'Horses for courses': ALC announces VET program for 2012

Vocational Education and Training (VET), which Australian Lutheran College welcomed to its stable of courses in 2010, is here to stay, according to ALC Principal Rev John Henderson.

In 2012 two accredited VET courses will be offered by ALC: a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Training and a Diploma of Management.

'Not everyone involved in local Christian ministry, or wanting to be involved, has the time or desire to pursue an academic degree', Pastor Henderson said. 'Many people want to be equipped for ministry roles without having to do years and years of academic study.

'It's horses for courses. VET is ALC's offering to all those people who want a professional, hands-on, vocationally-based training course. It's for "everyday people for everyday ministry".'

Peter Zilm, a lay worker at Our Saviour Lutheran Church at Aberfoyle Park SA, completed the Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology 'Connection' subject in 2011.

'I liked the way the course wasn’t like an IKEA instruction pack', he said. 'Rather, it raised lots of questions and invited participants to explore the topics in their own way.

'The small-group format was ideal, as it allowed everyone time to share. It gave me great pleasure to see people’s faces light up with excitement as they made discoveries about God’s mission in their lives.'

VET is hitting the mark. Since ALC began offering VET courses two years ago, the number of LCA members engaging in this form of study has been increasing steadily. In 2011 165 people undertook VET courses.

Sharon Minge, the LCA Board for Mission's administrative officer, is looking forward to undertaking the Diploma of Management course in 2012. Her reasons are similar to those of others enrolling for VET courses.

'I wanted to undertake study in a field that would directly help me in my work and further my skills', she said. 'I chose to do the VET Diploma of Management at ALC as I’ll be learning in a Christian environment and the subjects are relevant to my work with the Board for Mission.

'And it's a part-time course', she added, 'so I can study while I continue to work full-time. So this is the perfect for me.'

ALC sees the inclusion of VET in its training options not as something radically different but as an expansion of what the college has always been doing.

'People have long known ALC as "the Sem"', Pastor Henderson said. 'It’s the place where we train pastors and teachers for our congregations and schools. Our church has a long tradition of higher education in theology, stretching right back to Martin Luther.

'But that’s far from being all there is to ALC. ALC has a long but lesser known tradition of evening classes and other activities for more informal learning and growth. VET is an innovative way of continuing and building on that tradition.'

VET is now an integral part of the LCA’s ministry training program because it is the way that lay workers are being accredited in our church.

'VET offers a way of organising and recognising training that lifts our standards and improves the ministry being offered by the church. This is not only in line with community expectations; it also is surely the way we would want to do things', Pastor Henderson said.

In 2012 the delivery of VET courses and their accreditation for recognised qualifications will be integrated within the School of Theological Studies.

Grassroots Training will continue to be the local delivery arm for VET based training that is specific to the needs of local ministries of the church. Grassroots will promote life-long learning opportunities that can be attended by VET students and anyone else who wants to learn within a local context. The focus will be on flexible delivery modes, such as workshops, seminars and evening classes.

'The week on mission styles was awesome!' enthused Mandi Hutton, administrative coordinator at the Baptist church in Werribee, Victoria, after completing the 'Connection' subject of the VET Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology.

'Also, seeing how God has resourced me with experience and how his hand and oversight of my life weaves through my story gives me the ability to testify to that with more conviction. It’s great stuff! Good job, Grassroots gang!'

An organisation or congregation that wants to host a specific local training event can contact Grassroots Training to customise an event for its needs.

'Grassroots is planning its program alongside the districts, ministries and congregations of the church', Pastor Henderson said. 'LCA leaders and members can expect clear, easily understood opportunities to learn more about faith, Christian ministry and the church.'

These will be timed and provided in ways that fit as much as possible into the rhythm of life in the LCA. For example, a course on church administration will be offered prior to church conventions, so that delegates can attend confident that they understand how the LCA operates.

Enrolled VET students should be able to complete their courses in a reasonable time frame (12–18 months) without having to undertake excessive travel.

'We will be exploring other modes of delivery, such as virtual learning environments, and building pools of trainers in all districts to make workshops financially sustainable and accessible', Pastor Henderson explained.

More information and enrolment details about VET courses are available from Australian Lutheran College.