The Intent of this section is to give an outline of some of the aims and aspirations of the project. The full plan contains a much more detailed picture and this together with the implementation steps are what will be presented at the information events
Central Purpose of the Project
- To equip fully all members of the church ordained and lay to fulfil effectively the church’s mission in 21st C Ireland
- To ensure that the methods we use to train people, will throughout, effectively connect learning and practice
- To ensure that the training is an enriching experience for all of our church traditions
Additional Overall Aspirations
- To nurture gifting for ministry and mission in an entirely new and ever-changing social context
- To deepen spiritual self-awareness and theological wisdom
- To develop holiness and integrity of character
- To initiate a process of lifelong learning and deepening vocation
Ordained Characteristics
The Bishops have also produced a clear articulation of their view of the Mission of the Church and the characteristics they would like to see develop during training and formation. These cover the following areas.
- Spirituality
- Theological Reflection
- Pastoral Care
- Vision
- Leadership
- Worship and Preaching
- Worship and Liturgy
- Communicating the Faith
- Management and Change
- Administration
- Vocation
Academic Aspirations
- That the academic pathways connect with universally recognisable levels of academic accreditation
- The use of different styles and approaches to learning that help students make the connection
- To inculcate the principles of lifelong learning
- An academic approach that is relevant and inspiring for all age groups
Relational Community
- A relational community that is focused and purposeful
- One that creates an environment that facilitates families and family relationships
- One that is undergirded by worship and prayer
Governance
- To rationalize the various bodies to create a single oversight body with the following responsibility and function:-
- Ensuring that the aspirations of the House of Bishops as articulated in this project plan are being met
- Ensuring that the Theological institute is operating to principle of best of class in terms of learning and preparation for mission and service
- Ensuring compliance with all legal, financial, health and safety and personnel standards
- Being aware of and having concern for the morale and motivation of staff and students
Infrastructure
- To ensure that we have a high quality facility capable of supporting these aims
- That it will be a facility that will help build community and be an attractive place to reside
Financial
- There are a variety of financial aspirations that spring from the movement of plant that are aimed at improving the effectiveness of our training
Other
A key part of this project will be:-
- To eliminate the disparities between stipendiary and non-stipendiary. Whether a residential or non-residential track is selected the aim is for it to lead to equality of academic qualification and minitry opportunity
- To ensure that the needs of married families are properly catered for – such that families are given maximum support in a variety of way should they wish to choose a residential option.
