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Introduction
Trinity College students will learn how to analyse, to reflect, and to think theologically on issues raised in whatever programme, course or paper in which they are enrolled.
Our approach to teaching and learning encourages students to consider questions about relevance to their own context - past and current experience and importantly to visualise themselves in their future contexts.
Within each course, there is an emphasis on student participation. This is facilitated through developing positive student/tutor relationships.
We recognise prior learning and cross-crediting arrangements are indicated in the 2009 Ministry Education Handbook. Increasing numbers of Trinity College ministry students enter with a theology degree or ministry diploma. However Trinity College courses are unique in their emphasis on Methodist ethos and Wesleyan theology, and are not offered elsewhere in New Zealand.
The administrative policies and regulations Trinity College are contained in the College handbook.
Download Trinity College handbook.
Ministry and Professional Development Certificates
These are internal Trinity College papers and courses designed as stepping stones towards the DipPTh and can be accessed in avariety of ways.
Diploma in Practical Theology DipPTh
The DipPTh is an NZQA approved qualification offered by Trinity College. It is specifically designed to prepare students for ministry - lay or ordained - and uses a mix of theory and practice. It is the foundation ministry formation course for the Methodist Church. The programme is normally a full-time programme, but part-time engagement is possible by negotiation. The core theological disciplines must be mastered, and then theological reflection and supervised engagement in ministry are the key components.
Students may also do papers through the School of Theology, University of Auckland or Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies (EIDTS). All approved candidates for ordained Methodist Ministry must complete this diploma.
Licentiate in Theology LTh - EIDTS
The Methodist Church is a stakeholder in the Christchurch based Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies. Trinity College can offer its students the opportunity to study at a distance theology papers from the LTh.Bachelor of Theology
Currently, some full-time ministry students accepted by the Methodist Church of New Zealand towards ordination may do a BTheol at the University of Auckland, or as distance students in the University of Otago's BTh programme. Some of Otago's papers will be tutored on site at the College of St John the Evangelist from 2010.
Probationer-Presbyter Programme
The probation programme takes place as part of a first stationed ministry position. Part of this consists of an engagement in the roles and tasks of ministry, under the supervision of a parish superintendent and linked to the synod. Alongside this, a process of ongoing reflection on ministry practice and the linking of elements from formal education with practical activity, under the oversight of Trinity College. This programme has been rewritten for year 1 and year 2 ordination candidates from 2009. Assessment is through interview, reports and portfolio presentation.
Download Probationer-Presbyter handbook.
Lead Worship Programmes & NZ Lay Preachers Accreditation
Trinity College has relationships with the Lay Preacher’s Network of the Methodist Conference, Vahefonua and Sinote Samoa in terms of developing ministry programmes for resourcing lay people.
To gain accreditation as a Lay Preacher with the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association in English language the 3 courses listed below are to be successfully completed. Each has a stand alone certificate.
1. Lead Worship Year One
This course can be used in a variety of ways in parishes, and adapted to suit local needs. The course is also taught in full at a number of key locations around New Zealand. It is a compulsory foundation course for intending lay preachers and consists of practical instruction and tasks in leading services of worship.
2. Lead Worship Year Two
This is the preaching course for lay preachers. It consists of presenting five critiqued sermons, plus a long essay on the Wesley Brothers Story.
3. Effective Church Leaders course
This course is currently available as an online programme in the tcol moodle classroom. It is the third component necessary to gain Lay Preacher accreditation. It can be done concurrently with either Lead Worship Years One or Two. Alternatively, a Lay Preacher candidate may opt to do EIDTS NT101ntroduction to New Testament.
Download brochure for Lead Worship & Lay Preachers
Download Online evaluation forms for worship leading and preaching
Tongan Lay Preachers 1 and 2
These courses are directed by Trinity College and the Vahefonua with their own internal certification. This website includes Tongan language resources produced by Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta and Rev Siosifa Pole. These include Bible study notes, resources for lay preachers and papers from the Oceania Tongan Hermeneutics group.
Keynote Intensives
Diploma in Practical Theology 2010
- Community Development and Social Change
- Worship & Liturgy
- Reading the Bible from Oceania
- History and Presence of Christ
- Genesis & science: an introduction
- Introduction to Practical theology
- Moana-Eco Theology
- Methodist Studies A
- Methodist Studies B
- Theological Reflection and contemporary culture A
- Theological Reflection and contemporary culture B
- Tongan Hermeneutics
- Survey of theology: Great Minds—where the Spirit is aflame!
Ready parishes include these church venues
Trinity at Pitt Street Methodist Church 2010
Lead Worship courses will be continue at Pitt Street during semester 2 with Lynne Frith and Diana Roberts.
Trinity at Mangere Methodist Church 2010
During semester 1 the Lead Worship Year One course commences with Rev Dr Lynne Wall and Kalo Kaisa. The Year Two homiletics course continues with David Bell. Start date for both 20 March, 9.30 am
Trinity in Hamilton 2010
During semester 1 Rev Ann Griffith and Rev Apakuki Ratucoka commence Lead Worship Year One at St John's.
Trinity in the Hawkes Bay 2010
During semester 1 Rev Gillian Watkin continues block courses in Worship Leaders and Homiletics certifiactes.
Trinity at Wesley, Wellington 2010
During semester 1 Desmond Cooper continues to lead the Homiletics course.
Trinity at Blenheim 2010
During semester 1 Judith Parkes and Peter Norman continue with the Homiletics course.
Trinity and the 2010 Tongan Lay Preachers Courses 1 and 2
Classes have already been filled at Auckalnd, Hamilton and Wellington. Further applications will be held over until 2011.
Intensives 2010
Intensives programme Some intensives can be held in conjunction with Synod events and schools of theology, or clusters of parishes seeking an introduction to Trinity College. Contact the College for details.
Snippets from the March 2010 Council Meeting
Welcome to new students
Eight of the current Year 1 Students and One of the two current Year Two students joined Council Members for a light meal and discussion during the Order of the Day component of the Council meeting.Students offered largely positive comments about their programme (the first year of the Block Course approach), particularly about the high quality of the tutors and the opportunity to get to know each other well as fellow students, right from the start of the year. They also offered constructive suggestions for improving the process. These suggestions included the possibility of face to face meetings with tutors prior to the commencement of the block courses. Council noted the positive interaction between the students and Management noted the suggestions for improving the programme.
From the Principal we learned that:
- The tutors’ meeting had welcomed the opportunity to discuss the concept of a one year Trinity Qualification in addition to the Diploma Qualification and had indicated they wished to discuss the matter with a wider group of interested parties – which is proceeding.
- The Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with the University of Auckland - Placement Agreements were not yet available.
And the Council itself:
- Requested that the arrangement with the University of Auckland, re Nasili, be completed with some urgency;
- Considered, carefully, the options for college administrative and educational staffing into the future, using as a base reference the report and options proposed by an external consultant.
- supported the option for two full time educational development staff
- agreed to progress the first such appointment from November 2010;
- agreed, in principle, that the second appointment proceed from November 2011 unless deemed otherwise by the Chairperson and Principal) and to reconsider this intent in September 2010 and May 201;
- authorised the Principal and Council member Martin Sutherland to determine the shape of these positions and the associated job descriptions;
- noted that such positions would be full time stationed resource positions within Trinity College that would involve both education and ministry development opportunities;
- noted that the staged approach allows monitoring of such aspects as finance, staff/student ratios, wider church (stakeholder) requirements and physical resource requirements;
- noted that this development retains the advantages of the scholar presbyter/ready parish model, through the retention of part time tutors;
- authorised the principal to discuss the administrative staffing proposals with all administrative staff before a final decision is made.
- Noted that Susan Thompson would be acting as Chairperson during the Chair’s absence 10 May to 30 June.
Catherine Gibson
Council Chairperson
Trinity College Council Strategic Plan
The Council of Trinity Methodist Theological College is pleased to share the final version of its three year Strategic Plan. It provides a framework in which the College will operate “to keep the Spirit aflame”.
We thank those synods and individuals who took time to offer comment on the draft material. Changes have been made to the plan as a result of these offerings; and in the implementation process, care will be taken to consider operational aspects of the comments received.
The Council has the role of monitoring progress of the actions that contribute to the overall aims and objectives; and regular communication through E Messenger and the College’s own website will include key aspects of progress. The College welcomes any suggestions at any time; and to do this you can email via the contact form below.
Blessings,
Catherine Gibson Chair
From the Principal we learned that:
The sale of 63 Castledine Street would now proceed, following completion of the relevant discussions with the Connexional Office and the Property Committee.
Informal discussions had been held with Theological Colleges in Samoa and Tonga about a possible exchange arrangement around block courses and that further consideration would be given to how this might work.
And the Council itself:
- Welcomed Eleni Drodrolagi to the meeting – her first as a formal Council Member;
- Noted a substantive report was not required for Conference 2010 but that a summary report would be developed – such report to include recommendations on council membership and the appointment of Max Thompson as Chairperson from 2011;
- Noted that the annual evaluation process for the Council would be made available at the September meeting – with the results ready for discussion at the December meeting; such evaluation to consider the productivity of bi-monthly council meetings;
- Agreed to have an additional non-formal meeting on 11 October, to focus on the proposed Licentiate qualification and materials used for various Trinity courses; such a meeting to include tutors and students;
- Noted the correspondence and Annual Report from the Executive Officer of EIDTS, with particular interest in the comment on the positive contribution of the College Principal;
- Agreed that a new Strategic Plan for a 3 – 5 year period from July 2011 needs to be developed through a process commencing late 2010;
- Approved in principle the directions of the Principal’s proposed Study Leave for 2011;
- Agreed that Bella Ngaha and Susan Thompson participate in the interview panel for the position of Director Lay Education – along with the Principal;
- Approved a further section of the new Policy Manual on Council Procedures, focusing on evaluation and monitoring, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, risk and liability, and indemnity;
- Approved, in principle, a visit to Israel as part of a block course in 2011, and in so doing requested a general policy on course delivery at sites beyond New Zealand, to be considered at the September meeting;
- Agreed that Rev. Dr. Jim Stuart be invited to the December Council Meeting
- to discuss the “Interpreter’s Project”; Approved, subject to the Auditor’s Report, the College Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2010, noting the credit balance, and the impact of a lack of history re the new delivery and administration arrangements on this – and also on projections for 2010-11;
- Noted the Risk Schedule, identifying that most risks were being managed but that staff pressure remained an issue in what could legitimately still be described as a transition stage;
- Agreed that the timing of course completions (December) indicated that a College Graduation Ceremony would be best held in March, with a Valedictory Service on 28 November – with the President and Vice President invited.
Catherine Gibson, Chairperson
With thanks to Susan Thomson for undertaking Acting Chairperson duties in my absence during May and June.
Trinity College and Professional Development
Life-long learning
Trinity College encourages life-long learning for all Christian leaders. Professional development is expected of clergy in particular. It's all about taking the long view. Methodist ministers are required by Conference to gain one Diploma paper every two years, or its equivalent through other institutions such as EIDTS, or the Universities of Otago or Auckland.
Trinity College offers flexible ways of achieving professional development goals for individuals. Intensives, seminars and special events are planned into the Trinity Calender each semester and these can be incorporated into a professional development learning covenant.
With some intensives there are credits to Trinity College 'stand-alone certificates' and others into Diploma courses. Correct enrolment and prior reading are required for credit.
Trinity College staff often participate in Synod Schools-of-Theology. Credits to 'stand-alone' certificates can be arranged with the College by Synods. Please contact us for further information. You can apply for study grant assistance. Note that not all appplications will be successful and that correspondence is not entered into by the Travel and Study Committee.
Download Study & Travel Assistance Grants form
DipPTh to MMin to DMin
The Diploma in Practical Theology offers a framework for professional development for clergy who want to add a new dimension to their ministry practice. After completing the DipPTh candidates embark upon a two year probationer programme which may lead to ordination. Then the University of Otago offers a Master of Ministry, MMin, which takes Trinity College graduates to the next level of professional development. The Trinity College probation years provide a fertile ground for thinking about and preparing for that vital next stage of professional development. Trinity College tutors play a formative part in this preparation. Later on, candidates may undertake the Doctor of Ministry programme.
The Presbyter-Scholar Programme
Trinity College tutors are in the presbyter-scholar programme. The tutors are experienced presbyters in a variety of church appointments who are willing to contribute their gifts of learning to Trinity College through various papers, training events, and other courses. Trinity tutors also serve on the Curricuum Review Panel, along with the major stakeholders in Trinity College. The Panel arranges tutor training, external moderation, and provides a vehicle for publication through AIM & Methodist Publishing.
The scholar-presbyter programme has allowed Trinity to become a learning community where the bicultural partnership can be more fully expressed, along with full participation of Sinoti Samoa and Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa.
The Ready Parishes Programme
Trinity College has begun a process to to identify and build strategic relationships with key parishes around the Connexion to enable it to function as an effective blended-learning distance education provider. These are called ‘ready parishes’. Ready parishes also include those whose presbyters are among the tutors of Trinity College.
Signs and Wonders
This is the professional development magazine of Trinity College for the whole Church. It is published twice per annum. A sample PDF is available by contacting the Trinity College office.
