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News and Ideas from around the Anglican World |
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November 2005
The Artizo Institute: A hands-on approach to ministry.
Esther McIlveen
For the first time in its long history there is a real possibility that the tapestry of the worldwide Anglican Communion could be irrevocably torn over the issue of leadership and the authority of Scripture. Against this backdrop, the Artizo Apprenticeship Program, modeled on the Ministry Training Strategy in Australia, has been a welcome enterprise in Canada. The Greek word artizo means to “equip”.
In Australia, young people are trained for two Brett McLean years prior to any theological studies, so that they can discern if ministry is the right direction for them. By being actively involved in an actual ministry context, they begin to ask the kind of questions that a theological education can then answer. In Canada since 1999, many apprentice with Artizo during their seminary years. So in Vancouver, every intern is a part- or full-time student at Regent College. In this case, Artizo is supplemental, not preparatory.
Rev. Sean Love, the interim director of Artizo, explained, “We find that Artizo gives seminary students an outstanding environment to consolidate their academic work into a clear framework for ministry. Artizo gives focus to theological education.”
There are three broad areas which provide the underlying framework to the training: convictions or guarding the Gospel, character or living by the Gospel, and competencies or ministry of the Gospel.
Regent and Wycliffe Colleges are both aware of the program. Regent, because of its long-term relationship and proximity to St.John’s, Shaughnessy, has established stronger ties to Artizo. Most Artizo interns based out of St. John’s are also part of the Anglican Studies program at Regent. The Rev. J.I. Packer is an advisor both to the Anglican Studies Program and to Artizo. It is expected that several future interns will be referred to Artizo from within Regent’s Anglican Studies. In the east, most Artizo interns have done their academic training at Wycliffe.
The Rev’d David Short, the executive director of the Artizo program and the rector of St. John’s, said, “Most [Canadian] seminaries are liberal in their emphasis, and that provides little incentive for biblical Christians to attend. Artizo, under God, is the most exciting underpinning for the Anglican Church in Canada today.” He continued, “Seminaries can’t train you for ministry. This is hands-on training where ministry gifts are affirmed by the church.” He urged continual prayer for Artizo.
Not all students who check into the program feel it is for them. One student left after finishing first year.
Love said, “I am responsible for shepherding a small flock of gifted people who are being apprenticed towards the ministry of the Word.”
Profiles:
Brett McLean (2004-6) A single 29-year-old Australian, is doing his M.Div at Regent and enjoys Apologetics. He looked for an Anglican church and to his surprise found one with an Australian priest and the Artizo program. McLean hopes to do parish ministry and particularly appreciates the Artizo community where he can share his dreams and difficulties and pray with people.
Kira Rankin (2005-2007) is a single 31-year-old, from Vancouver who left teaching ESL to Korean and Japanese students after 5 years. Reared in a non-Christian home, Rankin described herself as a “pagan” who was dissatisfied with her choices and began her search for God. After hearing a sermon by David Short, Rankin was linked up in the “Women, One-on-one” program. She studied the Gospel of John and read the book, The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel, with a mature Christian woman. “When I realized what it cost Jesus to die for me, I committed my life to Him and was baptized two weeks later.” Rankin has begun studies at Regent and is eagerly looking forward to the Artizo program.
Ben Vanderheide (2005-06) has just begun the Artizo program. George Sinclair, priest at St.Alban’s, Ottawa, and Natalie Bigsworth, his pastoral assistant, have mentored the Cochrane native. “I get abnormally excited when talking about Jesus with strangers. When I’m with a group of people, I’m often concerned with the spiritual temperature. I like it hot!” Vanderheide will choose either Regent or Wycliffe College next year and is heading for full-time ministry.
Anna Spray (2003-05) was a youth pastor for five years at St.Mary of the Incarnation Anglican Church in Victoria. Through a mentoring relationship with Jo Ella Eriksen at St.John’s, the ministry world opened up for her: preaching, leading Bible studies, evangelism and public prayers. She discovered she could do far more than she had imagined. Spray is engaged to be married, and is eagerly looking forward to ordination.
Doug Beattie (2004-6), is married to a nurse, Mary Anne, and has three daughters. Beattie’s father was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. Knowing the cost of ministry, Beattie says, “I enrolled in the M.Div program at Regent with some trepidation after serving as a customs broker for 16 years and a trucker. Under mentor Trevor Walters at St. Matthews, Abbotsford, I have been affirmed in my calling. I have greatly appreciated David Short’s critique of my sermons and I feel I will bring significant life experiences to my ministry.”
Esther McIlveen is a journalist living in Richmond, B.C. With her husband, Howard, she has co-authored Would You Know My Name? a book about dying and heaven.
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Copyright The Anglican Planet © 2005 |