Increasingly restricted grants from central funds, and costs of maintaining old buildings, especially those where restrictions are imposed, are causing the Board of Missions to seek priorities for developing new and sustaining existing work in Dublin-Munster.
Dublin-Munster Presbytery recognises joint responsibility with the board and is considering the paper Priorities in Strategy for Mission in the Presbytery (PS and M). Presbytery will seek to encourage signs of growth in churches and face up to the problem of church closures due to demography.
Within the Presbytery there has been a recognition that there can be growth in congregations if there is a mission: a willingness to change, particularly in patterns of worship and outreach; suitability of buildings and other adjuncts and willingness to change these if necessary; and resourcing and training of ministers and other full-time workers to enable effective leadership.
Salient matters from research projects, in particular Reconnecting with a missing genera development in the greater Dublin area (the Rev Keith McCrory) are being considered.
Contrasted with Presbyterian foundations, it is claimed that while "there is growth of new churches today, these consist mainly of people from Roman Catholic background who do not identify themselves as Protestant or Catholic but as Christians".
"Biological" and "transfer" are descriptions of maintenance and growth of Irish Presbyterian churches traditionally. The challenge for the churches is how to focus on conversion growth and PS and M identifies eight elements to expedite this.
Pertinent matters such as appointments and their duration, for example, building and maintenance, extraterritorial funding etc, are being considered.
Kirk sessions will discuss PS and M and submit comments to the clerk of the Presbytery, the Rev John Faris.
Meanwhile, successful Leaving Cert candidates may think of a degree in theology for a teaching career or a Christian ministry. The Union Theological College, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, in association with Queen's University, is among the top-ranking theological providers in the UK on the basis of a teaching quality assessment. This autumn the college offers courses for degrees of divinity or theology.
Master degrees (MTh or MDiv) are offered in major subject areas. A master's degree in Christian ministry (part or full-time with tutorials and home study) is also offered. Study for higher research degrees in theology with presentation of these on chosen subjects may be undertaken.
A certificate in youth and children's ministry is available after a 10-week intensive course. A diploma in theology may be gained after full or part-time study. Interested persons should contact the administrator, at the Union Theological College, 108 Botanic Avenue, Belfast.
Holidaymakers travelling from the Republic to Northern Ireland may wish to visit the St Patrick's Centre in Downpatrick, Co Down. The exhibition enables visitors to explore how St Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times. The facilities include a restaurant, gardens, a shop and an art gallery.
The Presbyterian Orphan and Children's Society recently celebrated 135 years of supporting children and young people. Founded in 1866, the society has helped over 40,000 children. Through regular grants it continues to be supportive.
Last year £310,139 was disbursed in grants and £15,306 on various children's care projects.