In this 2-hour, no-obligation session, you'll gain a clear understanding of the legislation and RI policy that authorise access to Queensland public schools. We’ll explore how RI works in practice, the relationships that support it, the commitment involved, and how we support you throughout. Includes Q&A and key topics to help clarify expectations—so you can make an informed decision about gospel ministry through RI.
We believe that making an informed decision about RI ministry begins with field research—observing what it’s like to be an instructor in a classroom, delivering a lesson. You may choose a school in your local area that offers an RI program and select the age group you feel best suited to teach. You need a current Blue Card and completion of MAST (school induction). Your Foundations training manual includes a Classroom Reflection Sheet to guide your observation.
Once you've committed to RI, we seek formal approval from your pastor to proceed. This authorises your school entry and covers volunteer insurance. New volunteers complete ~8 hours of theory plus in-field mentoring using a collaborative teaching model to build confidence. Experienced instructors attend one of two annual 4-hour training sessions to maintain skills, share best practice, and meet Form 1 accreditation requirements.
Volunteers are mentored to deliver engaging, age-appropriate, and compliant lessons. Training begins with lesson planning using approved curriculum, followed by classroom management and strategies for answering student questions. Delivery methods include one-on-one mentoring, in-person groups, and virtual sessions—based on availability and volunteer needs.
You won’t be placed in front of a class until you're confident and ready. Those with teaching experience may progress in weeks; others may take a term. We use a co-teaching model (“I do – We do – You do”) combining theory, supervised practice, and reflective mentoring. This proven approach builds skills progressively and identifies gaps along the way.
State-level bodies review and approve RI curricula annually for age-appropriateness and compliance, ensuring safe and effective ministry. Instructors choose from the approved list—on the Sunshine Coast, most use GodSpace (Years 1–5) and Big Questions (Year 6), though schools may vary. Each volunteer’s sending church provides curriculum materials. Partner churches cover these costs via an annual fee, allowing us to supply resources directly or at cost.
Our large RI volunteer network on the Sunshine Coast is a wonderfully supportive community. It a place of great encouragement, and a forum where you can constantly learn from one another and share best practice. We have regular training and meetings throughout the year to stay connected.