Pathways into leadership

For many young Indigenous Australians, it’s exciting when they begin their faith journey and seek to know and serve God. To keep this fire burning, they need role models and opportunities to learn what Indigenous leadership looks like within their communities. Many desire to lead but need encouragement and nurturing from their Elders to become who God has chosen them to be.

What is the Pathways program?

The Pathways program seeks to provide emerging Indigenous Christian leaders with a safe pathway to grow in their Christian discipleship. It helps them develop their leadership through culturally appropriate ministry training and mentoring opportunities. The Indigenous-led initiative enables like-minded young leaders to connect, provide support and friendship, and receive valuable mentoring from Christian Elders.

What is the impact of this project?

The Pathways program helps emerging Indigenous Christians realise their potential, unique ministry context and interests. It provides pathways into further theological training at a tertiary level. The program offers participants relational, cultural, spiritual, and financial support over twelve months, with the potential to apply for a further two years of support.

Participants receive mentoring from First Nation Christian Elders and leaders, attend shared gatherings and learning forums, and participate in practical ministry opportunities, cultural workshops and training. The Pathways program church partners provide ministry opportunities and prayer support. Emerging Indigenous Christians realise their potential, unique ministry context, and interests. The program offers pathways into further theological training at a tertiary level and some financial support related to their ministry training and professional development.