The EU Graduates Fund
Working with the EU - Real Training
The Method
An HGP participant's main training comes from actually doing ministry in the different contexts described in the previous section. Regular informal and formal contact with senior staff helps them learn from the experience, think through issues arising and solve problems.
Each trainee meets one to one with a staff team leader approximately five times per year to get an overview of their work and set goals for the next phase. At the end of each year a major review is undertaken where information about the trainee's work from colleagues and students is collected and reviewed to identify progress in a number of ministry character and competency areas.
Participants also attend a weekly training meeting called eQuip. This four semester program covers two major strands: Foundations of Ministry and Issues of Ministry.
- In "Foundations" we cover topics such as Biblical Theology, Teaching Exodus, Teaching Mark, Christian Leadership (1 & 2 Timothy), Ministry Philosophy (evangelism & discipling), Introduction to History and Philosophy and Public Preaching and Teaching.
- In "Issues" we cover key doctrines such as Trinity, Election, Church, Uniqueness of Christ and Authority of the Bible. We also cover many practical aspects of ministry such as personal godliness, managing life, depression, one to one ministry, and encouragement.
Equip runs for 2.5 hours each Monday morning.
The Outcome
While it is envisaged that further theological training will usually be needed for those going on to full-time ministry, an HGP participant will come through their apprenticeship with a good basic equipment for ministry in a variety of contexts. Our goals for trainees are that they will:
- be competent in the "bread and butter" of evangelical ministry - teaching the bible in small groups and one on one;
- be able to train and motivate others in various ministries such as evangelism, discipleship and small group leadership;
- have learned to think theologically about life and ministry;
- be able, with others, to take initiative in formulating and executing ministry plans and strategies.
A particular strength of the program is the partnership-thinking it engenders. Whatever ministry HGP graduates end up in�paid or unpaid, this ability to work alongside others will enable them to serve effectively with a variety of people in a variety of contexts.
A recent graduate of the Project had this to say:
The Howard Guinness Project was a once in a lifetime blessing. I was trusted to teach and train and love the students of the EU, while being taught and trained and loved by the senior staff. I learnt a pattern of ministry that will stay with me. I saw God save people and establish them in Christ. I was grounded biblically, stretched theologically, equipped with practical skills, and driven to trust God more deeply. Throw in a lot of coffee, and you've got an un-missable two years!
— Murray Smith, HGP 2000-01