equipping Leadership for Mission
eLM is one of the Synod Ministries and Operations units, based at the Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM) in Parkville.
eLM staff provide resources, education and engagement across the entire Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, through events, forums and engagement campaigns, face-to-face and in traditional and digital media.
eLM staff are focused on serving and resourcing the presbyteries and congregations, the individuals and groups across the Synod to increase their capacity to engage, lead and thrive as disciples in mission.
eLM has eight teams
- Pilgrim Theological College
- Discipleship and Advocacy
- Placements and Grants
- Chaplaincy and Connections
- Marketing and Communications
- Hospitality and Administration
- Dalton McCaughey Library
- Presbytery eLM Ministers
The Pilgrim Theological College team focuses on resourcing the current and future leadership for ministry. Current leadership - lay and ordained - are resourced for ongoing roles within congregations, presbyteries and beyond the Church. Formal accredited pathways are delivered in partnership with University of Divinity. Other Pilgrim courses are provided through the Uniting Learning online platform and through online and in-person workshops. Pilgrim supports formation for specified ministries of Minister of the Word, Ministry of Deacon, Ministry of Pastor and Lay Preacher.
The Discipleship & Advocacy team focuses on social justice, intergenerational and intercultural ministry, new and renewing communities and disability inclusion. It advocates for change in society (individuals, communities, governments and policies) and Church to help those who are marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable. Team portfolios include disability inclusion, multicultural ministry and mission, younger generations, new and renewing communities, social justice, and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Through the Chaplaincy & Connections team, eLM partners with other agencies to resource leadership and ministry beyond the congregation and presbytery setting, such as schools, prisons, and hospitals. The team supports the work of schools associated with the Uniting Church across Victoria and Tasmania.
The Placements and Grants team works with the Synod Placements Committee to facilitate the placement of ministers and lay people within congregations, agencies and schools across the Synod. The team oversees missional and educational grants available for the ongoing support of mission and ministry.
The Marketing and Communications team produces print assets, including Crosslight and manages Synod’s social media channels. The team manages all media and reputational risk to the Synod, promotes and supports the work of the Church in Victoria and Tasmania. The Communications team is co-located between the CTM and Wesley Place (CBD). It can be contacted by email at communications@victas.uca.org.au.
The Hospitality and Administration team supports all eLM events and events at the Centre for Theology and Ministry, Parkville. The team supports congregations through the sale of resources, the management of the Otira Book Club, and management of Maclean House B&B.
The Dalton McCaughey Library team makes the resources of the library accessible to clergy, lay people, teachers and students of its founding owners and partner institutions, as well as theological researchers, including those across the University of Divinity.
The Presbytery eLM Ministers team members are embedded in each of the eight Uniting Church Presbyteries in Victoria and Tasmania, networking together as a community of practice to provide support for their local context and produce resources for the wider church together.
A list of key eLM contacts can be found here.