Minister Hub
This page on the Synod's website has been established to provide ministry agents (ordained ministers and people serving in the Ministry of Pastor) with a central location to access key information regarding professional supervision, continuing education, Code of Ethics training and Safe Church training. These areas are all considered vital and required aspects of ongoing formation for ministry.
Guidance and documentation established by the Synod or the Assembly have been collated on this page.
Phase 3 Formation
For ordained ministers, the first three years in ministry after ordination are referred to as Phase 3, following on from Period of Discernment (Phase 1) and Core Formation (Phase 2). This period provides for support from Presbytery and Synod in provision of a mentor, gathering with peers, and establishing patterns of continuing education. You can find the Assembly-wide Phase Three Guidelines (2010) here.
Phase 4 Formation
Under duties of a Minister in the regulations, 2.4.2(k) lists “the enhancement of the Minister’s own gifts for the work of ministry,” of which continuing education plays a crucial part. In the Code of Ethics 3.4a, a ministry agent’s competence includes maintaining “high standards of knowledge and skills in all the areas of ministry relevant to their settlement/appointment. This responsibility requires that the ministry agent undertakes continuing education appropriate to this ministry.
Upcoming Code of Ethics training sessions
The Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice is a set of guiding principles for ministry agents to ensure conduct is honest and responsible. It outlines the UCA’s core values and provides a framework for making ethical decisions, maintaining professional standards, and building trust.
Ministers in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania are required to attend two “Ethical Ministry” Code of Ethics training sessions each year. Over the course of the year sessions are held in person and online by both presbyteries and the Synod.
This table will be updated throughout the year as sessions are planned and booked.
| Date | Time | Topic | Format | Host | Location | Contact | Registration |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Synod | 130 Wesley Place | CultureofSafetyContact@victas.uca.org.au |
TBD |
RELATED DOCUMENTS
| Title | Date modified | Download |
|---|---|---|
| ASSEMBLY Code of Ethics (2010) | 29-01-2026 | DownloadPreview |
Safe Church
Training
All ministers are required to undertake Safe Church training at least once every three years. In 2026 a change to the training requirements will come into effect, with the expectation that one Safe Church module is completed annually and Safe Church Foundation training undertaken every three years. This change was communicated at Synod 2025.
The Synod’s Safe Church training is undertaken through a Learning Management System.
To sign up for Safe Church training please click here - Individual Training Register
If you've previously signed up for Safe Church training, click here to access the training portal and select the green option - ‘Church & Community members’.
Policies and Procedures
In addition to the Safe Church training, ministers are expected to be aware of policies and procedures related to ensuring a safe Church environment. Current documents can be found on the Synod’s Safe Church website - Policies & Procedures – Safe Church
Reporting Concerns
Through your work, if you become aware of any information regarding abuse, bullying or misconduct, please check this link for appropriate method to inform or report - Reporting – Safe Church
Professional Supervision
Regular Professional Supervision is a requirement for all ministers. As a result of feedback indicating that cost was key concern regarding professional supervision, a specific allowance for professional supervision has been established. As of 2026 ministers will receive $1,500 annual allowance. For ministers in placements less than 0.8FTE this will be paid at 80% ($1,200).
Professional Supervision provides the most value when it is undertaken by someone outside of your direct line management or day to day activities and as such, should not be limited to supervisors within the UCA.
While many people may prefer in person professional supervision, online supervision can often allow for greater flexibility. Undertaking professional supervision online expands the pool of supervisors you can connect to.
The links below will take you to lists of accredited professional supervisors.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
| Title | Date modified | Download |
|---|---|---|
| ASSEMBLY Professional Supervision - A Process of Reflection on Ministry Experience (2011) | 29-01-2026 | DownloadPreview |
Continuing Education
Continuing Education is an important part of ministry. The ways in which ministers can undertake continuing education is broad and varied. The below list provides an indication of the types of activities that constitute continuing education within the UCA.
- Formal courses, both in person and online
- Attending workshops and conferences
- Listening to Podcasts
- Independent reading
- Participation in peer learning groups
- Attendance at spiritual retreats
Pilgrim Theological College offers a wide array of courses suitable for ongoing professional development and continuing education. The course guide is available here and includes a section specifically explaining what is possible with regards to continuing education.
Ministers have access to two weeks of paid study leave each year as per the Minister’s Handbook section 9.4.
The Education Resource Allowance (ERA) is intended to provide funds to assist in the costs of study leave. A number of responsible bodies provide some financial assistance to support study leave. There is no specific requirement on a placement to pay for continuing education, though some placements offer assistance towards the cost of course fees, travelling and so on. Continuing Education grants available through eLM may also be available to assist with the costs of study leave.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
| Title | Date modified | Download |
|---|---|---|
| ASSEMBLY Seeking a Heart of Wisdom - Guidelines for Continuing Education (2011) | 29-01-2026 | DownloadPreview |