New future for ALC and Delta Ministries

Australian Lutheran College [ALC] and Delta Ministries [Delta] are formally investigating the details of a partnership, with the implementation expected to be rolled out over the next three years.

‘ALC and Delta have reached an agreement about working together on the future directions of our institutions,’ announced ALC Principal Rev John Henderson. ‘Together, we are ready to take the next steps, which will also mean deploying resources to assist the process. This is an exciting time, as we explore this new area, and we realise that it will take time.’

‘This is the formalisation of a relationship that has already begun,’ explains Delta Director Shannon Hood. ‘We have been working together from the very beginning, and now we need to scope how far the relationship can go, even though we don’t know how it will “look” yet.

‘This partnership is about the kingdom of God. People need to be trained to serve God in their context—that’s what counts.’

From 2010, there will continue to be some visible and measurable outcomes. A number of joint services are already being rolled out, and will be available from February 2010. ALC and Delta will consider all aspects of the partnership, including any re-branding. They will also look at how courses fit together including recognition of prior learning.

‘We are now seizing an opportunity to see how we can further cooperate in God’s mission,’ said ALC Academic Dean Rev Dr Stephen Haar. ‘This will result in improved outcomes for students. We will be able to respond better to the needs of the church and broader community. ALC already has an understanding with Delta and with other education institutions over recognition of prior learning and professional experience.

‘We now have a few years to explore our relationship, including the further integration between VET and higher education. In the meantime, we will be piloting certificate level courses, such as Church Administration, and providing training to the LCA on safety and compliance issues.'

Delta courses originally focused on education and training for lay workers, however a wider use of these courses has developed to benefit other areas of the church, such as professional development for pastors and school staff.

‘The discussions between ALC and Delta are part of a new future for ALC, based on our new strategic plan, which envisages ALC offering a more complete range of educational outcomes, from professional development and VET training, to higher education courses and a centre for theology, research and ethics,’ said Rev Henderson.

‘ALC has international recognition as a high quality theological institution, and Delta has made inroads into a new way of doing VET training ecumenically for people who work in the church,’ explained Mr Hood. ‘ALC retains its standing, whilst adding another string to their bow by being recognised for specific context training and professional development as well.

‘Delta wants to maintain its ecumenical edginess, and we also want to give the LCA confidence that the Lutheran-ness of ALC will not be compromised through this relationship.

‘Recently, the College of Presidents cleared two of Delta’s courses for 2010. We welcome continued close scrutiny to give the LCA confidence that the content of our courses is appropriate and serves the church in the best way possible’.

Updated: 14/12/2009 [1.01]