Archbishop Jeremy announces new Director of Formation
Local
“I am pleased to announce that I have appointed The Right Reverend Denise Ferguson as the new Director of Formation,” says Archbishop Jeremy
Dear sisters and brothers,
I am pleased to announce that I have appointed The Right Reverend Denise Ferguson as the new Director of Formation (0.5 FTE) within the Ministry Education Commission (MEC).
Bishop Denise will be well known to many and is returning to the Brisbane Diocese after having been the Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Adelaide for the last five years. Previously Bishop Denise (who is originally from New Zealand) was the Rector of East Redland Parish and Archdeacon of Moreton.
Bishop Denise has a strong interest in theological education and formation for ordained ministry. As part of her duties in the Diocese of Adeliade Bishop Denise chaired the St Barnabas College Council.
The Director of Formation in this Diocese leads the development and delivery of the Ordained Ministry Formation program under the Ministry Education Commission. This role is responsible for managing and facilitating learning intensives and supervised field education, ensuring students meet all requirements, including appropriate theological education, clinical and pastoral education, and any additional requirements from the Archbishop.
This position is a key position within the Diocese leading the development and delivery of the Ordained Ministry Formation program, including:
- Managing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the Ordained Ministry Formation program;
- Maintaining a relevant and comprehensive curriculum for this program within the St Francis College;
- Sourcing and supporting appropriately qualified and experienced trainers;
- Seeking feedback from participants and presenters to identify opportunities for continuous improvement;
- Reviewing and refreshing the curriculum to reflect best practice in ministry; and
- Overseeing the supervised theological field education programs in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Formation (Clergy Development), including student placements, and training for field education supervisors.
The Director of Formation works with:
- The Executive Director MEC and Principal of St Francis College (The Reverend Dr Ruth Mathieson);
- The Deputy Director of Formation — Clergy Development (The Reverend Ray Clifton);
- The Director of Discernment (The Reverend Michael Stalley), who is responsible for managing and facilitating the Vocation Discernment process from enquiry to ordination; and
- The Vocations Coordinator (The Reverend Christopher Bate), who is responsible for facilitating the Seekers process and promoting vocations to ordained ministry. This role involves encouraging and promoting vocations, facilitating initiatives from the Vocations Task Group, and supporting enquirers through the Seekers Program.
An important part of the Director of Formation’s role will be working with The Reverend Michael Stalley and The Reverend Ray Clifton to discern future shapes of formation and training for the clergy we will need in this new season of our life together.
Please pray for Bishop Denise and for all involved in the formation/discernment process, including all candidates, supervising priests, examining chaplains, staff of St Francis College, and assistant bishops. May God bless us and equip us for our various ministries in the service of Christ.
The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ
Archbishop of Brisbane
