There are two phases in the preparing for ordained ministry through the College in the Diocese of Adelaide - Foundations and Internship.
Foundations
When you have completed the Foundations phase you will have completed at least half of the academic study required by your Bishop. Canddiates for stipendary ministry in the Diocese of Adelaide are normally expected to have completed 18 months of a three year degree in theology by the end of the Foundations phase. The Archbishop must approve the institution you complete your study at. Most candidates will study at Flinders University. Find out more about Flinders here. A sample undergraduate program degree course can be found here. A tenative program for people wishing to enrol in the postgraduate program can be found here.
At the end of the Foundations phase you will have experienced various aspects of ministry in a parish and other settings, and you will have concluded the Formation program at St Barnabas College.
During the Foundations phase you will join with others involved in ministry training at the Ministry Intensives.
Internship
At the end of the Internship you will have completed your theology degree and you will have gained extensive experience in a parish or other setting.
People entering the Internship may have been accepted for ordination by a bishop. It is anticipated that candidates in the Diocese of Adelaide will have been accepted by the Bishop.
Different Pathways for Different People
The process has been designed to take into account the different experiences and needs of every candidate. Some people will be eligible for Austudy and some will be self-supporting. Some people will be studying part-time while others will be studying full-time. There are some sample study programs on this website.
What does a student cover in their degree?
People considering ordination often ask what study is required by the Diocesan Bishops. The following is based on policy in the Diocese of Adelaide and provides a useful guide. This guide can’t replace a careful conversation with those responsible for your preparation in your Diocese.
Scripture Studies
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A good overview of the Old Testament and New Testament including exegesis and interpretation.
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There should be intensive study of some texts including a gospel and an epistle.
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At least an introductory study in a biblical language.
History and Systematic Theology
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A sound understanding of doctrine including Trinitarian God, Christology, and Pneumatology
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A sound understanding of the revelation, ecclesiology, ministry and sacraments.
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Church History including early church history
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Studies of Anglicanism
Practical Ministry
A sample undergraduate program degree course can be found here. A tenative program for people wishing to enrol in the postgraduate program can be found here.
Where a person is already studying at an institution not directly related to the Anglican Church they will be asked to complete a number of units in an Anglican College. As a basic guide, they should expect to complete a minimum of one quarter of the degree in this way. In addition they will need to complete ministry formation and placements through the Anglican College.
But I have already begun my studies at another institution
With the agreement of the Archbishop, the College Principal will help design a program that ensures you complete a degree with the required coverage. You will be expected to complete some topics through the School of Theology at Flinders University or another approved institution with a connection with the Anglican Church. Click here to find the details of these topics.
