Chance to learn about new ministry program

Want to learn more about Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) exciting new Midlife Masters program? Then register to attend an online information session next month.

Midlife Masters is a one-off accelerated pathway to the ordained ministry that aims to prepare a cohort of candidates aged 40 to 55 for possible ordination as general ministry pastors in 2027. Commencing with an eight-day intensive from 28 January 2025, the program has been developed by ALC with the support of the LCANZ’s College of Bishops.

Zoom information sessions will be held on Thursday 7 November and Tuesday 19 November, each at 4pm (ACDT).

Using an extended academic year, Midlife Masters involves two years of intensive study and fieldwork scheduled over 48 weeks each year and will be followed by an in-service transition period. This transition may be served through a traditional vicarage placement, an internship, an appointment to a ministry team, or another directly supervised position.

District bishops will work with Midlife Masters candidates to find the most appropriate transition placement. This will enable them to begin pastoral work while finalising their vocational competence portfolio to ready them for ordination as graduate general ministry pastors.

The program’s structure will enable participants to complete a three-year Master of Divinity or Bachelor of Theology in two years. For those participants who have previously completed relevant studies, the course will be customised to reduce their study load.

LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith said he was thankful to God for the program as a means ‘by which the Lord of the church can raise up workers for the harvest’.

‘Throughout the history of the church, people have offered their gifts in service as churchworkers, at all stages along life’s way – some before they even start school, some after retirement, some in mid-life’, he said. ‘I commend to you this Midlife Masters program from ALC. This kind of study program is not easy but utterly worthwhile. I thank God that ALC has provided this program by which the Lord of the church can raise up workers for the harvest.’

Do I need to live in Adelaide to participate?

No. Fieldwork for the program will be completed in the participant’s local congregation, and the congregation will provide mentoring, pastoral and prayer support to the participant. Residential intensives will be included, but most units will be taught via online webinars. The program is not Adelaide-based; the expectation is that participants will remain in their local area for the duration of the academic program.

Unit fees apply; however, financial assistance is available in the form of fee scholarships, grants and congregational sponsorship. A small stipend will also be available to those accepted as candidates for ordination.

Who are we seeking?

Participants will generally be aged 40 to 55 and feel called to ordained ministry. They will be able to cope with the demands of two years of continuous study. They will be people whose family and friends can imagine them as pastors. Women are welcome to apply, and participants will be people who are supportive of the female candidates studying alongside them, even if they themselves hold to the practice of male-only ordination. Participants will be people for whom now is the right time to respond to God’s call.

Where can I obtain more information?

Visit alc.edu.au/study/midlife-masters and the Midlife Masters Frequently Asked Questions page or email enquiries@alc.edu.au to find out more.

Register for an upcoming Zoom information session by emailing enquiries@alc.edu.au or request an alternative appointment time.

Zoom information sessions

• Thursday, 7 November at 4.00 pm (ACDT)
• Tuesday, 19 November at 4.00 pm (ACDT)

An extensive initial application process, which includes, but may not be limited to, evidence of academic capacity, self-reflective writing, references from family, peers and a pastor, and one or more interviews, will result in offers of provisional places. During the first six months of study, the church will work through the remainder of its standard candidate confirmation processes. This includes psychological assessment.