Pastoral Partner Program

Training coming in May 2025

The Uniting Church recognises the responsibility and freedom which belong to councils to acknowledge gifts among members for the fulfilment of particular functions. The Uniting Church sees in pastoral care exercised personally on behalf of the Church an expression of the fact that God always deals personally with people, would have God's loving care known among people, and would have individual members take upon themselves the form of a servant. (The Basis of Union, Para 16)

In May 2025, eLM are offering training in the fantastic Pastoral Partner Program with none other than the creator of the Program, Sharonne Price!

This is wonderful training for Congregations and Faith Communities. And is also great training for those Lay Preachers who find themselves in pastoral situations. (Mel Perkins, Synod Lay Leadership Development Coordinator)

People right across the age range need to be cared for pastorally within congregations and faith communities such as Messy Church. Pastoral Partners provides the training so that members of these communities can feel more confident as they care for one another in all the complexities of life. (Rev Sandy Brodine, Synod Younger Generations – Education & Strategy Coordinator)

In many multicultural congregations, so called ‘CALD’ congregations, lay members often play a central role in providing pastoral care because they deeply understand the cultural and linguistic practices of their communities. Equipping them with additional training and resources can be transformative, enabling them to offer care that is not only spiritually nourishing but also culturally sensitive and effective. (Rev David Kim, Synod Multicultural Ministries Coordinator)

When:

Face-to-face across a weekend – Friday 16 May (4 to 9pm) to Saturday 17 May (9am to 5pm)

Where:

At the Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM), 29 College Crescent, Parkville. Parking will be available at the CTM on Saturday 17 May.

Cost:

$125 per participant. This includes the cost of training and all meals across the weekend.

While Sharonne will be providing the PPTs from the training, participants may also like to purchase the Pastoral Partner Program Participant Guide from Wayzgoose - https://www.wayzgoose.au/product/pastoral-partner-participants-guide/47?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true