Ordinands' Assessment Weekend 2024

Co-convenors Rev. Keita Hotere and Rev. Philomeno Kinera .report on this important – and sometimes challenging - event.

The Ordinands Assessment is an important event in the life of the church and this year took place in early September. This immersive, weekend live-in experience was held at the serene St Francis Retreat Centre in Auckland, commonly known to us as The Friary. With its tranquil atmosphere and comfortable conference spaces, The Friary provides the perfect setting for the final assessment of ordinands before this years’ MCNZ Conference in Wellington.

A recent change to the Mission Resourcing programme has been the appointment of two Co-conveners modelling the bi-cultural partnership between Te Taha Māori and Tauiwi in our church. Mission Resourcing on behalf of the church also appoint an assessment team, and chaplain. Our team is proudly inclusive of lay and ordained membership from within the rich tapestry of our connexional church. The assessment team’s task is to assess ordinands based on MCNZ’s criteria for ordination whether as Presbyters or Deacons, and their overall suitability for ordination.

This years’ assessment team included us as co-convenors, joined by Rev. Sui Teo, Mataiva Robertson, Marion Hines, Rev. Tevita Finau, Rev. Joeli Ducivaki, Mafua Lolohea and chaplain Rev. Motekiai Fakatou. We are thankful to the members who have offered their time and expertise as chaplain or assessment team members as their service has often been overlooked in reports before Conference. We are also thankful to Mission Resourcing administrator Sera Toduadua for providing the necessary administrative support to run the event.         

Mission Resourcing Director Rev. Setaita Veikune joined us for the Friday night dinner and during the opening Mihimihi session brought greetings from the wider church whānau. She reports that, “This is a culmination of the work of the church in preparation for presbyterial and diaconate ministry. It is an honour and a blessing for Mission Resourcing to be a part of that preparation.”

Keita added, “As assessors, we embrace the profound responsibility of this sacred task. It’s an important discernment process that we engage with as we hear peoples’ faith stories, and hopes for the future. We expect each ordinand to arrive fully prepared for the weekend, having completed all necessary training and ministry formation and endorsement for ordination. The weekend is an opportunity for ordinands to share their ministry journeys and understandings of what ordination means for them and their whānau. Our task should be a simple one, but at times this has not always been the case. The assessment teams’ work is tested during these times of tension. I conclude my term enriched by these experiences, yet happy to pass the baton on to another”.

Philomeno shared, “At the conclusion of the weekend each ordinand is informed of the decision as to whether they proceed to ordination. An ordinand has the right to appeal to Mission Resourcing if the assessment team decision is unfavourable. We understand this can be a challenging experience for some ordinands, but with a strong support system in place throughout the assessment weekend we aim to reduce any unnecessary stress. It has never been an easy task, as we have to wrestle through differing opinions, however with mutual respect and honesty we do achieve the desired result”.  

Ordinands Hoana Flay, Michael Lemanu, Paul Jensen and Sione Tesimale speak about how they felt about the Ordinands Assessment weekend. Hoana said, “I was anxious with what to expect and whether I had done enough and whether the assessors would understand my personality as it is only a brief window to share with assessors who I am. I have made faithful relationships with colleagues on the ministry journey”.

Michael gleaned from the gathering, “It was a refreshing weekend just coming out of my bubble to be with colleagues. I feel inspired and excited for what is to come”.

Paul added by saying, “I’m glad that the amount of work that I have put in has been rewarded and I look forward to the next steps that await me further ahead”.

Sione concluded with these thoughts, “My experience during the Assessment weekend is a feeling I will cherish and never forget as it affirms my calling to ordained ministry. It will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. To serve and lead with humility and love, to embrace and know it is a lifetime commitment. I cannot hide anymore, but to stand firm to demonstrate God’s love and grace”.

Motekiai reflected, “It’s the prayers, it’s the mahi, the preparation. We are looking forward to the fruits borne of the commitment that these ordinands will bring through serving in our church. I trust that the church is in good hands.”