The following regulations apply to student minister work:
3.3.1 Sunday Work
No more than one new sermon per month is the basic preaching requirement. Students are advised that if they are required to preach more than once per month, the preparation of their sermons should consist of material drawn directly from lectures and studies in the College. A Student Minister must not accept a position requiring preparation of two new sermons each Sunday, although the same sermon may be preached twice on the same day.
3.3.2 Weekday Work
The weekday duties must be limited to one afternoon (or evening) per week (which should be either on Friday or Saturday), except in cases approved by the Head of the Ministry Department. It is estimated that no more than 8.3 hours per week should be spent in Student Minister work, including preparation.
3.3.3 Student Minister Positions
The Archbishop has asked the Principal to act as his representative in this matter. No student should undertake or relinquish parish duties without discussing this with the Head of the Ministry Department who acts on the Principal’s behalf. All students involved in Student Minister work must comply with College’s WWCC and Safe Ministry Training requirements.
3.3.4 Nature of the Student Minister Position
Students can hold a Student Minister role as an employee or as a volunteer, depending on the needs and requirements of the relevant Church.
For Student Ministers engaged as employees: the Standing Committee has published recommended remuneration for Student Ministers in the form of Guidelines, though the Church and the Student can agree to a different remuneration arrangement provided minimum wage and other legal requirements are met.
For Student Ministers engaged as volunteers: students are not remunerated in relation to their work as a Student Minister, but can be reimbursed for bona fide expenses incurred, such as travel, meals while away from home and the cost of any equipment or resources required for student ministry.
In either case, the nature of the arrangement should be clearly documented in writing with the relevant Church. SDS has produced pro forma letters of engagement for this purpose.
3.3.5 Holidays and College Mission
When arranging student ministry work, students should come to an explicit understanding about holidays and the need to be absent for both Sundays of the College Mission. At least one Sunday attendance at College Mission is mandatory, but two is preferable.
3.3.6 Written Agreement
When accepting a Student Minister position, students are required to confirm all details in a letter of acceptance to avoid any misunderstanding. Students should keep a copy of this letter. This letter should detail hours of work entailed, whether remunerated or not, number of addresses or sermons required, visiting and pastoral responsibilities. It should also include the supervisor’s responsibilities, including writing a report for students undertaking Practicum A (Year 2) and Practicum B (Year 4).
3.3.7 Secular Employment
Full-time students are advised that the amount of time spent in Student Minister work has already been curtailed in their interests as those who are primarily engaged in studies for Christian ministry. Students are not at liberty to undertake secular employment during semester in addition to work as a Student Minister, except with the permission of the Principal.