A Bit About the Training
This training has been designed to enable anyone in the Diocese to undertake study that will help to develop both personal faith and service of God and his Kingdom through development of gifts and skills.
The training has also been designed to be as flexible as possible so you can just study one subject that particularly interests you, doing the assessments or not as you wish. You can then go on to do more subjects if you feel you'd like to. On completion of each subject you will receive a Certificate of Completion. There is also the option of studying a programme of subjects which will lead to the award of a Certificate in Theology of Mission and Ministry (CTMM). On this website the term 'module' is used rather than subject but that's what it refers to!) The Certificate programme requires the study of 5 core modules and one from a suite of specialist ministry modules.
Entry Requirements/Qualifications
There are no specific entry requirements for the modules or the CTMM but you will need some thinking and reflecting skills and the support of your Vicar if you wish to do the CTMM. The assessments are mainly practical with an accompying reflection or rationale.
How it Works
Each module runs over a 14 week term and consists of the online sessions (usually 10 per module). Three of these are on Saturday mornings on Zoom in the form of Shared Learning Mornings (one at the beginning, one in the middle and one at the end). The Local Occasional Preachers module has 7 Shared Learning Mornings (SLMs) but all other modules have just three. Occasionally one of the SLMs is held in-person and these are clearly marked on the Term Dates page of the website and within each module along with details of venue.
For the sessions you complete on your own you will either need a computer, tablet or mobile phone with a decent internet connection. There is also a Forum that you can post on as well as weekly online Learning Support Group Sessions (LSGs) with an expert leader so you don't feel isolated and can ask questions and share your thoughts with others. For the CTMM there will be a Specialist Ministry module which will be more of an individual learning project that you will complete with a personal tutor/supervisor.
The Certificate
Please note that the CTMM does not entitle or authorise you to operate any ministry in your parish. If you wish to operate a ministry in your parish at the end of the course you will need the permission of your incumbent who will also need to ensure you have the correct level of DBS check and Safeguarding training in place.
Cost
Modules cost a flat fee of £25 each,payable prior to commencement of each one (so you only pay for the modules you study). HOWEVER, please don't let cost be a barrier, just let us know if it might be and we will be able to help.