About Us
WHY CTP?
Challenging Times call for New Approaches
Different societal factors such as:
- A faster pace of life and growing pressure at work
- Increasing materialism and consumerism
- Rampant individualism and disintegration of traditional family structures have ultimately led to frustration, burn-out and identity crisis and we are at risk of losing sight of what really matters. CTP’s mission is to support Christian leaders as they seek to master these challenges
OUR MISSION
To build resilience and well-being among Christian leaders through the integration of theology and psychology.
To equip Christian leaders who participate in Christ’s action in this world with transformative skills and tools to grow and nurture healthy communities.
To offer and pursue integrative training, research, and teaching in Melbourne, Australia and internationally.
To recalibrate Christian leadership education as we effectively and creatively integrate theology and psychology.
Our Vision – Facilitate positive Transformation in Christian Leaders and Society at large through the Integration of Theology & Psychology
OUR VALUES
At CTP, we are essentially Christian in our outlook. We subscribe to the Statement of Faith as affirmed by Melbourne School of Theology & Eastern College Australia.
Faith
Christ-centred, biblically-based, character-forming and gift-affirming faith expressed in vocational living, supportive community, service to others and connection to the church.
Reason
The pursuit of knowledge and truth that integrates theory and practice and values academic excellence, the importance of the mind and life-long learning.
Justice
To act justly in all human relationships, to exercise responsible care and stewardship of God’s creation, and to seek the just transformation of our world.
HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND INTEGRATION?
CTP brings together the two disciplines of theology and psychology in creative new ways so that we will be able to equip Christians leaders in their various fields of ministry most effectively.
We acknowledge and investigate the useful methods and insights developed in psychology and apply them carefully to theology and spirituality. Psychological research has brought to light significant insights about the human nature, communication, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion. Engaging in an informed conversation with psychology is very promising for theologians, since they are touching on similar topics.
We affirm that theology is the driving force in this inter-disciplinary relationship, especially in terms of worldview. Theology is crucial as it reminds the different disciplines in the academy of the bigger picture. From a theologian’s perspective, all fields of research in the academy are united as they attempt to understand God’s revelation in his creation, in time, and history.
OUR PARTNERS AND FRIENDS
Collaboration lies at the heart of CTP. We believe that only with a spirit of co-operation and mutual curiosity in terms of learning and growing we will be able to offer the most effective services. At this stage, we are very grateful for the excellent partnerships with the following institutions and experts:
The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and the Centre for Transforming Engagement
In our function as a centre of academic excellence, we focus on the delivery of workshops, webinars, other courses of study, and research opportunities. At present – and for the foreseeable future – we do not, and will not, offer counselling to individuals.
If you wish to connect with a counsellor who engages in practice from a Christian worldview, you might consult the following referral services:
The Christian Counsellors Association of Australia: ccaa.net.au
Careline Connections: carelineconnections.org.au
