The first students to graduate from the Co-Missioned Leaders Initiative in Australia.

Co-Missioned Leaders Initiative

The first students to enroll in the Co-Missioned Leaders Initiative (CML) graduated at Kallara, Victoria, Australia. CML runs over a three-year period and is designed to equip pastors and leaders for more effective ministry.

Students Peter Lawson, Ronda Wooderson, Anna Anderson (coordinator), Ben Smith, Leigh Lonsdale, Wendy Ballard, Paul Ferrett, Charmaine Unger, and Sharon Boyd attended three, one-week formation retreats, and three weekend retreats studying topics including spiritual formation, spiritual renewal, theological issues, and practical skills development.

Apart from providing pastors and leaders with additional leadership skills, CML aims to increase mutual accountability between pastors, congregations, and members; attract the next generation of pastors; increase pastor vitality and tenure; and see healthier congregations into the future.

Wendy Ballard:
“CML for me was very beneficial, it gave me opportunity to learn new things and reinforce that which I already knew. There were times it stretched me to new places of discipline and study, other times when I was reminded of the awesome responsibility it is to pastor or hold leadership responsibilities in a congregation as well as the great privilege it is.”

Sharon Boyd:
“The CML program for me has been an amazing journey. I was pushed to what I thought was my limit, but then encouraged to go further. I learned techniques and ways that helped strengthen my life and hopefully the lives of those to whom I minister. I felt free to share crazy ideas and explore deeper questions.”

Paul Ferrett:
“The CML program has been valuable to me in more clearly understanding the work of the church and how I can contribute to that ministry. I felt blessed with excellent teachers and material from both Australia and overseas.”

Peter Lawson:
“I especially enjoyed our class discussions and exercises on scripture. A vital part was to experience the wit and wisdom of my colleagues expressed in humor and repartee. Friendships deepened as we worked, worshiped, and relaxed together.”

Leigh Lonsdale:
“Reading, study, worship, laughter, tears, preaching, teaching, support, mentoring, deepening of relationships: all these have been part of my CML experience. It’s been a great journey; one of new insights about our church, about the Christian faith’s journey through time, about my own journey of discipleship. Being a leader in the church is a privilege.”

Charmaine Unger:
“I started the CML study program as an individual willing to pay my own way as I believed learning from the quality of presenters that were involved would enhance my ministry. I have not been disappointed with this belief. The challenge that was presented in a variety of ministries has been rewarding, and I know there has been growth within the ministry that I am called to give. I thank the mission center for being vigilant in bringing this ministry to Australia and encouraging as many as possible to take up the opportunity for further study.”

—Bruce Wooderson reporting