Meet Rev Dr Cathie Lambert
An introduction to the new Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
May 29, 2025
Cathie Lambert has been a member of the Uniting Church since emigrating to Australia with her family in 1981. She has grown up in the Church taking on various roles throughout her youth and young adulthood. Cathie, a Minister of the Word, completed placements as a school chaplain and minister with two rural congregations before taking a leave of absence to complete her PhD.
Cathie is currently the Formation and Learning Culture Coordinator for the Uniting Centre for Education and Formation for the Presbytery of Western Australia. This role involves overseeing Phase 2 formation, Phase 3 ministry support, education for Admission of Ministers and Pastor roles, as well as promoting a life-long learning culture throughout the Uniting Church in Western Australia. Part of Cathie’s role has been to collaborate widely with other Synods and Theological Colleges. This has given her a breadth of understanding of the joys and challenges in theological education and formation throughout the Uniting Church.
Cathie completed her doctorate in practical theology in 2022 and has been involved in teaching theology at a tertiary level in various colleges since. She also works for as the Program Director for the Dayspring Community training spiritual directors. She brings to this role her love of education and formation and a creative approach to working together as a team. Cathie has been a member of the Standards for Ministry Committee for the last two years.
Cathie was very keen to be involved in the work of the Commission for Theological Education, Formation and Leadership and initially did not want to be considered for the role of Chair. After much consideration and conversation, she was willing to trust the discernment of the Interim team in being put forward for the role. Cathie believes that her experience in Western Australia and already developing relationships with other Synods and Colleges will bring a different perspective to the task. She also hopes that her contemplative and creative approach will allow the members of the Commission to deeply listen to one another and collaborate well.
Cathie hopes that the Commission will be able to step aside from the agendas of their various contexts to take a broad view of the needs of the Uniting Church moving forward. To work together and develop processes that are equitable, use our resources wisely and look towards the needs of the future Church will require creativity and openness. Cathie hopes the members of the Commission and those who are consulted will approach this task with prayerful and open hearts allowing space for God to surprise us with new possibilities.
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