RESOURCES FOR THE
JOURNEY:
Christian Life & Faith
2013/14
2
Resources for the Journey –
Christian Life and Faith
CONTENTS
1. Discipleship Resources
Finding Faith
Growing Faith
Sharing Faith
Leading Faith
page 4-8
page 9-18
page 19-21
page 22-23
Editorial notes: these ‘off the shelf’ courses and learning resources have not been
independently reviewed. The information given is from descriptions given by the publisher
(minus the hype) and by others who have listed the items. Please use the contact website
given to check out further detail and your usual strategies to access other commentary.
Many more learning resources are now to be found on-line, in the form of downloadable
materials, interactive sites and offers of regular e-mailings. A few sites have been listed as
examples from well-known providers. Exercise the usual caution about unknown providers
if searching leads you to more ‘fringe’ resources.
It is difficult to draw a line around ‘discipleship’ but courses and resources mentioned in
this booklet have been selected on the grounds that their main focus is about growing in
the Christian life. This shades into other topics such as Bible-reading, spirituality,
community engagement etc. but such items have not been selected unless discipleship is
a core element.
2. Educational resources – longer, higher-level and award bearing courses: page 24-34
3. Diocesan and Regional learning opportunities: page 35-38
This document has been produced by the Discipleship, Vocation and Ministry Team
Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3XG
Tel. 01483 790328
[email protected]
We also acknowledge the support of Moor Park College Trust, whose funding supports
Diocesan Adult Education services and offer additional thanks to
•
•
Mary Peters, Christine Sweeting and Steve Summers for help with producing earlier
versions of this document;
Winchester, Chester and Wakefield Dioceses, for sharing information from similar listings.
Jo Walker, Adviser in Adult Education - June 2013
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Finding Faith
Alpha
www.alpha.org
The Alpha Course is described as ‘an opportunity to explore the meaning of
life.’ Aimed at those enquiring about Christian faith and those wanting a
refresher course, it tackles topics such as ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how
do I pray?’ in a relaxed, non-threatening setting over ten thought-provoking
weekly sessions. It is supplemented part-way through the course by a day or
weekend away. Each session consists of a shared meal, a talk on one of the
topics, followed by discussion in small groups.
Widely used in the UK, and now in many other countries, Alpha is endorsed by all the
major Christian denominations. There is a variety of resources available - DVDs,
participant’s booklets, prayer ministry training, administrator’s handbook, etc. Visit the
website to find a course happening near you, or to order materials to start one yourself.
Alpha Express is a new abridged course, in which each talk lasts 20 minutes.
Also available: Alpha in a Catholic context, Alpha for Forces, Alpha for Prisons,
Alpha in the Workplace, Student Alpha, Youth Alpha, Senior Alpha and Alpha ESOL
(English for speakers of other languages).
Christianity Explored
www.christianityexplored.org
Christianity Explored is a ten-week course based on Mark’s Gospel that
explores who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him.
Described as ‘an informal course for people who’d like to investigate
Christianity, or just brush up the basics’, it involves teaching input, Bible
study and group discussion. Compared to Alpha, it is said that CE has
greater emphasis on Bible exposition and less on the person and work of the
Holy Spirit. But the format is similar, with an opening meal, a focus on small
group work and a full day / weekend.
Full resource materials available, including comprehensive teaching material
on CD plus free downloads from CE website. Talks available on DVD. Produced in
collaboration with publisher ‘thegoodbook.co.uk’ Visit website to find a course being
offered near you, or to order materials.
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Emmaus
www.e-mmaus.org.uk
www.chpublishing.co.uk
Emmaus is a full programme of resources for teaching Christian basics
and developing the discipleship of more mature Christians. It consists of
three series of short courses (usually 4-6 sessions each) for use in small
groups. It provides material from contact and enquirers stage through to
developing and growing in faith. The three series are:
1. Contact provides resources for making links with the local community
and building relationships.
2. Nurture offers 15 sessions exploring the Christian faith, covering belief and living the
Christian life. Its main themes are What Christians believe; How Christians grow; Living
the Christian life.
3. Growth offers a further set of sessions in three themed books: Knowing God; Growing
as a Christian; Christian lifestyle.
Emmaus offers well-structured teaching / learning input, with emphasis on discovery as
people journey together and features exercises, group activities, Bible studies and
discussion. Group leaders should have facilitation skills. Good range of print materials leader’s and session notes in A4 book format and on CD with permission to copy
documents for course members.
Youth Emmaus
www.e-mmaus.org.uk
www.chpublishing.co.uk
Designed to help those aged 11 to 16 to explore the basics of the
Christian faith in a hands-on, interactive style.
Essence
www.sharejesusinternational.com/resources/essence-2
A six session interactive programme to stimulate a deeper spiritual life, drawing
from the teachings of Jesus and the Christian mystics. This evangelistic course
explores contemporary spirituality, which looks towards a lifestyle integrating body,
mind and spirit. It is aimed at people who recognise that they are on a spiritual
journey, but have maybe not been involved with Christianity (yet).
No longer available in hard copy (from its originators Kingsway and CPAS) but now
downloadable (all text docs and sound files) from Share Jesus International site.
Glad You Asked
www.innovista.org
This is an innovative course for seekers, with good apologetic content, based on
international research on the questions people would ask ‘if they could ask God any
question’, which yielded a common core of ten topics. It explores life’s big questions
followed by an imaginative presentation of Jesus’ life. The style is contemporary and
interactive, with bite-sized presentations on DVD and big open questions to be thrashed
out in a small group. Resources include: ‘Glad you asked’ DVD, 3 leader’s guides,
promotional DVD and offer of a reduction on trainer training. Single leader’s guide and
DVD also available.
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Jesus Series
www.Jesusseries.co.uk
A series of seven DVDs each with a simple booklet containing well chosen and penetrating
questions for discussion or individual reflection, looking at the life and character of Jesus.
Describing itself as 'a fresh chance to look at the character of who Jesus really is,' it seeks
to get beyond over familiarity and away from cliche.
There is a strong emphasis on discipleship throughout. 'We think we know
Jesus, how he lived, how he taught, how he died and rose again, but does the
way we live show others that we are following closely in his footsteps?'
Titles available: Jesus the Hero, Jesus the Headliner, Jesus the Dreamer,
Jesus the Underdog, Jesus the Revolutionary, Jesus the Wild Man, and Jesus the
Wrestler. (The last two titles to be released in 2012).
Journeys
www.greatjourneys.org UK distributor: [email protected]
Journeys is a course from New Zealand, designed to introduce
‘spectators’ to the Christian faith, fronted by investigative TV journalist
Rob Harley and run in more than 1000 New Zealand churches. It
comprises a five-session DVD exploring the Christian faith through real
people, amazing stories and changed lives. The course utilises a
unique blend of stories of faith, told by ordinary people whose lives
have been impacted by God, and powerful interviews about spiritual
encounters showing how faith works at ‘street level.’ Five further DVDbased resources now also available, see website.
Life – the journey for new Christians
www.cwr.org.uk
This DVD, booklet and notes package from CWR aims to help new Christians explore
further the meaning and practical applications of their new way of life. Six 12 minute
sessions explore various themes through interviews with well-known Christians. Use with a
small group or in mentoring. Other related study material available.
Lifelines
www.kevinmayhew.com/lifelines
Lifelines is described as an accessible guide for use in Christian study groups, house
groups and other small group settings and is intended for those interested in exploring, or
new to, the Christian faith. It looks at some of the issues that concern everyone in a
society where God has been marginalized or forgotten.
See also ‘A Risk Worth Taking’, booklet-based study course from same publisher,
exploring the fundamentals of faith by tackling challenging contemporary topics, such as
violence, suffering and ‘luck’.
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Living Well – contented human life in all its fullness
www.kevinmayhew.com
This 15-session course by Susan Sayers “explores what it looks and feels like to live
God’s way” and may be an appropriate pre-Alpha or Emmaus opportunity. Leader’s
manual and CD of handouts available.
More to Life
www.vizaviz.org
www.mtlresources.org
This evangelistic DVD-based resource from Vizaviz Ministries includes some
powerful stories of personal change for showing (or distributing) to seekers, to
help them understand who Jesus is, how he can change their lives and enable
them to come to know God personally. The full evangelistic More to Life
programme includes a training video and manual for forming an outreach
strategy. The DVD could be used as input into a local Christian enquirers’
group. See websites for a range of additional related material.
Now a Christian
www.nowachristian.org
This is a short email course from the Church Army, offering five weeks of daily emails that
will help recipients to decide about the differences that having a Christian faith will make to
life. Visit the website to sign up and to receive emails and the opportunity to listen to a
podcast. On the fourth day of each week, there is a link to an interactive website where
thoughts and stories can be shared with others, and other features / resources are
downloadable. (Unsubscribe at any time!)
Rejesus
www.rejesus.co.uk
This is a website with an increasing number of resources that can be used for selfprogrammed learning – visuals, soundtracks, comment, reading suggestions, reflection
opportunities etc. There are multiple ‘modules’ or packages of material in four main
categories: Story (Gospels); Lives (famous followers); Spirituality (prayer and inner life);
Creativity (explorations of Jesus in art and film).
START – introducing Christianity
www.start-cpas.org.uk
A six-session introduction to the Christian faith. Helps groups to: look at where they are
going in life; ask questions about Christianity; discover the good news of Jesus; consider
their response. START pack includes: DVD with clips for each session; advice for running
the course, leader’s handbook including photocopiable resources; CD with e-versions of all
documents and promotional material.
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The God Who is There
www.resource-arm.net
[email protected]
A three-part discipleship course for new / unchurched believers, each of ten sessions,
based on interactive discussions and exercises, with ‘creative homework’. Includes
participants’ booklets and session summaries, based on the idea that discipleship is less
about ‘what we know’ and more about ‘who we are becoming’.
Part one: Beyond Ourselves – what it means to develop a living relationship with God.
Part two: The New Community – part of being a group that relates and seeks God.
Part three: Shining Like Stars – being a Christian in day to day living.
The Y Course
www.ycourse.com
The Y Course enables people to engage with the basics of the Christian faith,
using a ‘supper, talk and small group’ format. It is geared to those who have no
background in Christianity or are on the church fringes and describes itself as
“cringe-free, totally relevant and cynic friendly”.
Resources include: DVD with 16 chat show style segments (six minutes each); course
leader’s guide; small group leader’s guide with over 100 questions to stimulate discussion;
‘The Book of Y’ containing core content for the course. Visit website to order materials.
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Growing Faith
A Life Worth Living
www.shop.alpha.org/catalogue
A Life Worth Living is an official Alpha follow-up course of nine sessions
aimed at those who are just starting out in the Christian life, but the course
would benefit any small group. It covers how to live the Christian life positively,
practically and joyfully, based on the letter to the Philippians. It follows the
Alpha format of a meal, then a talk followed by discussion. Study manual,
leader’s manual, participant’s (‘guest’) manual and DVD available.
A Passionate Life
www.weare3dm.com/store/eight-life-shapes-books/
With the slogan “You’ve found your purpose, now discover your passion”, this range of
resources includes an easy to read guidebook that proposes eight ‘shapes’ or models for
key areas of discipleship. These form a framework for believers to understand their
relationship to God, to each other, and to develop ‘a passionate life’ of faith. This approach
has been developed into a training course. The key areas are:
A circle of repentance and faith; A semi-circle of rest and work
A triangle of relationships; A square of priorities
A pentagon of ministry; A hexagon of prayer
A heptagon of life; An octagon of peace
Course resources available include 8-session DVD featuring 15 minute presentations;
powerpoint presentations for group leaders; leader’s and participant’s guides; a range of
supporting resources such as books (including audio formats), devotionals and journals.
Materials now available through the 3DM website.
Beta
www.beta-course.org
Beta is no relation to Alpha, but is often used as a follow-on course.
Designed for Christians seeking to develop their faith, personal lives
and church community, it is described as an holistic 10 week course
linking Christian faith with personal development and pastoral care. The
course emphasises the need for healing and wholeness, both
personally and in our relationships. Its strapline is ‘Being Christian,
becoming whole, building community’. Course resources: Set of DVDs,
course and participant’s booklets; facilitator’s training, administrator’s and facilitator’s
manual. A five-week Lent course version is available for downloading from the website.
Christian Life & …... Resources for Small Groups
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www.christianlifeand.com
Christian Life & is a series of DVD-based teaching resources designed for group study.
They have been produced in association with the London School of Theology, offering
experienced-based teaching, a focus on issues for Christians
today, and a vision and enthusiasm to understand and apply
the Bible to life. Titles available:
Christian Life & Why It Makes Sense: teaching and
confidence to tackle some common objections to Christian faith.
Christian Life & Children: our role as individuals and as a
church family in the spiritual growth of children.
Christian Life & Today’s World: help understand and engage.
Christian Life & the Bible: what the Bible is and what it is supposed to do.
Christian Life & Global Mission: how to make a difference in today’s world.
Christian Life & Work the challenges of work, part of God’s plan.
Each resource includes: leader’s guide and participant’s notes for each DVD, which cover
five or six 2-hour sessions each. Sessions are in three parts, leading to Bible study,
discussion and prayer. Each resource also has a London School of Theology open
learning course associated with it, which supplements teaching and enables more in-depth
study.
Contemporary Creed
www.contemporarycreed.org.uk
Contemporary Creed aims to translate ancient beliefs into today’s
language. It is written for those who, like the author, did not find it easy to
believe and whose faith was married to doubt in the face of contemporary
challenges. Described as a ‘novel and popular mini-course on modern
Christianity’, Contemporary Creed offers an intelligent pathway through
sixty ‘units’ relating to intellectual problems of traditional Christian beliefs. In
clear English, without jargon, it nonetheless requires a basic familiarity with
the Bible. See website for the creed itself, and for related material.
Covenant Discipleship Groups
www.gbod.org/live-the-um-way/covenant-discipleship
CDGs have been developed in the US by the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), an
agency of the United Methodist Church. They aim to help established Christians grow in
all areas of discipleship through a process of mutual accountability. Said to be ‘not
another course’ but a way of life that promotes growth and development in the discipleship
journey. Their group life focuses on four aspects of discipleship: devotion, worship, justice
and compassion. See website for variety of learning resources and ideas about discipling
through groups.
Deeper Encounter study series www.scriptureunion.org.uk
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Deeper Encounter: Total Forgiveness
At one level, forgiveness is simple - the free gift of grace bought for us on the
cross of Christ. But the realities can be more challenging. Drawing on insights
from the Gospels and 1 John, there are seven sessions for confident small
groups, accompanied by an audio CD and printable notes for each group
member, so only one copy per group is required.
Deeper Encounter: Serve the Lord We readily accept that the career
missionary serving overseas has been ‘called’ by God. But can the Christian
working on the supermarket checkout, or caring for children at home, be said to
be ‘called?’ Seven questions for confident small groups, accompanied by audio
tracks and question sheets on CD.
Further Deeper Encounter titles:
Slow to Anger, the Character of God
Playing Second Fiddle, Romans 12
Knowing Christ Crucified, the Centrality of the Saviour’s death
Disciple 1 – Becoming disciples through Bible study
www.methodist.org.uk/disciple
Disciple 1 claims it can help transform your church into a ‘biblically nourished
congregation’. Designed to be offered to small groups over a year of (34) weekly meetings,
the course material facilitates the study of the Bible, with a session structure that involves
worship, presentation and activities. Bible reading required between sessions – over the
year participants will study / read part of almost every book of the Bible, prompting them
along the way to consider their journey of Christian discipleship. Information leaflet and
training for group leaders available, along with leader’s manual, study manual and DVD.
Discipleship Explored
www.christianityexplored.com
www.thegoodbook.co.uk
Discipleship Explored, the official follow-on from ‘Christianity Explored’, is an
eight-session course based on the book of Philippians. It is designed to help new
Christians to become grounded in the faith and as a refresher for more
established Christians. It follows the same format as Christianity Explored, with
study, talk and discussion. For new Christians, Discipleship Explored would
make a helpful way in to regular Bible study. User and leader’s guides and DVD
available.
Emmaus
www.e-mmaus.org.uk
www.chpublishing.co.uk
Three series of short courses cover contact (outreach), nurture and growth.
For Stage 1 Contact, see page 3-4.
Stage 2
Nurture offers 15 sessions exploring the Christian faith, spread
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over three course books: What Christians Believe; How Christians Grow; Living the
Christian Life.
Stage 3 Growth, also in three well-produced A4 books, including a comprehensive range
of sessions in each volume: Knowing God; Growing as a Christian; Christian Lifestyle.
Books include leader’s notes, session handouts and CD-Rom containing handouts,
liturgical material, worship resources and powerpoint presentations. Emmaus provides
well-structured teaching / learning input with an emphasis on journeying together and
would be ideally presented by leaders with good facilitation skills.
See also Leading an Emmaus Group, page XX
Youth Emmaus 2
www.e-mmaus.org.uk
This is a fourteen-session interactive discipleship course for young people,
designed to help 11 to16 year olds integrate their faith into life and to equip
them as worshippers and disciples.
Facing the Challenge of our Times
www.facingthechallenge.org/courses.php
This is a downloadable course of six sessions to help churches, Christian groups or
individuals to engage with the ‘challenges of our times’. Download from site or purchase
on CD, the sessions cover: Inclusion, hostility, other faiths and TV.
Foundations21
www.foundations21.org.uk
Foundations21 is a major online discipleship programme from the Bible Reading
Fellowship. Its modular programme is designed for individual study, with elements of
interactivity with others, or for group use. It is aimed at those who wish to learn in their own
time, prefer a multi-media environment and are comfortable with virtual contact and
conversations.
Another unusual element is the option to explore the programme through four different
learning styles (based on the ‘characters’ of the four gospels). The programme enables
users to pursue what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and discover their own
personal direction in Christian service. For new and experienced Christians, the emphasis
is on the spiritual journey and a chance to mature, through a combination of personal
learning and interaction with others.
See website for suggestions on using the resources and the site itself, and how to run
Foundations21 with a group. Also see site to sign up to be a registered user (free of
charge).
Freedom in Christ
www.ficm.org.uk/discipleship
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A 13-week course designed to help Christians understand the truth of who they are in
Christ, resolve personal and spiritual conflicts and become a fruitful disciple. With an
optional introductory session for use with those with little or no Christian background
before coming to faith, the course goes on to cover: key truths; barriers to truth; resolving
the past; moving on to fruitfulness. There is an individual focus, emphasising personal
responsibility and right choices.
Described as a way for ‘any church to implement effective discipleship’, the range of
resources includes leader’s and participant’s workbooks; course teaching available on CD
and on DVD. See the website for case studies from churches which have used the
material and other promotional items, including a sampler DVD.
h+
www.hplus.org.uk
h+ Making Good Sense of the Bible is Bible Society’s new ten session programme to help
you or your group interpret the Scriptures. Incorporating discipleship material, practical
exercises, expert advice, facilitator input and audiovisual features, the h+ course will help
you grow in understanding and experience of how people interpret the Bible; understand
the different ways that the biblical text can be approached; harness these approaches and
thereby grow in Bible confidence.
If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat
www.zondervan.com
This is a six session study course based on the book of the same title by John Ortberg. It
is described as a resource for a ‘journey on learning to trust God.’ Relating the story in
Matthew 14 to life today, the course aims to help participants “discover how to discern
God’s call, transcend fear, risk faith, manage failure and trust God”. Sessions include DVD
clips, Bible study and group discussions. The range of materials available (the ‘curriculum
kit’) includes participant’s guide, leader’s notes, DVD and a hardback book.
Landings
www.landingsUK.org.uk
Developed by the Paulist Fathers in the USA, Landings is currently used in several
Roman Catholic dioceses in the UK. Described as a "ministry of compassion and listening"
it allows people who have been away from regular worship to tell their stories and share
their experiences within a small friendly group. Lay-led (apart from the sacramental
ministry at the final retreat day that follows the 8 weekly meetings), it is highly structured
yet gentle, focusing on faith sharing and prayer. Landings is a dedicated programme for
welcoming Catholics back to the Church, although with a few slight modifications it has
been successfully used in other contexts too. Not available to buy ‘off the shelf'; see
website for opportunities to attend workshops.
Also for Roman Catholics are
Evangelium www.evangelium.co.uk/evangelium-course, a multi-media parish course
for adults based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
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And
Catholic Faith Exploration (CaFE) at www.faithcafe.org for twenty or so courses for
formation and evangelisation. Designed for parish groups and sacramental preparation,
these modules are in DVD format for the input (approximately 30-40 minutes) which
includes talks, mime, music, testimony and time to reflect. Leaders’ guides, participant
booklets and sample publicity material are also available. Also Youth Café, see website.
Learning to Live
www.navigators.co.uk/resources/books
A series from the Navigators exploring basic ideas of what it means to be a Christian.
Originally published as books, there are now six titles available as free downloads from
their website:
Book 1 Clarifying your Commitment
Book 2 Guidelines for Growth
Book 3 Considering the commandments
Book 4 Developing in Discipleship
Book 5 Playing your Part
Book 6 Moving towards Maturity
The materials are designed for groups committed to at least one hour of preparation
before the discussion; they can also be used for personal study.
Living Faith:
Exploring the Essentials of Christianity
www.spck.org.uk/shop/living-faith
Written by Rt Revd Tom Wright, Living Faith is a 10-session
DVD-based course which explores the essential truths of the
Christian faith - for new Christians and those looking for a better
understanding of the basics of the faith.
DVDs include teaching input (over 5 hours in total) from Tom
Wright and a short discussion with an expert group, for each of the
ten topics. A study guide gives more background and biblical
material and discussion topics. Brief leader’s guide and (free) sample introductory DVD
also available.
Living your Faith
www.cofeguildford.org.uk
[email protected]
Living your Faith is the Guildford Diocesan discipleship course for parishes, to help
people develop their Christian faith as ‘whole life’ disciples. Four modules of five sessions
lasting two hours can be programmed flexibly.
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Modules can be
run in any order, though starting with
Module 1 is probably a good way to get a group to gel. Any would also make a good
stand-alone course – during Lent, for example.
Module 1: Journey of Faith – where are you on the journey? Faith development and lifestages; connecting with others; developing discipleship and a sense of life’s mission.
Module 2: Roots of Faith – approaches to studying and interpreting the Bible;
encountering Jesus in and exploring the authority of scripture and its relationship with
Christian living today.
Module 3: Community of Faith – exploring the growth and nature of the Church as the
local and worldwide worshipping community, commissioned by God to serve the world.
Module 4: Today’s Faith – understanding how to live as Christian disciples in a fastchanging world; responding to people of other faiths and none; expressing and sharing
faith at home, at work, in the community and across the whole of life.
All materials for leaders and participants for all four modules are now available on the
Diocesan website. There are also printed booklets containing participant’s material for
each module (Modules 1 & 2 available to date). Additional leader’s notes and material on
running, publicising and evaluating groups are available online.
lyfe
www.biblesociety.org.uk
lyfe is an online resource-led learning programme for groups or individuals, modelled on
six aspects of Jesus’ ministry, which makes an excellent base for material for would-be
disciples. In each of the six ‘zones’ there are six sessions to follow. Downloadable
resources for each are in the form of stories, prayers, input from Christian leaders and
video clips. Sessions follow a suggested sequence of ‘read, reflect, respond’ but pathways
through the material are very much up to the user(s). Registration as a user required, but
no charges.
The six zones are: Still lyfe (prayer); Real lyfe (holiness); Spirit lyfe (spirit-filled); Word lyfe
(scripture); Just lyfe (justice, peace, wholeness); Whole lyfe (everyday faith).
Moving On!
www.movingoncourse.org.uk
Moving On is a follow-on from the Start course and explores Christian discipleship in
seven small group sessions. The aim is to encourage ‘24/7 discipleship’ committed to
living rather than spectating a Christian life. DVD presentations and group exercises cover
topics related to Church, Bible and faith in daily living, including Christian character, giving
and lifestyle. Leader’s guide and photocopiable participant’s material available.
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Play your Part
www.gartreemp.com/2008/play-your-part
Play your Part is a six-session resource, written by a team at Liverpool
University, to help Christians explore how to live out their faith in the
whole of life. It offers creative perspectives to reflect on key questions:
•
Why am I here?
•
What has God created for me?
•
What does this mean for me as a Christian today?
•
How can I become more Christ-like in all that I am and do?
A flexible resource that can be used by individuals or small groups to
discover more about each person’s unique role and potential as a follower of Christ.
For more details, contact Sally Beyer [email protected]
Purpose Driven Discipleship
www.purposedriven.co.uk
Developing on from the original Rick Warren ‘Purpose Driven Life’ materials,
Purpose Driven UK now offers a range of courses and small group resources,
which all feature a combination of DVDs, books, leader’s and participant’s
materials.
Foundations is a resource for teaching the essential doctrines of Christian
faith, providing the theological basis for living a purpose-driven life.
The Purpose Driven Life offers 40 sessions over five ‘volumes’ each containing seven
‘lessons’ and one further volume containing five. These are based on the chapters of the
original book, written for Churches to study over the 40 days of Lent.
Other group study courses include: Discovering Spiritual Maturity; Discovering my Life
Mission; Living a Blessed Life; The Good Life; Living Beyond Yourself; Developing a Faith
that Works. See website for further information.
SEAN (Study by Extension for All Nations)
www.sean.uk.net
A range of courses available for new and more mature Christians to enable ongoing
discipleship. e.g. Life to the full - 18 sessions to help new Christians think through the
basics of living out their faith as new believers, and Bible Matters – 10 sessions to
familiarise growing Christians with the Bible. Described as ‘ideal for post-Alpha.’
TLS Lite (Training for Living and Serving)
www.urc.org.uk
LITE stands for Local Introductory Training Experiences, and were designed by the United
Reformed Church. The LITE course includes units designed for home study containing up
to three exercises as preparation for study group meetings. These are sessions of two
hours in a local group with a tutor, involving further work on the study units. Additionally,
study days concentrate on practical work and discussion in a larger forum. The courses
offer participants a chance to complete a self appraisal and some assessed work.
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St Paul’s Theological Centre
http://sptc.htb.org.uk/dvd-resources
Theological education style sessions (I hour each) now available in sets on dvd:
Faith track – introduction to systematic theology
Bible track – introduction to the Bible
Life track – introduction to Christian living
Box sets of sessions by leading theologians, with leader’s guide, talk outlines, small group
questions and full instructions for group presentation. User name and password provided
for purchasers, for further online support and resources. Sales via www.alphashop.org
The Life You’ve Always Wanted
www.zondervan.com
A six-session study course by John Ortberg, this resource aims at guiding participants
‘down the ancient path of the spiritual disciplines.’ It looks at how we may grow in
discipleship through integrating the spiritual disciplines into our lives. Sessions include
DVD clips, Bible study and group discussions. Participant’s guide, leader’s notes, DVD
available.
The Journey to Wisdom
www.scriptureunion.
The Journey to Wisdom is a six session course exploring what it means to ‘live wisely’. It
covers learning and growing; making choices; relationships. It is interactive in style,
featuring questions, exercises and discussion arising from biblical passages.
The TIDE (Training in Discipleship and Evangelism) Course
www.firelighters.org.uk/tide.php
The TIDE course consists of a 58 page manual and six recorded talks on DVD or as
downloads. The manual is not designed to be used without the recorded talks. The course
has 12 topics with further suggestions after each topic, so that it can span anything from
12 weeks to 12 months of study.
Stressing the cost as well as the blessings of following Jesus it describes itself as
a course in 'radical discipleship' and is not for someone who has not yet decided
to follow Jesus. It stresses the need to trust and obey him from the very
beginning of the first session, which assumes some familiarity with who he is.
A local Guildford reviewer said “It is the most radically countercultural discipleship course
(for Western Christians) that I have yet seen, raising some uncomfortable questions in a
potentially very creative way. Not an easy ride but a worthwhile one.”
Workshop – ‘because faith is a journey’
www.workshop.org.uk
Six main themes offered in weekend courses mostly in London (but venues vary) to
provide a ‘Jesus-centred learning experience to encourage and inspire your spiritual
journey’. Tackling current questions, hard issues and practical responses such as the
credibility of belief, radical community life, lifestyle, creativity and taking action.
17
YORK courses
www.yorkcourses.co.uk
Long-running series of short courses, traditionally associated with Lent, but can be used at
any season. Basic format includes recorded input from range of prominent Christian
leaders on DVD with accompanying booklet providing questions and suggestions for
groups. Various titles and topics; see website.
Your Shape for God’s Service
Email: [email protected]
Your Shape for God’s Service is designed to be appropriate for all kinds of churches,
including small ones whose members are not confident about “having anything spiritual to
offer”. The materials for six sessions are offered in a simple and flexible form on a rewriteable computer disk so that it can be tailored to suit the context. There are no
copyright restrictions and materials give full instructions for group leaders. Your Shape
can be used with a small group such as an existing home group or as a slightly extended
Advent or Lent course.
18
Sharing Faith
Becoming a Contagious Christian
www.willowcreek.com/catalogs
Becoming a Contagious Christian is a six session course to equip Christians for
effective relational evangelism in today's world. It avoids stereotyped approaches that feel
intimidating to many Christians. It shows ordinary believers how they can share the gospel
in a natural and powerful way while being the person God made them to be. Each
session's exercises, discussions, self-assessments and video vignettes give step-by-step
guidance to become effective communicators for Christ to those around us.
The aim of the course is described as being to enable Christians to:
• Demonstrate a contagious Christian character
• Build spiritually strategic relationships
• Direct conversations toward matters of faith
• Communicate their faith in a natural style
• Explain biblical truths in everyday language
• Respond to the most common objections to
Christianity
Resources include two DVDs and leader’s and participant’s guides.
Blowing Your Cover
www.blowingyourcover.com
Blowing Your Cover aims to equip and release Christians to confidently share their faith
and impact their community in a way that fits their character and personality. It
encourages people to live their Christian lives to the full (‘Live it’) and demonstrate through
words and action the difference Christ has made to their lives (‘Share it’). Course
resources include workbooks; leader’s guide; training DVD, media pack DVD including 21
short video clips. Information pack with sample materials available.
Connect 4 Life
www.connect4life.org.uk
The aim of ‘Connect4Life’ is to inspire confidence in church members
reaching out to the lost with simple tools (but not simplistic answers).
Recognising that many Christians want to reach out to their friends but are
then at a loss to explain clearly or answer tricky questions, this suite of
courses aims to provide a solution. It is designed to bridge the gap before
Alpha, Christianity Explored or other seekers courses.
Separate but related courses, resources and events are aimed at leaders,
church members, disillusioned or lapsed church members, returning
church members and the totally unconnected with the church. The materials for the
‘disconnected’ are likely to be particularly helpful for those who have previously been hurt
19
by the church, and could make a very useful prelude to, or follow up from ‘Back to Church
Sunday’.
Together these resources add up to a flexible and practical strategy for reaching out to
people in all kinds of situations and distances from the church.
Friends for Life www.greatjourneys.org
Friends for Life is a four-week DVD-based course to help churches ‘release their
evangelisation potential’ and offers ‘powerful techniques to reach the unchurched’.
Resources include leader’s and participant’s guides; an instructional DVD for leaders; a
promotional video (see website),
Hope The Heartbeat of Mission
http://www.hopetogether.org.uk/
This comprehensive handbook on mission and
evangelism provides a complete guide to local outreach
based on
‘Hope’s’ values of
• demonstrating God’s love as churches work together,
meeting
community needs
•
continuing to love and serve people whatever they
choose to
believe
• inviting
people into a spiritual journey sharing the gospel in
culturally
relevant ways
• giving people opportunities to respond to the gospel and connecting them to church.
A series of helpful and stimulating articles, some more theological and some more
practical look at the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of mission and evangelism. Among a wide spectrum
of contributors are Paula Gooder, Graham Cray, Christopher Jamieson, Mark Greene and
Rowan Williams. The second two thirds of the book follows the church year with a series of
ideas, resources and suggestions for all kinds of ways for reaching out in a spirit of service
to the surrounding community. Do you want to run a community festival, start a debt
counselling service, run a seekers group, support your community in the workplace,
campaign on human trafficking (or any one of scores of other ideas)? This book is packed
with good ideas, suggestions and places to find further support.
Inside Out
www.insideoutcourse.org
Inside Out is an interactive DVD and web based course including biblical teaching, local
church stories, discussion and activities. The six sessions will enable you and your church
to rethink the meaning of mission in every area of life together; take a fresh look at
integrating words and actions to help bring change to your community; help build a church
committed and equipped to take action.
20
Lost for Words
www.cpas.org.uk
The aim of Lost for Words is to help ordinary Christians speak about their faith in the
course of everyday life in a relaxed, natural and helpful way, so others may discover and
respond to God’s love. The resource consists of three separate courses, (as below), with
leader's notes, a CD-ROM with PowerPoint presentations, handouts, activities and
publicity material.
The Children’s course consists of 3 creative sessions using a variety of
media. The sessions explore the story of what God is doing in his world
and how children can play their part. Age range: 5-11 Length: 60 minutes
per session.
The Youth course consists of 6 sessions packed with activities for young people to
explore what their faith means to them and how they share it with their peers. Age range:
12-18 Length: 90 minutes per session.
The Adult course has 6 interactive sessions and has been used effectively throughout the
UK across the spectrum of church traditions. Age range: 18+ Length: 120 minutes per
session.
Mind the Gap
www.agape.org.uk/ResourceCentre
This training course addresses the issue of the ‘gap’ between church culture and a society
in which there is a great spiritual hunger. There are six workshops to help participants
understand better the context in which their church is set, to consider what method of
evangelism would work best; and to shape an effective evangelism plan. Each workshop
uses video clips and the course is presented on two DVDs with supporting materials on
CD for printing off leader’s and participant’s notes. There is also a promotional DVD and
sample publicity material.
More to Life
www.vizaviz.org
See also More to Life ‘Engaging through Story’ kit, for “empowering believers
to reach people who are far from God but close to them”. See page X.
21
Leading Faith
Arrow Leadership Programme
www.cpas.org.uk/events-and-programmes/equipping-leaders/arrow-leadershipprogramme
The Arrow Leadership programme is available through CPAS, to whom application should
be made. Church endorsement is advised, as cost is significant and the course extends
over 18 months; it aims to cover character and calling as well as skills. Teaching and
learning is delivered over four residential sessions, via mentors, in ‘peer cells’ and through
projects. Additional personal study time of at least 3 hours per week should be allowed
for. Visit website for more details, such as curriculum outline.
Building a Discipleship Culture
www.weare3dm.com/store
Leader’s guide and participant’s guide available.
Christian Life & … Resources for Small Groups
www.christianlifeand.com
See Page 7
Emmaus - Leading an Emmaus Group
www.e-mmaus.org.uk
www.chpublishing.co.uk
A resource to help set up and run a small group. Although specifically geared towards use
with the Emmaus courses, it provides a wealth of practical advice on running any small
group in the local church. Laying a biblical framework for group leadership, it includes
information and advice on the following issues:
•
•
•
•
•
the role of the leader in the group
making newcomers to the group feel welcome
how to prepare for each session
leading Nurture and Growth groups
how to use shared meals and retreats to help a group grow
Growing Leaders
www.cpas.org.uk/church-resources/growing-leaders-suite
Growing Leaders is a practical resource from CPAS for developing leaders from within a
church community. Over a year, its unique mix of teaching, mentoring and practical
application focuses on:
•
leadership rooted in Christ
•
deepening commitment to long-term service
•
essential skills for the task.
The Growing Leaders pack includes:
• leader’s notes and resources
22
•
•
•
photocopiable handouts
the Growing Leaders paperback
CD-ROM with PowerPoint presentations, brief training videos, additional handouts,
resources and software.
Imagine how we can reach the UK
www.licc.org.uk/imagine/home
This 50 minute film explores the main reasons for the church’s difficulties in
envisioning, equipping, resourcing and supporting Christians for today’s
world and proposes a simple but radical way forward, focusing on two great
biblical truths – the concern of the Creator-redeemer God for every aspect of
our lives and Jesus’ mandate to make disciples not converts. The DVD
comes with extra resources making it highly flexible for use in one, two or
three session formats in small groups, cells, leadership teams or churches.
Toolbox
www.licc.org.uk
Toolbox is an integrated, interactive programme designed to help people:
•
Develop a robust Biblical method for interpreting the Bible and applying it to
contemporary life
•
Develop specific skills in reading contemporary culture through a
biblical lens
•
Apply those skills to contemporary issues and to their own life
context.
•
Develop a vision for whole-life Christianity and understand the
inhibiting impact of the sacred-secular divide on church life and
Christian mission and living.
Toolbox runs twice a year (June and September in London; see
website for dates).
23
Section Two: Educational Resources Longer, higher level and award-bearing courses
Would you like to study further and explore questions of faith and religion at a deeper
level, possibly leading to an academic award? These days, degree level courses and
even masters degree programmes are much more accessible and may not require formal
educational qualifications for entry, since many institutions will accept prior experience and
learning as evidence of ability to pursue a programme. Certificates and diplomas, that may
only take a year, are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These usually
offer ‘progression’ to further courses if you wish, either in the same or a similar programme
or institution.
The following learning resources are provided by a number of colleges and universities
(known collectively as Higher Education Institutions or HEIs) and some other organisations
that offer higher level courses themselves, or have made arrangements with HEIs to
accredit the study they offer.
All of these courses will require fees and there may be other conditions for enrolment. The
content of courses varies (even if they have the same title) from institution to institution.
There will also be different conditions and methods of delivery (eg daytime attendance or
distance learning). Anyone interested in following up a particular subject or type of course
should seek fuller information from the organisation’s website - which we have included
because details of courses and availability might change more frequently than we can
update this document!
If you cannot immediately see what interests you, the following websites may help:
TRS Online – Christian Distance Learning Studies – www.trsonline.org.uk
UK Bible Colleges.com – www.ukbiblecolleges.com
UK Directory of Bible Colleges – www.byfaith.co.uk/bcdirectory.htm
All Nations Christian College
Easneye
01920 443500
Ware
[email protected]
SG12 8LX
www.allnations.ac.uk
Certificate and Diploma in Higher Education & Degree level studies in Biblical
and Intercultural Studies
MA and MTh in Contemporary Mission Studies, Contextualised Theology
Academic programme validation from Open University
Birmingham Christian College
Crowther Hall
Hamilton Drive
Selly Oak Campus
Birmingham University
Birmingham B29 6AJ
0121 472 0726
[email protected]
www.bhxc.ac.uk
24
Certificate and Diploma in Christian Ministries, Children’s & Family Ministry;
Bachelor’s degrees
MA in Mission Leadership
MPhil/PhD level studies
Canterbury Christ Church University
Department of Theology and
Religious Studies
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU
01227 767700
www.canterbury.ac.uk
BA and MA in Theology
BA and MA in Religious Studies
MPhil and PhD studies available
Has a Centre for Anglican Studies
Catholic Bible School
Nutbourne House
Farm Lane
Nutbourne
Chichester PO18 8SD
01243 371766
[email protected]
www.catholic-bible-school.org
Study Days (some in association with Chichester Diocese)
Healing Services
Distance Learning
Scripture Studies
Short courses
Teaching CDs and other published resources
Church Mission Society (CMS)
Watlington Road,
Oxford OX4 6BZ
01865 787400
[email protected]
www.cms-uk.org
Pioneer Mission leadership training course in association with Cuddesdon
College Oxford; study at Foundation Degree, Certificate or module level. Now
also approved as a training pathway for Anglican ordination.
Cliff College
Methodist Lay training college
Calver
Hope Valley
Derbyshire
S32 3XG
01246 584200
[email protected]
www.cliffcollege.ac.uk
25
Certificate, Diploma and BA Theology; BA Mission and Ministry
Diplomas in Children, Youth and Third Age Ministry
MA in Mission, Evangelism, Leadership and Renewal, Celtic Mission and
Spirituality, Wesleyan Theology, Religious Pluralism, World of Work, Youth,
Children, Christian Mentoring
MPhil and PhD programmes including professional doctorate in Missiology
Academic programmes validated by Manchester University
Study weekends, events and summer schools
Gap Year programmes
Exploring Faith Matters
Previously ‘Education for Ministry’
The Revd Haydon Wilcox
46 Barn Meadow Close
Church Crookham, Fleet
Hampshire
GU52 0YB
01252 621639
[email protected]
www.efmuk.org.uk
EFM is an ecumenical programme for lay ministerial development, for
established Christians to develop their understanding of the Bible, Church
History and Doctrine. Study in small groups over 4 years, or take specific
years separately. External academic validation is from Chester University.
Also a 3-day residential training event for those seeking to lead / mentor an
EFM group.
International Christian
College
Distance learning available
110 St James Road
Glasgow G4 0PS
0141 552 4040
[email protected]
www.icc.ac.uk
Certificate in Christian Studies; Professionally accredited training for youth and
community workers
BA Theology (with five specialist pathways)
Masters of Theology for practitioners, in-service programme in four city
locations
MTh / MPhil/ PhD
Academic programmes validated by University of Aberdeen
University of Oxford, college for mature
students (21+)
University of Oxford
01865 271006
Mansfield Road
[email protected] or
Oxford OX1 3TD
[email protected]
www.hmc.ox.ac.uk
BA Hons in Philosphy and Theology / Theology
Bachelor of Theology (3 years)
Certificate in Theology (2 years)
Harris Manchester College
26
Heythrop College
University of London
Kensington Square
London W8 5HQ
Specialist Philosophy and Theology
college of University of London
020 7795 6600
[email protected]
www.heythrop.ac.uk or
www.londoninternational.ac.uk (for
distance learning)
Certificate in New Testament Greek
Foundation Degree in Pastoral Studies
BAs in Theology, Religious Studies, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics (singly
or in combination); also in Abrahamic Religions, Pastoral Mission
MAs in Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, Spirituality, Psychology of
Religion, Philosophy, Contemporary Ethics, Pastoral Theology, Abrahamic
Religions;
MPhil and PhD studies available in theology, philosophy or psychology
Distance learning available at all levels, see University of London International
Programme
Kings College London
University of London
Department of Theology and
Religious Studies
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
0207 848 7080
[email protected]
www.kcl.ac.uk
BAs and Graduate Diplomas in Theology,Religion, Philosophy, Ethics,
Religious Studies, Religion in Contemporary World, Abrahamic Religion
MAs in Biblical Studies, Christianity and the Arts, Religion in Contemporary
Society, Systematic Theology, Theology and Ministry, Middle East and
Mediterranean Studies
MPhil and PhD level studies available in all areas
London School of Theology
Green Lane
Northwood
HA6 2UW
01923 456322
[email protected]
www.lst.ac.uk
Certificate, Diploma and BA in Theology, Theology and Counselling, Theology
Music and Worship; Theological Studies (by distance learning)
MAs in Transformation, Christian Muslim Relations, Integrative Psychotherapy,
Biblical Interpretation (by distance learning)
MTh, MPhil and PhD level studies available
Academic validation by Middlesex University
Non-accredited short courses by distance learning – thirty modules available
27
Pentecostal Charismatic College
Retford Road
01777 817663 or 01777 815013 for
Mattersey
distance learning department
Doncaster
[email protected] or
DN10 5HD
[email protected] for
distance learning
www.matterseyhall.com
Diplomas in Christian Ministry, Christian Studies
BAs in Christian Leadership, Biblical Studies and Theology
MAs in Practical Theology, Missional Leadership
MPhil and PhD and DMin studies available
Academic programme validation from University of Bangor
Distance learning available for College level modules and Certificates; BA
Bible and Theology; large number of short courses on Christian Life and
Service, for independent or group study
Mattersey Hall
Moorlands College
01425 674500
[email protected] or
[email protected]
www.moorlands.ac.uk
Sopley
Christchurch
BH23 7AT
Foundation Certificate
Certificate and Diploma HE Applied Theology
BA Applied Theology, with Youth, Community and Family Work strands and
professional qualifications
MA Applied Theology with specialisms in leadership, preaching, and family,
youth and community work
Academic programme validation from University of Gloucester
Oak Hill College
Chase Side
Southgate
London N14 4PS
0208 449 0467
[email protected]
www.oakhill.ac.uk
Certificate and Diploma in Higher Education in Theological & Pastoral Studies;
Youth and Children’s Ministry
BA,MA / MTh in Theological and Pastoral Studies; Theology and World
Mission; Youth and Children’s Ministry
Anglican ordination training
Open University
Distance learning
01908 653231
www.open.ac.uk
Diploma in Religious Studies
BA Humanities and Religious Studies
28
Ridley Hall
University of Cambridge
01223 746 580
[email protected]
www.ridley.cam.ac.uk
Foundation degree and BA in Christian Theology
BTh, BA and PG Diploma in Theology
PG Certificate, Diploma and Masters in Pastoral Studies
MPhil and PhD studies available; validation Cambridge University
Centre for short courses on: Pioneer Learning, Youth Ministry, Prayer and
Spiritual Life, Faith in Business and various sabbatical programmes
Ridley Hall Road
Cambridge CB3 9HG
Ripon College
Cuddesdon
Church of England College
Oxford OX44 9EX
01865 874404
[email protected]
Ordination training for Anglican Church, full and part-time, residential and nonresidential.
Academic programme validation from Universities of Oxford and Oxford
Brookes.
Roehampton University
Department of Theology and
Religious Studies
Roehampton Lane
London SW15 5PU
0208 392 3000
[email protected]
www.roehampton.ac.uk
Foundation Degree in Ministerial Theology
BA/BSc in Religious Studies, Theology, Theology & Religious Studies
Post Grad Certificate, Diploma, BTh and MTh Ministerial Theology
Sarum College
19 The Close
Salisbury
SP1 2EE
Ecumenical college
01772 424800
[email protected]
www.sarum.ac.uk
Undergraduate programmes in Theology
MA in Christian Spirituality; Leadership and Ministry; Christian Liturgy and
Music; Theology, Imagination and Culture
Academic programmes validated by University of Winchester
Home of STETS, The Southern Theological Education and Training Schemes
(see separate entry)
Extensive short course programme (see website for details) including
‘Theology Quest and Questions’ termly course of open questions
29
School of Oriental and African
Studies
University of London
Department of Study of Religions,
SOAS, University of London
Thornhaugh Square
Russell Square
London WC1H 0XG
0207 637 2388
[email protected]
www.soas.ac.uk
Expertise in 14 religious traditions, available to study at all levels:
Certificates & Diplomas
BA / BSc
MA, MPhil / PhD
Distance Learning
Southlands College
University of Roehampton
020 8392 3400
[email protected]
www.roehampton.ac.uk
Postgraduate Diploma / MA Christian Ministry
Foundation Degree / BTh Ministerial Theology
MA Theology and Religious Studies; Religion and Gender; Religion and
Human Rights
MPhil and PhD studies available
80 Roehampton Lane
London SW15 5SL
Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme (STETS)
19 The Close
Salisbury
Wiltshire SP1 2EE
01722 424820
[email protected]
www.stets.ac.uk
Initial training for Anglican, Methodist and United Reformed stipendiary and
non-stipendiary and lay ministry.
University of Winchester validated courses on a part-time, non-residential basis
using Distance Learning – usually 3 years.
Certificate and Diploma in Higher Education for Christian Ministry and Mission
FD, BA and MA in Theology for Christian Ministry and Mission
South London Christian College
72a Mayeswood Road
Grove Park
London SE12 9RP
020 8857 7600
[email protected]
Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry
Certificate and Diploma HE in Theology
Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma Applied Theology
BTh Theology; MTh Applied Theology
Academic programmes validated by University of Winchester
30
Spurgeons College
South Norwood Hill
London
SE25 6DJ
0208 653 0850
[email protected]
www.spurgeons.ac.uk
One day a week courses and Open Learning ‘Spurgeons online’ leading to
College award
Church-based Diploma and Degrees – BTh and BD
MTh in Applied Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian Doctrine, Preaching,
Radical Free Church Movements
MAs in Advanced Christian Studies, Christian Faith and Practice,
Mission and Ministry
DMin and PhD level study available
Centre for Continuing Development in Ministry
Centre for Pastoral & Professional Counselling
Equipped to Minister (lay training for ministry) in association with Baptist Union
St John’s Nottingham
Chilwell Lane
Bramcote
Nottingham NG9 3DS
0115 925 1114
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
Certificate, Diploma, Foundation degree and BA in Theology for Ministry
BA and MA Mission and Ministry
BA and MA Youth, Community Work and Practical Theology
MA Reflective Practice and Applied Theology
‘Engage’ Youth work training (6-8 Modules) with professional qualification
BA Children, Family Work and Practical Theology
BA in Schools, Youth and Community Work with Practical Theology
Ordination Training – part-time pathways and Pioneer Ministry
Counselling at introductory to postgraduate levels
Academic programme validations from Universities of Chester, Gloucester and
Staffordshire
Certificate in Christian Studies – various modules, available by distance learning
Leading Children, distance learning programme with tutor support
Weekend events, Study Weeks and Summer Schools
St Mary’s University College
School of Theology, Philosophy and
History
Waldegrave Road
Twickenham TW1 4SX
020 8240 4029
[email protected]
www.smuc.ac.uk
Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies
Foundation degree in Youth Ministry
31
BA Theology and Religious Studies
MAs in Pastoral Theology; History Belief and Culture
Doctoral research centres in Religion & History; Initiatives in Spirituality and
Reconciliation; Religion and History; Holy Land & Palestine Studies
St Mellitus College
incorporating
St Paul’s Theological Centre
020 7052 0574
[email protected] and sptc@?
www.stmellitus.org
Certificate, Foundation Degree, BA and MA Theology; part-time route available
Certificate, Foundation Degree and BA in Contextual Theology in Mid-week
Theology programme, along with a variety of short courses
Full St Mellitus programmes delivered in three centres: West London (see
above), East London and Chelmsford Cathedral
Academic programmes validated by University of Middlesex
Onslow Square
London SW7 3NV
University of Chichester
Department of Theology
Bishop Otter Campus
College Lane
Chichester
PO19 7PE
01243 816000
[email protected]
www.chi.ac.uk
Full and part time study to Certificate, Diploma, BA or MA level
BA Theology and Religion
Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Ministry and Mission, in association with
Diocese of Chichester
MA Theology; pathways in Ethics, Ecclesiology, Hermeneutics, Worship and
Mission
MPhil and PhD level studies available
George Bell Institute – conferences, meetings and international network
University of Glasgow
Department of Theology and Religious 0141 330 3433
Studies
Glasgow G12 8QQ
www.gla.ac.uk
Distance learning available for
Post-graduate Certificate and Diploma Religious Education
BA, MA programmes and MPhil / PhD level studies available
32
University of
Gloucester
Francis Close Hall Campus
Cheltenham
01242 714500
[email protected]
www.glos.ac.uk
BA Theology and Religious Studies; Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
MTh part-time study available
MPhil and PhD study available
University of Winchester
Department of Theology and
Religious Studies
Winchester SO22 4NR
01962 841515
[email protected]
www.winchester.ac.uk
Church College Certificate in Religious Studies
Full or part time BA Theology and Religious Studies
Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma
Full or part time MA: Death, Religion and Culture
MTh Orthodox Studies; Religion, Ethics and Society
MPhil and PhD level study available
Westminster Institute of
Education
Oxford Brookes University
Department of Philosophy, Religion
and Theology,
Harcourt Hill Campus
Oxford OX2 9AT
01865 488600
[email protected]
www.brookes.ac.uk
Foundation Degree, BA and MA in Ministry
BA / BSc in Religion and Theology – part-time and distance learning modes
available
Post Graduate Cert / Dip / MA in Practical and Contextual Theology
MA in Ministry
MA / MSc by Research in Philosophy; Religion; Theology
MPhil / PhD study available
Salvation Army
Champion Park
020 7326 2700
London SE5 8BQ
[email protected]
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/college
Certificate, Diploma and degree studies (various validations)
Short, part-time and distance learning
College Certificate in Christian Studies
William Booth College
33
WEBSITES
TRSonline
Site listing theological or religious
studies based qualifications via
distance learning
www.trsonline.org.uk
UK Bible Colleges.com
Website of UK Bible Colleges
www.ukbiblecolleges.com
UK Directory of Bible College
Website listing details of Bible
Colleges holding to the doctrines of
the Evangelical Alliance
www.byfaith.co.uk/bcdirectory.htm
CALMonline
Website listing courses and
resources for adult Christian
learning that develops Christian
faith, understanding and spirituality
www.calmonline.org.uk
34
Section 3: Diocesan and Regional learning opportunities
Guildford Diocese www.cofeguildford.org.uk
Local Ministry Programme has some modules open to all.
Go to: www.cofeguildford.org.uk/go/lmp
Courses take place at Christ’s College, Guildford, on Monday evenings during term time.
Academic year 2013/14 starts in September for new ‘auditing’ students – cost £65 per module.
• Introduction to the Bible
taught from September to December
• Introduction to Church History
taught from January to March
•
Exploring the New Testament
taught from September to December
•
Exploring the Old Testament
taught from April to June (with a weekend included)
•
Knowledge of Christian Doctrine
taught from September to December
•
Engaging with Christian Ethics
taught from January to March
For further information and booking contact LMP administrator Paulette Withycombe at
[email protected] or ring 01483 790351
Living your Faith is the diocesan discipleship programme, available as course materials and
guidance for parishes. All modules are available for downloading from the diocesan website.
Materials include Leader’s notes, Participant’s notes, all handouts, PowerPoint presentations,
guidance on running a course. Go to www.cofeguildford.org.uk/diocesan-life/
Module 1: Journey of Faith
Module 2: Roots of Faith
Module 3: Community of Faith
Module 4: Living Faith
Printed booklets of participant’s materials, including all handouts, are also now available for
modules 1 and 2 (3 & 4 in production), to save on downloading and copying for group members.
Cost: £3.50 each (including post and pack) or £15 for 5 copies. Further information and orders
contact [email protected] or ring 01483 790309.
Diocesan Certificate in Children’s Work / Ministry
Takes place October to November 2013, starting Saturday 12 October followed by three
Wednesday evenings (16 Oct, 23 Oct and 6 Nov) all at the Education Centre, Guildford Cathedral.
This course can also be put on in a parish or deanery if a group of eight can be formed. Contact
[email protected] or ring 01483 484910.
Godly Play training courses (Introductory, Basic and Developing) are run regularly in the Godly
Play Classroom at Christchurch Ottershaw. For further information on course dates for Godly Play
and also for other children’s work short training events on Messy Church, ‘Open the Book’ and
‘Creating Sparks’ please visit www.cofeguildford.org.uk/young-life/training-events/
For further youth training events and courses visit the site above and for the annual youth workers
training event ‘YTRAIN’, March 2014, visit www.cofeguildford.org.uk/go/ytrain
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Day courses / Short Courses
Diocesan Summer School, annually in July for lay learners, open to all.
22-26 July 2013 ‘Faith-full Living’, daytime and evening sessions taking place in Guildford and
other venues around the diocese. See www.cofeguildford.org.uk/go/ss or
email [email protected] or telephone 01483 790300.
Advanced notice of a four week course on art and our human nature, to be held Monday
evenings, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 January 2014 at Christ College Guildford at a cost of £35. The
course will be led by a range of professional artists. Watch the website, or an update on this
document on site. Contact [email protected] or ring 01483 790351
New Testament Greek for beginners – an introductory six-week course offering a
great opportunity to get an overview and begin to understand how this language works. The course
runs on six consecutive Monday evenings from 4 November – 9 December 2013 at Christ College
Guildford at a cost of £35. Open to all interested learners the course will be led by the Revd
William Challis, diocesan Director of Ordinands and one-time Vice-Principal at Wycliffe Hall. For
further information and booking contact LMP administrator Paulette Withycombe at
[email protected] or ring 01483 790351
Other Training opportunities
Occasional Preachers’ Course - a course of three separate day sessions. Interactive and
participatory style learning, requiring some study between sessions. The next course will take
place on 25 January, 22 February and 22 March, 2014 for more information contact
[email protected] or ring 01483 790320
Leaders of Worship Course - ‘What does a leader of worship do?’ for lay people involved in
worship, a nine session course on Wednesday evenings in Guildford starting on 2 October and
finishing on 4 December with a half term break on 30 October for more information contact
[email protected] or ring 01483 790320
Safeguarding and Inclusion - Book a session to suit your schedule. For more information and
availability contact Sue Lawrence on [email protected]
Churchwardens’ Day - For latest dates contact Frances Cross on
[email protected] or 01483 790352
Local Lay Ministry (Readers) course - Please contact Revd Dr Steve Summers for further
information on [email protected] or 01483 790319
Pastoral Assistants Foundation Course - A foundation course runs September to March
(weekly meetings, daytime or evening); followed by specific ministry workshops. Please contact
Sue Lawrence on [email protected] or 01483 790321, by July if you wish to join
the course commencing September.
Faith and Spirituality – Diocesan Day on Prayer 7 September 2013 Christ’s College Guildford. A
day resourcing growth in prayer through a selection of interactive workshops. For a programme
and booking form contact [email protected] or 01483 790320
Older People Ministry - a series of day conferences / workshops for clergy and lay leaders
involved in activities with and for older people. Next event, ‘Senior Service II’ to be held
22 October 2013, at St Paul’s Camberley. Contact [email protected] or
[email protected] for further information or [email protected]
also on 01483 790324 for booking.
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South Central Regional Training Partnership (RTP)
Members: Anglican Dioceses of Bath & Wells, Guildford, Oxford, Portsmouth, Salisbury and
Winchester; Methodist Southampton District, URC Wessex District and CMS.
Bath and Wells www.bathandwells.org.uk
Visit: School of Formation > Discipleship
Exploring Christianity – a two-year course available in groups around the diocese.
Exploring Spirituality – two courses annually, fortnightly meetings.
Exploring Vocation – a four session course available for use in parishes.
Exploring Theology – various modules available for use in parishes.
Oxford www.oxford.anglican.org
Visit: Living Faith > Making Disciples
Downloadable learning resources and other suggestions
Visit: Learning for Discipleship and Ministry
A rolling programme, advertised termly, for lay discipleship, licensed local ministry and other
authorised ministries, including five and ten week courses and day events.
Portsmouth www.portsmouth.anglican.org
Visit: Discipleship and Training
Bishop’s Foundation Course – annual course of two terms of weekly meetings, starts each January
Spirituality Days – several during year
Diocesan Foundation course Christian Spirituality – annual course over three terms, starts
September each year
Downloadable pdf ‘Lay Training and Formation Prospectus’.
Salisbury www.salisbury.anglican.org
Visit: Learning > Discipleship
Learning for Discipleship Programme, with choice of five and ten week courses on ‘various topics
at various times’ in the diocese. Certain combinations can lead to the Bishop’s Award or to a
Foundation degree in Ministry from Oxford Brookes University.
Winchester www.cofewinchester.org.uk
Visit: Departments > Discipleship and Ministry
Adult Discipleship, resources information and guidance list available
Spirituality, list of courses available (ecumenical)
Continuing Ministry Development (CMD) programme includes courses open to all – several short
and day courses per month and degree modules from the University of Winchester’s Theology and
Religious Study programme.
Questions after Dark: Challenging God, a two-year Church College’s Certificate from Winchester.
Methodist Southampton District www.southamptonmethodistdistrict.org.uk
Visit: Training > Learning opportunities or Resources > Rekindle
Resources and teaching/preaching suggestions on discipleship
See also national Methodist Church strategy and resources at www.developingdiscipleship.org.uk
and training for lay people at www.methodist.org.uk >open to you > training and vocations.
For local groups who want to develop ‘mission-shaped discipleship’ including news of courses,
conferences, retreats and networking, visit www.inspire-network.org.uk
United Reformed Church www.urc.org.uk
Visit: Ministry > Education-and-learning
Training for Learning and Serving (TLS) programme, open to all, with two pathways: Enriching
Faith and Equipping for Service. Also Training and Learning Lite (TLSLite) learning resources that
can be used to put on a course at parish level.
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A listing of learning opportunities
to suit where you are along the way
Guildford Diocese is fortunate to be able to
offer a wide variety of learning opportunities to
those who want to develop their learning as part
of Christian discipleship.
There are courses that train people for specific
forms of authorised, licensed and ordained
ministry. A wide range of subjects are also
accessible to those who want to pursue an
interest, develop a particular skill, explore
further training or just see what’s out there!
Alongside our diocesan and regional resources,
this listing provides a variety of learning
opportunities that are either in the locality or
accessible by ‘distance learning’ methods.
RESOURCES FOR
THE JOURNEY:
Christian Life &
Faith
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