Australia
The Pathways program

Pathways into leadership
For many young Indigenous Australians, it’s exciting when they begin their faith journey and seek to know and serve God. To keep this fire burning, they need role models and opportunities to learn what Indigenous leadership looks like within their communities. Many desire to lead but need encouragement and nurturing from their Elders to become who God has chosen them to be.
What is the Pathways program?
The Pathways program seeks to provide emerging Indigenous Christian leaders with a safe pathway to grow in their Christian discipleship. It helps them develop their leadership through culturally appropriate ministry training and mentoring opportunities. The Indigenous-led initiative enables like-minded young leaders to connect, provide support and friendship, and receive valuable mentoring from Christian Elders.
What is the impact of this project?
The Pathways program helps emerging Indigenous Christians realise their potential, unique ministry context and interests. It provides pathways into further theological training at a tertiary level. The program offers participants relational, cultural, spiritual, and financial support over twelve months, with the potential to apply for a further two years of support.
Participants receive mentoring from First Nation Christian Elders and leaders, attend shared gatherings and learning forums, and participate in practical ministry opportunities, cultural workshops and training. The Pathways program church partners provide ministry opportunities and prayer support. Emerging Indigenous Christians realise their potential, unique ministry context, and interests. The program offers pathways into further theological training at a tertiary level and some financial support related to their ministry training and professional development.
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Meet the locals

Kyle
The Pathways Program supported me to attend the ‘raising our tribal voices’ Indigenous Theology Conference in 2024 along with Alan Little and Aunty Dawn Gilchrist from Western Australia.

Lonny
The Pathways Program supported me during Bible college. My long-time mentor, Uncle Don Hayward, travelled from South Australia to Melbourne for my graduation. The Pathways Program made his attendance at the graduation possible.
Project News
IMA Juraki Discovery Visit
In August 2025, the Global Mission Partners IMA program is hosting a discovery visit to experience the culture and faith of one of our Indigenous ministry partners, Juraki, on stunning Bunjalung country in northern New South Wales. You’re invited on…
IMA Dhiiyaan Discovery Visit
In September 2025, Global Mission Partners IMA program is hosting a discovery visit to experience the culture and faith of one of our Indigenous ministry partners, dhiiyaan, in rural South East Queensland. You’re invited on this IMA discovery trip to…