NSMs in the Church of Ireland: can this much needed ministry survive?
In a year in which significant anniversaries are being marked, one appears to have been overlooked up to now. It was in 1974, just forty years ago, that the Church of Ireland initiated training for men wishing to offer for part-time or auxiliary ministry. The last intake of students to the Theological College for training for this ministry was in 2008. Those wishing to offer for ministry on a part-time basis are now required to undertake a course spread over seven years. Given this significant change, it seems an appropriate time to review some aspects of this ministry, past, present and future.
* Full article available in printed copies.
Terry Lilburn
Non-stipendiary minister of the Church of Ireland in the parish of Powerscourt and Kilbride, Diocese of Glendalough.