Lifelong learning should be at the core of everything we do within the Diocese of Sheffield because it is at the heart of discipleship.
It is a continuous, self-motivated approach to learning that focuses on improving oneself both personally and vocationally over the course of a lifetime usually in community and with the help, support and input of a leader or mentor.
The Setting God’s People Free document published in 2017, states:
“Few churches have developed the kind of learning culture that would illuminate the resource and support that is required to develop lay people. Few churches are equipped with the kind of ‘action learning’ approaches that we see in Jesus’ disciple-making and in best practice adult learning models in wider society. These practices include: clear setting of learning goals, transparent accountability, constructive feedback, space for reflection, responsive and contextual adult learning content, and continuous improvement.”
There are a few formal and informal ways we support Lifelong Learning in the Diocese…
- Ongoing Ministerial Development for clergy and licensed lay ministers
- Formal Ongoing Development for anyone in or working towards a structured role in the church such as Focal Ministers or members of the central support team
- Informal Ongoing Development for anyone who wishes to learn in order to grow in their faith & service.
- Learning Tools including this website and mission action planning tools
- Learning Resources created in the diocese, such as courses, e-learning, digital resources and events
- Learning Support including technical support, eLearning/blended learning design and mentoring.
- Recommended third-party resources that are curated and recommended from trusted sources to support all forms of learning.
