Boards and Agencies of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

The Board of Christian Training

Convener: Rev. Noble McNeely
Secretary: Rev. Trevor Gribben (Deputy Clerk)

The Board of Christian Training is made up of members nominated at Presbytery level, and is concerned with the recruitment and preparation of candidates for the ministry, and also for maintaining academic standards and links with academic institutes. It also facilitates the continuing training of ministers once they are ordained. In addition, the Board of Christian Training develops and delivers training courses and resources for Church members to equip them to use their gifts in God's service.

Union Theological College Management Committee Convener: Very Rev. Dr Alastair Dunlop

This Committee is responsible for Union Theological College and has two sub-committees: the Curriculum Sub-Committee (Convener: Very Rev. Dr Stafford Carson) and the Finance, Property and Administration Sub-Committee (Convenor: Rev. Stephen Moore). The Principal of Union Theological College is Rev. Principal Patton Taylor.

Committee on Ministerial Studies Convener: Rev. Bill Parker

This Committee ensures on behalf of the Board that the requirements of the General Assembly are fulfilled in regard to the Church's procedures of assessment and interview and in regard to the academic studies, ministerial training and personal formation of all ministerial students in all locations.

The functions of this Committee include --

approving annually the number and personnel of the interviewing panel
overseeing the courses of study and training undertaken by ministerial students at UTC and other recognised Colleges
assessing the academic qualifications of ministers of other churches wishing to be received into the ordained ministry of PCI.

Training and Resources Committee Convener: Rev. Nigel McCullough

The work of this Committee is currently carried out by four panels covering the areas of leadership, pastoral care, the Accredited Preacher Scheme and the Auxiliary Ministry Scheme. For further information please contact Tom Finnegan on +44 (0)28 9020 5085 or by email: tfinnegan@presbyterianireland.org