DEVELOPMENT DISCIPLESHIP - FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

Last Updated on Monday, 05 November 2012 12:00

Developing Discipleship - Foundations of Faith

"Foundations of Faith"

"Foundations of Faith" in Sheffield Diocese is a lay training programme which is perhaps more than most parishes can usually offer, but which is less demanding than other training opportunities in the Diocese in terms of academic level, length of course, and/or being tailored to a specific interest or ministry.

The course is not run centrally, but on a rolling programme in parishes across the diocese, so can be particularly helpful as a basis for groups of churches (or a deanery) to explore learning together.

It is open to all who wish to explore the Christian faith in a structured way, in an environment which is supportive and open.  Individuals or parish groups may participate.  The course is appropriate for those who simply want to find out more about the Christian faith, but can also be particularly helpful for those who are exploring what their vocation and ministry might be.   The course has no minimum academic entry requirement.  The content is quite thorough, and teaching and learning methods should make the course open and rewarding for all participants.

The programme can thus work as

- an opportunity for the interested lay person to broaden and deepen their understanding and application of the Christian faith

- an exploratory course for those who may be considering what their vocation and ministry might be

- an access course for those approaching training for ministry

- an opportunity to broaden learning for those who have already trained at some depth, but only in one area

- on completion, a stimulus to study one or more areas in more depth and/or engage in specific ministry

The course has been developed with the initial assistance of Church Army, and delivered by a team of parish clergy.

The venue on each occasion will be a local parish church, with the aim that there will be a core base of participants from the host parish, with other participants from nearby parishes and deaneries.

The hope is that for each person who wishes to participate, a course will be running near them soon.

The “Foundations of Faith” Course

Foundations of Faith is a year's course, taught in three 8 week terms, as a rolling programme. You can join at any time, and only need to commit to one term’s course at any one time.

"Part One" - Church, Worship, Bible & Ethics

(two evenings on each unit)

1  Worship

Public and private worship and prayer

2  Using the Bible

Understanding the different types of writing in the Bible, the historical periods covered by the Bible, how the Bible came together, and exploring how to use the Bible.

3  Introducing Christian Ethics

Perspectives on decision making, the distinctive characteristics of Christian ethics, resources for Christian ethical decision-making in a complex world

4  History of the Church

The beginnings of the Church, how the Church developed in its worship and thinking, the English Reformation, the modern ecumenical movement

"Part Two" - Belief, Ministry, Mission & Spirituality

(two evenings on each unit)

5  Christian Belief

Our understandings of God, the uniqueness of Christ, what it means to be human

6  Ministry in the Church

Different models of church and ministry

7  Christian Mission

Ideas and models of mission and evangelism

8  Spirituality and Vocation

Understandings of spirituality, what it means to be called by God, an opportunity for participants to consider their own vocation

"Part Three" - Bible Overview

Purposes:

a  to read the Bible in its own context

b  to gain an overview of the story of God and God's people as portrayed in the Bible

c  to explore how the Bible informs and stimulates Christian discipleship

Approach:

to read the Bible as if you haven't read it before

(two evenings on each unit)

9  Genesis & Exodus, Leviticus - 2 Kings

10  Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Prophets

11  Gospels & Acts

12 Letters of Paul & John, and Revelation

“Foundations of Faith” in 2013

The course is run in local parishes across the Diocese.  In 2013, Part Two (Belief, Ministry, Mission & Spirituality) will be taught on Wednesday evenings at Christ Church, Hillsborough and Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield, 9th January 2013-20th March 2013, 7.30pm-9.15pm.  Part Three (Bible Overview) will be offered at St Peter’s Church, Warmsworth, Doncaster over the summer.  Part One (Church, Worship, Bible, & Ethics) will be run in the autumn, at Rotherham Minster.

The cost for each participant each term is £25.  It is hoped that PCC's may wish to support their church members who are undertaking the course.

For more information, or for booking enquiries, please contact:

Mrs Trish Stafford  (Mission and Ministry Administrator)   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or

The Revd Alan Isaacson  (Diocesan Discipleship Development Officer)   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Attachments:

File	order	Last Modified
Foundations of Faith 2013 A4 poster1.doc		05/11/12 11:56