Ministry training
We've always been big on equipping Christians to know God better and make him known throughout Christchurch, New Zealand and the world.
New Zealand desperately needs faithful workers who are well-trained and equipped to proclaim the good news of Jesus. We desire to deepen the training culture across our church — both in sending gospel workers out and seeing every member committed to developing their gifts.
At Cornerstone we intentionally invest in training and sending workers into the harvest field. We are praying that this ministry will bear fruit, and our aim is to see two people join our ministry apprenticeship programme each year. We would like to see five new workers sent into full-time vocational Christian ministry as a result of the ministry apprenticeship programme by 2025.
Our training programmes
We know that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We are convinced that a key part of raising up workers for that harvest is to train people in a way that will be sustainable for a lifetime of service, wherever they are. Get involved in one of our training initiatives!
Co-workers
Two or three years, part time
Co-workers is a chance to grow and be equipped with doctrine and practical skills essential to the Christian life. It runs for an hour, weekly, with a couple of weekends away throughout the year to dig into particular topics. Two-three years of various forms of input will be revealed in maturity and the ability to serve at higher levels.
Summer internship
Three months, part time
Our summer internship is a chance to accelerate your spiritual life. Interns grow in their understanding of theology and the Bible, as well as more practical aspects of mission and ministry. They spend quality time with our staff and apprentices, have opportunities to serve the church and learn hands-on skills in mission. The two-and-a-half-day programme fast-tracks interns to be more effective members of any church, for the rest of their life.
Ministry apprenticeships
Two or three years, full time
We seek to multiply gospel workers to win the world for Christ through ministry apprenticeships. An apprenticeship gives people a taste of ministry life while continually growing in the knowledge and love of God and his people. It is a key way to train individuals before helping them to decide on the next step in their ministry.
Values
Convictions
Through regular Bible reading with their trainer and formal ministry training, our aim is to see trainees grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, and to know what they believe and why they believe it. Trainees will also have the opportunity to attend theological courses.
Character
As trainees grow in their knowledge of God we also desire to see them grow in their love for him demonstrated in joyful obedience and prayerful dependence. Trainers will meet regularly with trainees to offer encouragement, accountability and prayer.
Competence
Trainees will learn practical skills for gospel ministry (e.g. preaching and Bible teaching, leading small groups, leadership skills, evangelism, discipleship, communication skills etc), as they engage in ministry themselves.