Lay Ministry Strand of the STS
The lay ministry strand, with the support of the LCA's Board for Lay Ministry [BLM], aims first and foremost to prepare men and women for a wide range of ministries in our congregations, schools and institutions, as well as in the wider community, as a parish worker, youth worker, chaplain, counsellor, director of Christian education, family ministry coordinator, and the like.
Lay ministry strand students complete one of the undergraduate academic courses as part of their program. In addition, there are also a number of specific requirements designed to prepare women and men for various ministries within the church.
Specific requirements
Field educationLay ministry strand students are involved in field education during each year of their enrolment. Field education has a worship component that requires attendance and involvement in a specific congregation [normally of the student's own choice] during each trimester. Additionally each student is expected to complete an average of at least two hours per week of supervised field work in a specific area of ministry chosen in consultation with the STS field education coordinator. Students are encouraged to find placement in a congregation or organisation where they can gain hands-on experience in a field related to that area in which they feel called to serve. Others who are undecided as to the specific areas in which they are gifted to serve are encouraged to use the field education experience to explore various ministry opportunities within the church and the community.
Care group
Each student is assigned to a care group in their first trimester at ALC. Each care group has a teaching staff adviser and a senior student leader and meets regularly for support and prayer. If attendance is sometimes difficult because students do not have lectures on that day, students are encouraged to maintain the relationship with their care group. Care groups share a meal together in the refectory once a week and take turns being responsible for leading chapel worship.
LCA Safe Place Policy
Lay ministry strand students are required to attend an LCA Safe Place Policy seminar [usually half-day] introducing all potential church workers to the official policy and procedures of the LCA in regard to sexual abuse and harassment.
Faith-life statement
Each lay ministry strand student is expected to participate in one or more interviews [depending upon the length of their course] with the Head of school and to write a brief faith-life statement in preparation for these interviews.
National Police certificate
Each lay ministry strand student is to provide a national police certificate as a requirement of their application.
Vocational certificate
In addition to their academic award, lay ministry students who complete the requirements of the lay ministry strand receive a vocational certificate. This demonstrates their readiness for accreditation as lay workers in the church.
Placement program
At present there is no formal placement program for lay ministry positions. Although the ALC and the DLM try to put new graduates in touch with congregations and organisations that have positions available, the main initiative for gaining employment rests with graduates.
Contact information
Write to:
Administrator
School of Theological Studies
Australian Lutheran College
104 Jeffcott Street
North Adelaide SA 5006
Australia
Email sts@alc.edu.au
Telephone (08) 8267 7400 and ask for the STS Administrator
Updated: 8/8/2007 [1.00]
ALC | RTO/state code: 90032 | National code: 2287 | CRICOS No: 00707J | ACN: 108 602 151
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