is a new pathway to ordained ministry in the CRCA. It brings together the two leading models of ministry training that have been used by the Christian church over the centuries: church-based, apprenticeship style training and on-campus theological college study.
Church-based:
- ministry experience
- mentoring
- gift assessment
- distance education
- readings and discussion in theology
- missions and leadership focus
Campus- based:
- advanced studies in theology, church history and exegesis
- distinctives of Reformed theology and ministry
- advanced training in preaching
- degree level study for a BTh or MDiv
In task3 there are four partners: the ministry student, the local church, the RTC and the CRCA
the ministry student:
- participates actively in local church ministry
- undertakes language study and foundational Bible introductions either by distance or at an approved local Bible college
- participates in a number of courses in church- based theological education (CBTE)
- enrolls with the RTC for task3 but always remains under the oversight of the local church
- spends at least 2 years in church-based theological education and 2 years at the RTC
- engages in a process of ongoing assessment to determine ministry suitability
the local church:
- provides ministry experience, mentoring and assessment of character and gifts
- offers at least five courses in church-based theological education
- ensures their pastor or other key church leaders participate in the ongoing training required for leading CBTE courses
- works cooperatively with the RTC to ensure a unified approach to theology, ministry and assessment
the RTC:
- coordinates the task3 program
- assists in providing training for local church trainers
- works cooperatively with local churches to ensure a unified approach to theology, ministry and assessment
- provides degree level study via distance courses, intensives and on-campus study
the CRCA:
- liaises with students, churches and the RTC to ensure that task3 students receive a training that is suitable for ordained ministry in the CRCA
is:
- flexible - part-time or full-time; all of it or part of it; for ordained ministry or other ministry roles
- practical - strong emphasis on ministry and mission in the local church, with assessment of character, gifts and ministry suitability
- academic - high academic standards ensured by the Australian College of Theology
- integrated - two phases drawn together by common goals, theology, ministry philosophy and assessment
- reformed - task3 is unique to the RTC and is specifically designed to train people for the CRCA
- approved - it is anticipated that task3 will be approved as a second pathway to ordained ministry in the CRCA*
* task3 is being developed under the oversight of the CRCA and will be submitted for approval in Nov 2009
CBTE ? what is it?
CBTE stands for Church-Based Theological Education. It is about churches providing serious theological education for their members. task3 will make use of CBTE courses produced by BILD University. Each course includes Bible study, academic readings, group discussions led by a BILD-trained facilitator, practical projects and assessment.
The five core CBTE courses that will be part of task3 are:
These courses, when offered in a local church, would be valuable for eldership, leadership and ministry training for anyone in the congregation, not just for task3 students.
| Course | Focus |
|---|---|
| Acts: Keys to the Establishment and Expansion of the first-century church | Theology of Mission, Outreach and Evangelism; church planting; church growth |
| The Pauline Epistles: Strategies for Establishing Churches | Understanding the local church; establishing churches; the church in God's plan |
| Understanding the essentials of Sound Doctrine | Apostolic doctrine; early creeds and confessions; confessions and catechisms of the Reformation; establishing believers in Sound Doctrine |
| Leaders and the Early Church | Biblical patterns of leadership; the work of ministers, elders and deacons; leadership development in the church today |
| Shepherding, Counselling and the Early Church | Biblical perspective of counselling is and isn't; the relationship of psychology and theology; developing a pastoral care strategy in the local church |
FAQs
When will task3 begin?
We hope task3 will begin in Feb 2010 and be progressively rolled out over the subsequent 2 years.
Can churches combine to provide a task3 program?
Yes. It would be ideal for several churches in an area to combine in offering task3.
Does task3 replace the RTC's 4-year on campus program?
No, the regular 4-year, on-campus program will continue at the RTC unchanged. task3 is a second training pathway, not a replacement for the current pathway.
Can task3 be done through other Colleges?
No, task3 is an RTC program that has been specifically designed for ordained ministry in the CRCA. Some courses that go into task3 may be taken at other Colleges, but task3 as a whole must be done through the RTC.
I'm interested in being involved in task3. What do I do next?
Churches and individuals interested in task3 should contact the College to express interest and discuss what is involved.
