SAINTS SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

Launching
Mar 2027

Could giving God
one year
change everything?

More Than a School. A Year That Could Change Everything.

What if a year could change the way you know God, follow Jesus and live your life?

Saints School of Ministry is an invitation to go deeper.

Worship with white flags at Saints Church

The Saints congregation gathered in worship

A worshipper raising a white flag at Saints Church

SSM creates a focused environment through teaching, spiritual formation, community, conversation, practice and ministry where faith moves from knowledge to experience, from experience to formation, and from formation to action.

Facilitated by

Dr Ally Cawthorn

Head of Saints School of Ministry

With input and teaching from the Saints team and senior Pastors Jimmy and Emma L’Almont.

Ally Cawthorn has a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary in California. Her doctoral studies focused on a contemplative approach to spiritual formation with particular emphasis on Ignatian spirituality.

Her passion is to lead people into the depths of Jesus Christ, guided by the Spirit of Christ and an experiential approach to engaging with Scripture.

She is also trained Spiritual Director after completing her studies through CenterQuest in Los Angeles, as well as being the Director of the Executive Leadership Program at Arrow Leadership Australia.

The Vision

When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t invite them into a classroom, He invited them to follow Him. It cost them something. It required time, proximity and a willingness to rearrange their lives around His. And in that environment, they learned not only from what Jesus taught, but from what they caught by being close to Him, watching how He prayed, served, loved people, carried pressure and lived in communion with the Father.

That is the heart behind Saints School of Ministry. We want to create an intentional environment where you can give God your time, attention and availability; where Scripture and teaching are joined with prayer, community, practice and real ministry; and where formation happens side by side with others who are pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly.

This isn’t simply a year to learn more about God. It’s an invitation to arrange your life around Him, follow Him more closely, and allow what you encounter to shape who you become.

If there is a hunger in you for more, we invite you to give God this year and see what He might do with it.

Ps Jimmy & Emma

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DESIRE

The Saints congregation raising their hands in worship

Awaken your hunger for God.

Everything begins with desire.

Before we can lead, teach or minister to others, we need to cultivate a life that is deeply grounded in God. This pillar creates space to explore what it means to be formed as a follower of Jesus, allowing Him to shape our hearts, minds, character and desires.

Through teaching, reflection and spiritual practices, we explore self-awareness, the spiritual journey, Christian formation, identity, calling and the ways God is transforming us into our true selves in Christ.

Desire is about becoming.

It is learning to want God more, to recognise His work in our lives and to increasingly become the person He is calling us to be.

DEPTH

Know God. Know His Word. Know His Kingdom.

A deep life with God requires a deep foundation.

This pillar takes us into the richness of Scripture and theology, equipping you to engage thoughtfully and confidently with the biblical story, the person of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Through biblical and theological teaching, we explore the Old and New Testaments, Christology, Pneumatology, the theology of the Kingdom and the central themes that shape Christian faith.

But this is theology for transformation, not simply information for information's sake.

Depth is about knowing.

Knowing God more deeply. Understanding His Word more faithfully. And seeing His Kingdom more clearly.

DEVOTION

A worshipper kneeling in prayer beside an open Bible

Live it & Make Him known.

What we receive from God is never intended to stop with us.

This pillar moves from formation and knowledge into practice, equipping you to live faithfully and serve courageously in the world around you.

Through practical ministry development, you will have opportunities to grow in preaching, leadership, prophetic ministry, evangelism, discipleship and other areas of Christian service.

We want to equip people who don't simply know what they believe, but are able to live it, embody it and give it away.

Devotion is about doing.

It is offering your gifts, your leadership, your voice and your life in wholehearted devotion to Jesus and His mission.

How long is the program?

The program runs from March through to the end of November, with regular breaks throughout the year.

A full timetable and schedule will be provided upon enrolment.

How many nights a week is the school?

The school runs one night a week, on Monday evenings.

What time are the classes?

Classes run from 6:30pm–9:00pm on Monday evenings.

Where is the school held?

SSM is held at Saints Church, Ivanhoe. 56 Wilfred Road, Ivanhoe 3079.

What are the time requirements?

Participants are expected to attend classes each week and engage with the learning between sessions.

This will include reading, reflection and weekly formation exercises designed to help you engage deeply with the material and put what you are learning into practice.

While the exercises are not formally marked, your consistent participation will significantly enrich both your own experience and the experience of the wider SSM community.

What is the cost?

Cost: $1,500

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. Payment plans are available if financially required and can be arranged prior to the commencement of the program.

Payment plans cannot be halted if you choose to drop out.

Apply for Saints School of Ministry

Saints School of Ministry FAQs

Is the course accredited?

No. Saints School of Ministry (SSM) is not an accredited academic course. It is a discipleship and formation program designed to help you grow deeply in your relationship with Jesus and develop your Christian life and leadership.

What is the difference between Saints School of Ministry and a Bible College?

Saints School of Ministry is a discipleship and formation program, created and delivered by Saints staff. It is designed for people who desire a year of intentional growth in their relationship with Christ, their understanding of Scripture and their Christian life and leadership.

The curriculum is shaped around our three core values: Desire, Depth and Devotion. These values inform both what we teach and how we approach learning and formation.

Unlike a Bible College, SSM does not offer academic accreditation or academic credit. Bible Colleges generally provide accredited courses with prescribed subjects, formal assessments and academic requirements.

SSM is less about gaining a qualification and more about being formed as a disciple of Jesus, growing in depth, developing spiritual practices and learning to live out what you are learning.

Who will be teaching?

The program will be taught primarily by senior Saints staff, bringing together their experience, ministry leadership and areas of expertise.

Throughout the year, we will also welcome guest speakers from ministries around Australia and the world who are connected with Saints and bring unique perspectives and experience.

Is SSM open to people outside of Saints?

Absolutely! SSM is open to anyone who is hungry to grow in their relationship with Jesus and deepen their Christian life.

If you are part of another church or ministry, we encourage you to let your church leadership know that you are attending SSM and to continue actively serving and contributing within your local church community.

Is the school online or in person?

SSM is primarily an in-person experience, as we value learning, formation, conversation and community together.

There may be occasional online sessions throughout the year where appropriate.

Is there homework or assessment?

There are no formal academic assessments.

Instead, you will be given weekly formation exercises designed to help you reflect on what you are learning and consider how it is being worked into your everyday life.

The goal isn't simply to gain knowledge, but to allow what you are learning to shape how you live, follow Jesus and engage with the world around you.

Could giving a year to God change everything?

How do I apply?

Applications are completed online.

Start your application

When are applications open and when do they close?

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 19 February.

We encourage you to apply early as places may be limited.

Completing an application does not secure your place in SSM.

Applicants will be selected based on a range of criteria including prayer and discernment, suitability, an interview and reference check.

Apply now

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