Appointment

Anglican training ministers are appointed by the following procedure:

• Students approach STETS for a place on the course
• STETS asks whether there may be any difficulties about appointing the minister of their local church, such as an impending retirement
• STETS consults the Anglican DDO or IME Officer for advice on whether the local incumbent is able to undertake this duty, or, if not, for the nomination of another suitable person.
• STETS approaches the training minister, explains the scope of the commitment and appoints them to the role. Normally this is for the duration of the student’s training.

Methodist training ministers are appointed by the following procedure:

• Circuit Superintendents are usually appointed as training ministers for Methodist students.

The Training Agreement

The boundaries of training ministers’ responsibility are suggested by the time budgeted in the Course for a student’s Developing Ministry work – 150 hours for each 18-month phase of training. This budget does not include time spent in personal prayer and in public worship on Sundays, but it does include time spent observing or engaging in ministry at other times, as well as time for preparation and reflection. In practice, therefore, students have only a couple of hours during the week for their practical learning and reflection on it; but over a three-year period and with good supervision there is potential for much creative work.

The work is shaped by a Training Agreement, drawn up between each student and training minister, using processes described in the first Developing Ministry Module, D1. In Section A of the contract a general framework of expectations is developed an in which it is agreed that:

• the student and training minister meet monthly for at least an hour;
• the student and his or her family will receive pastoral support outside the meeting;
• the student is given space for education and training, and, as necessary, freed from existing local church commitments;
• the local church is kept appropriately informed the student’s training.

Section B of the Agreement covers four different forms of ‘pastoral praxis’ where the student needs to gain some competence and understanding: listening; congregational study; leading worship; and preaching.

The Agreement is drawn up during the first term of training. Good agreements enable students to pace their involvement in these forms of ministry and also maximize their learning in the time available.

This document offers only a brief introduction to the role of STETS training minister. The role is fully explained and at an induction day in September of the year in which their students start at STETS (a supplementary day is usually offered for those who are unable to attend the September induction day. The overall purpose of the role of the training minister is to act as a supervisor and mentor to students in training. STETS therefore places a high priority on offering appropriate training for the tasks associated with this role. Such training is developed and provided by the STETS Training Team, convened by the Vice Principal.