Aims of the Institute
The Aims and Aspirations of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute have been shaped by the Bishops of the Church of Ireland through the Ministry Formation Project which was a major review that resulted in the creation of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. More details on the project in the background section. These then are the key aims and aspirations articulated by the Bishops and presented to the church that the Institute is seeking to fulfil.
The Central Aims of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute
- 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 (link) 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
Full details of the Ordained characteristics and the various developmental stages can be found here
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
That the Governing Council of the Theological Institute will:-
- Ensure that the aspirations of the House of Bishops as articulated in this project plan are being met
- Ensure that the Theological institute is operating to principle of best of class in terms of learning and preparation for mission and service
- Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, health and safety and personnel standards
- Be aware of and have 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
Other key aims for the theological institute are:-
- 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 ministry 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.