The Ministries and Education Committee supports the life and ministry of the Presbytery by overseeing several key areas. These include the support and supervision of candidates, probationers, and assistant ministers as they journey through their training; the encouragement and training of Presbytery Worship Leaders in partnership with Trinity College Glasgow; and the promotion and approval of Study Leave opportunities for ministers, enabling ongoing growth and development. The committee also helps nurture vocations by supporting events such as Celebrating Calling and offers guidance for those exploring a call to ministry. Through all its work, the Ministries and Education Committee seeks to equip and encourage those serving across the Presbytery of the South West.

Our Remit 

• to keep before the Presbytery the issue of vocations.
• to support the Discernment Process.
• to support Admission Candidates on Familiarisation Placements.
• to support the training process for candidates.
• to offer pastoral support and encouragement to candidates in training.
• to comment on issues of pastoral care for ministers and deacons and candidates.
• to assist the Presbytery in coming to a mind on issues of ministry support such as stipend and manse provision.
• to introduce policy on behalf of the Presbytery in respect of Elder training and the development and resourcing of youth and children’s work.
• to encourage and train lay members of local congregations to become Presbytery Worship Leaders.

The Committee has the following Delegated Powers:

• to nominate as Candidates for the Ministry those who have been accepted as Prospective Candidates by an Assessment Conference, other than in cases of difficulty;
• to carry out the responsibilities required of Presbytery in supervising Readers–in–Training;
• to interview Graduate Candidates seeking ordination other than as a parish minister.
• to approve Study Leave applications.

About the Convenor

Convenor: Rev Stephen Ogston

Email: SOgston@churchofscotland.org.uk

Telephone: 01581 300316

Stephen is the minister of Luce Valley and Inch linked with Portpatrick linked with Stoneykirk in Wigtownshire.  He enjoys photography, art, graphic design, and technology, and loves using these creatively across all areas of ministry.  He also enjoys balloon modelling and has an extensive collection of costumes, which he regularly uses in his work with local schools.