Introducing the new Local Preacher and Worship Leader Course Information from the Ministry Development Team

Why have a new course? Faith & Worship (1990) Worship Leader Training (1996) Ministries Committee has commissioned a comprehensive redevelopment of local preacher and worship leader training

The writing process includes: writers from across the Connexion critical friends: ensuring creativity is at the heart of the course conversation partners: sharing insights from their own diverse ministry and experience

We aim to enable local preachers or worship leaders to be... ReflectiveCommitted Empowering Respectful Collaborative Praying SkilledPassionate Confident Grounded Inspired Inquisitive

Who is the course mainly for? trainee local preachers trainee worship leaders o a worship leader is a person appointed... to take a leading and significant role in the conduct of worship within the life of a local church

Launch dates Modules 1-4 (for worship leaders and local preachers) piloting in specific contexts from September 2014 available to all from September 2015 Modules 5-8 (local preachers only) pilot begins September 2015

Working title:

The vision of the new course reshaping in light of new context and feedback focus on worship and preaching skills

The vision of the new course innovative format group-based learning as well as individual flexible and accessible

The vision of the new course oriented toward tomorrow’s Church as well as today’s encouraging a culture of learning in circuits and local churches promoting confidence in God creating confident leaders of worship

The course will… respect students as adults include things to see... hear... do... as well as read be conversational in style – not textbook

Eight modules three sections in each module, each section including Worship Prepare Explore Apply & Reflect Extend 20 hours per section = 60 hours per module

The make up of each section a range of worship materials offered, related to the theme of the module-section, suitable for use individually and/or in groups Worship

learning materials introducing the area of learning, to be used individually before the group session: the module-section itself reading excerpts from other writers video and audio clips activities and reflection Prepare

for the group facilitator: a range of ways whereby the theme can be further explored in a group setting, along with a flexible outline for a one-and-a-half-hour session Explore

a range of ways in which individuals or groups may apply and reflect on their learning both as disciples, and in ways relevant to particular roles or ministries Apply & Reflect

further ways in which individuals can deepen and extend their learning beyond the core material of the section, including possibilities for specialisation Extend

all carefully timed to fit into people’s busy lives…

Each year most students will take 2-4 modules modules per year 234 study time per year (hours) study time per week (48 weeks) 2 ½3 ¾5

At its heart the course aims to: help students make connections with their preaching and/or worship leading stimulate the student’s own experimentation and ongoing learning strengthen their confidence in God’s love

The modules (working titles) Module 1: Encountering God… groundwork Module 2: Encountering God… in the life of the Church Module 3: Encountering God… in daily life Module 4: Encountering God… in unexpected places

The modules (working titles) Module 5: Ministry of the Word Module 6: Living Faith Module 7: Understanding our story Module 8: Voices from the Margins

Same course: various modes of support Regional groups Circuit groups Local groups One-to-one

Delivering the modules online learning – with support for those with poor internet connectivity

Demonstrating learning – 3 main aspects knowledge and understanding practical skills reflective skills

Assessment will be by portfolio one portfolio for modules 1-4 and another for Modules 5-8

local marker (usually the student’s tutor) regional moderator (coordinated by the regional ministry development specialist) connexional sampling Assessed and moderated by:

evidence from services led by student reflections on acts of worship led by others assessing: practical skills for leading worship and/or preaching reflective skills Portfolio assessment will include

and … pieces of work that apply theological understanding in different media contexts assessing: knowledge and understanding, and ability to use in context reflective skills

... applying theological understanding visual art/ short video min presentation small group discussion/ Bible study article for church website /newsletter/personal blog short essay sermon or equivalent all-age talk reflection on a song or hymn prayer stations short sketch or drama meditation or poem through a variety of media such as:

The complete portfolio evidence from: services led by student (WLs) or 5-7 (LPs) two reflections on acts of worship led by others pieces of work that apply theological understanding in different media contexts - 4 (WLs) or 6 (LPs) overall connecting reflection

Connexional moderation Local assessment moderated within the region The assessment process Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (criteria met /not yet met) Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (criteria met /not yet met) Student selects items for portfolio Initial feedback from local tutor

What are the changes worship leaders and local preachers train together (sometimes with others) mentor provided for worship leaders portfolio-based assessment if worship leaders feel a call to preach they can continue the course

What doesn’t change the Local Preachers’ Meeting continues to lead in the process of discernment local tutors assess the portfolios assessed work is moderated

When will Faith & Worship cease to be used? final date for registration onto Faith & Worship September 2016 must be completed by August 2021 Q & A

I’ve already started Faith & Worship can I transfer to the new course? Yes! credits will be awarded in relation to sections completed and assessment passed Q & A

When can I start? Modules 1-4 will be available to be used across the Connexion from September 2015

Q & A more answers are available on the Methodist Church website see -

The ‘end product’ – we want a local preachers and worship leaders to be... ReflectiveCommitted Empowering Respectful Collaborative Praying SkilledPassionate Confident Grounded Inspired Inquisitive

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