A training course for preachers pioneered in England is being launched locally in a bid to lift the standard of preaching in Sydney.
Those behind the initiative, called Cornhill Sydney, believe it will help "fill a gap" in the precollege training programs of MTS apprentices.
One of the driving forces behind Cornhill Sydney, the Rev Dr David Peterson, says he realised the Cornhill approach was needed here during his time as principal of Oak Hill College in London.
"What I found was that the standard of preaching of the average college student in England was far higher than in Sydney," he said.
The Cornhill Training Course is an initiative of the Proclamation Trust "” an influential UK organisation begun in 1986 by a former rector of St Helen's, Bishopsgate, Dick Lucas, to promote excellence in expository Bible preaching throughout the UK.
The Cornhill course was launched in London in 1991 under the leadership of David Jackman. In 2000 it was replicated by Hugh Palmer in Sheffield and more recently the Cornhill model has spread to Scotland, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.
Dr Peterson and the Rev Simon Manchester will provide the initial leadership of Cornhill Sydney until a full-time director is appointed.
The course will be held at St Thomas', North Sydney on Monday and Tuesday mornings and is open to MTS trainees from all denominations.
"Our plan is to encourage good preaching among young people who are exploring full-time ministry"¨and encourage good handling of God's word by those doing MTS," said Mr Manchester.
