Training for Service

In 2006 discussion was initiated about ‘how we as churches might be able to provide church based training programmes for people considering service in the church.’ The desire was for a flexible approach that would include both theological eduction and practical training to:

By mid-2008 a four level framework had emmerged which received further refinement and has settled into the following model:

Level 1: Reading

This level is intended to provide a basic and broad foundation that is achievable and productive for everyone. A list of twenty books has been compiled based on feedback received from member churches. It is anticipated that churches will use this resource in different ways: e.g. as an individual reading programme with some form of recognition if it is completed; or as the basis for a church reading and discussion group.

Level 2: Discipling

Under this level—which flows from Level 1—those individuals who have shown a keen interest for further study are encouraged to achieve a personalized ‘study goal’ under the supervision of their local eldership. Study may be of a formal nature through a theological institution or informally by way of a more advanced reading programme. There is a wealth of good material available that could be used selectively and tailored to the needs of a student: elders are encouraged to consult other churches about what they have found helpful.

Level 3: Roving Classroom

Sitting alongside Level 2—and complementing its mentoring/discipleship focus—the Roving Classroom is an annual series of one day seminars hosted quarterly by different churches in the Fellowship with the purpose of providing training from a Reformed Baptist perspective in exegetical, systematic, historical and practical theology. The intention is to give men with leadership potential the opportunity to attend in-person classes relating to Christan ministry. Churches who have identified such men in their congregations are encouraged to give them any neccessary assistance to attend all four annual sessions in their varied (and roving) geographical locations around New Zealand. While the Roving Classroom has the objective stated and described above, others who are interested may also attend.

2026 Session 1
Saturday, 21 March 2026
The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit
Tutor: Joe Fleener
Host: Rolleston Baptist Church
2026 Session 2
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Sola Scriptura: God’s Precious Gift to Us
Tutor: Dr Jim Renihan
Host: Crosspoint Church, Palmerston North
2026 Session 3
Saturday, 8 August 2026
The Doctrine of Sin and its Effects on Pastoral Ministry
Tutors: Hanli Liu & Dwayne Tongamohenoa
Host: West Church, Auckland
2026 Session 4
Saturday, 14 November 2026
A Biblical Theology of the Writings
Tutor: Michael Beck
Host: Gracenet Church, Wellington
Level 4: Theological Studies

This level focuses on formal graduate/post-graduate studies by men recognised by their church as gifted for the ministry of the Word. In partnership with IRBS the Fellowship provides access to International Reformed Baptist Seminary (IRBS) courses through its Church Partnership Programme: this offers tuition-free study for approved students. It is recognised that the right choice of programme will depend largely on an individual’s previous training, current context, financial situation and overall goals, so partnership with IRBS does not exclude the possibility of studying through another institution and elders are encouraged to explore appopriate options. Those wanting to study through a New Zealand institution that takes advantage of IRBS courses should consider Grace Theological College which now has a formal relationship with IRBS for cross-crediting courses.

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Roving Classroom 2026 Session 1
Saturday, 21 March 2026, 10am-4pm
The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit
Tutor: Joe Fleener
Host: Rolleston Baptist Church
Location: Rolleston Community Centre Lounge
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: There seems to be a tendency in our lives as Christians and within the lives of many churches, to either overemphasise the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit or to virtually ignore the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a member of the Divine Trinity, revealed to us in the Scriptures. As God's people we are edified and blessed to know Him rightly and to grow in our understanding of His work in the lives of God's people throughout Scripture and in our lives today. We will cover the material for this course under the following headings: The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament [Covenant]; The Holy Spirit in Our Salvation; The Work of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant; The Work of the Holy Spirit in Inspiration of Scripture; The Holy Spirit and Holiness; The Holy Spirit in Restraining Evil.
Please inform Rolleston Baptist Church if you plan to attend.
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Roving Classroom 2026 Session 2
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Sola Scriptura: God’s Precious Gift to Us
Tutor: Dr Jim Renihan
Host: Crosspoint Church, Palmerston North
Location: Crosspoint Church, 128 King Street, Palmerston North
In collaboration with ‘IRBS On the Road’, we are delighted to have Dr James M. Renihan present ‘Sola Scriptura: God’s Precious Gift to Us’. In three hours of teaching plus time for Q&A and informal fellowship, Dr Renihan will demonstrate from the Bible itself how the principle of Sola Scriptura should be understood and applied. The day will consist of three sessions: the first asks and answers two questions, ‘What is inspiration?’ and ‘What is Scripture?’; the second explores the meaning of the phrase Sola Scriptura and its implications; and the third examines what the Bible itself says about the usefulness of the ‘light of nature.’
Please register with Crosspoint Church if you plan to attend.
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Roving Classroom 2026 Session 3
Saturday, 8 August 2026
The Doctrine of Sin and its Effects on Pastoral Ministry
Tutors: Hanli Liu & Dwayne Tongamohenoa
Host: West Church, Auckland
Location: Emmanuel Church, 730 Mount Eden Road, Auckland
We will consider in this session the biblical teaching on the reality of sin. We will look at what the Bible says about mankind's fall, corrupt nature, and God's righteous judgments upon man's sin. We will especially consider the impacts and implications these truths have upon the gospel minister and upon the ministry of God's Word.
Please contact West Church if you plan to attend and if you need any further details or help with transportation.
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Roving Classroom 2026 Session 4
Saturday, 14 November 2026
A Biblical Theology of the Writings
Tutor: Michael Beck
Host: Gracenet Church, Wellington
Location: Gracenet venue, 45 Webb Street, Wellington
This class will introduce a section of the Old Testament that is known for its diverse grouping of books as well its rich application of biblical theology. Indeed, from before the time of the Babylonian exile, the Writings have helped God's people to worship rightly, live wisely, and hope steadfastly. As such, these books will not only lead us on an exciting exploration of different literary genres but will also offer us an opportunity to be saturated in worshipful wisdom and Christ-centred theology.
Please inform Gracenet Church if you plan to attend.