Bishop Writes with Peter Tasker - Lay training is not an optional extra

I can now say that I have been to Khartoum. Well, almost! I did spend almost three hours in a plane at 2am at Khartoum airport because the plane’s air-conditioning had died and it took that long to repair it.

In early September I visited church leaders in South Africa, Kenya and Egypt. The main reason for the visit was to discuss training not only for clergy but also for laity.

The African Church continues to grow in numbers and is very conscious of the dire need under God to grow in spiritual maturity. Theological education by extension courses and basic Bible training for laity with classes where they live has been available for many years.

However, the course material needs a facelift and upgrading in some places. Many are looking at using the Moore College External Studies material and arranging for it to be translated into the national language. Theological training for clergy and laity is one of the areas where we as a diocese can give very positive support and encouragement.

Almost all the church leaders pressed me asking, “Do you in Sydney understand and fully appreciate the training facilities and staff that you have available to you?” Moore College and now Youthworks College are training childrens’ and youth workers.

More and more everyone is recognising that training is a fellowship activity. It is becoming increasingly difficult to just set up your own institutions. It’s just not good stewardship of people or property. 

The other key issue that these leaders are raising is that training for ministry must be top of the priority list. It cannot be something that we will get around to as soon as other things are in place.

In one of our deaneries three parishes have agreed to organise lay training for next year as a joint activity. The aim is to use the particular gifts and skills that different members across the parishes have for the benefit of the whole.

Decisions will also be made together as to the best place to hold each course. I would hope that more parishes will see the benefit of this and join in. I also hope that other deaneries will look seriously at this model.

Moving out of our comfort zone into the community to share the gospel is not an optional extra. Neither is training Christians for active ministry.

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