have been sent key readings which will be used in the group discussions.
There are ten topic areas in the intensives. Two areas will be considered in detail each year. Because there are many overlapping elements of Christian ministry other areas will also be considered.
PASTORAL CARE IN ANGLICAN MINISTRY ~ participants will consider themes including understanding the parish system, building meaningful pastoral relationships, understanding mental illness, death and dying, violence and abuse, and supporting people through relationship crises. The sessions include a careful consideration of orders of service used in pastoral settings.
JUSTICE AND PEACE MAKING ~ participants will consider approaches to understanding the broader community and learning of its development plans, they will hear of development and assistance ministries offered through Anglicare-SA and other Anglican agencies, they will consider how to develop local based action initiatives
BUILDING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ~ participants will look at the way people are welcomed, incorporated and nurtured in the faith community. This includes careful consideration of the ministries of baptism, confirmation and reception in the Church. They will also look into “the back room” and learn a little about parish council and what makes a parish council work well.
PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY AND VITAL CHURCHES ~ participants will consider – congregational systems theory, congregational size dynamics, planning and leading for growth and the congregational life cycle.
MANAGING CONFLICT AND ENABLING COMMUNICATION – participants will explore the nature of conflict and their preferred conflict management styles. They will discuss handling difficult people, co-dependence, burn out and addictions.
SELF CARE IN MINISTRY – participants explore the spirituality and practices required of people involved in caring work and leadership. The sessions include developing healthy practices and recognising burnout. Participants who have previously considered this aspect of ministry will support people who are new to ministry
THE CHURCH AND ITS LAWS – through these sessions people will develop a greater understanding of the Australian Church and the way it works, especially within the Diocese of Adelaide.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP ~ includes principles of leadership, setting strategic direction, forming a coalition for change and change management. Participants will explore how motivating people and allocating financial resources form part of effective Christian ministry
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ~ participants will consider Fowlers stages of faith development, basic principles of adult education, basic principles of children & youth education and small group learning.
ENVIRONMENT AND CREATION ~ Participants look at the thoughts of Christian writers and explore how a community of faith can include environmental action in its work and worship.
