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A Centre for lifelong learning for all ages
Who we are
The Centre for Theology and Ministry or CTM is an exciting part of the Uniting Church in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. It brings together a formal theology school, lay educators and a world class theology library. It seeks to provide high quality training and resources for lifelong education for ministry for both lay and ordained Christians. It also offers on-line learning opportunities and many electronic links to other teaching communities.
Our vision
- To provide relevant and creative educational opportunities to equip and encourage all Christians for their ongoing life of worship, witness and service in contemporary Australia
- To facilitate a ‘web of learning’ across Victoria, Tasmania and beyond by linking the resources and programs of the CTM with other education providers and congregational communities
Facilities
The CTM has many spaces: classrooms, a chapel, a large library, a café, space for art displays, offices, meeting rooms and on-site accommodation.
The Centre is home to the Uniting Church Theological College, one of three partners in the ecumenical United Faculty of Theology (UFT), which is one of the recognised teaching institutes of the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD).
It is also home to a diverse group of lay educators who seek to encourage those working with children, youth and families, as well as lay leaders, artists and anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual life.
The Dalton-McCaughey Library, a joint venture of the Uniting Church and the Jesuit Order, offers excellent resources for both study and academic research.
People
The teaching staff and field ministry workers at the CTM bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles. They are well supported by a group of friendly and hospitable administration staff.
The Rev Alistair Macrae is the Executive Director of the CTM, Rev Prof Randall Prior is the Principal of the Theological College and Dr Peter Mallen is the Director of Discipleship Education .
History
The concept of the CTM was formally endorsed at the 2000 meeting of the Synod of Victoria. The dream had earlier roots, however, as the various stakeholders involved in theological education in the Synod were brought together and developed a vision to provide lifelong education for ministry for the whole people of God, available across the whole Synod. The context for this commitment was a post modern culture in which the church is often marginalised and individual Christians are not confident about the message of the gospel or how to articulate it. Against this backdrop, the vision for the CTM as a web of learning was born.
After several design attempts, the new building was approved and construction adjacent to Ormond College was begun in 2005. The new building, including a spacious library, was ready for occupation in early 2007. The Centre brought together three distinct groups with a shared interest in theological education. These were the Theological College of the Uniting Church, the Christian Education and Congregational Mission unit (CECM) of the Commission for Mission and Otira, a training centre for lay education and continuing education in Ministry.
As the founding Executive Director, Alistair Macrae, notes, ‘By bringing our resources together and encouraging a cross fertilisation of energy and ideas, we will better nourish Ministers and the whole church for the journey ahead.’
How to find us
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
1 Morrison Close, Parkville, VIC 3052
Phone: 03 9340 8800
Fax: 03 9340 8805
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