THE GRACE COURSE

The GRACE course is usually offered each year in the autumn.
It's for anyone interested in exploring how God is calling them.
You definitely don't have to be interested in becoming a vicar or a Reader
to come to Grace, but you can be!

GRACE is run as a house group, not a formal course of study - we think hospitality and fun are an important part of what we share, as well as worship and exploring what God is doing with us.

Participants reflect together and individually on their sense of calling, on the nature of ministry and on prayer. There is also the chance to enjoy some taster sessions on what it's like to study the Bible and do theology. We always finish by celebrating our baptism and discipleship.

Usually GRACE runs over about 8 weeks, but the course is developing and changing. This year we have been offering A TASTE OF GRACE, which offers a shorter 4-week experience.

We have met at the Ludlow Conference Centre and at The Rectory, Wistanstow in the past. The venues vary - ask for details of the next course.

Over the years GRACE has been running, we've always had some people who've gone on to ministerial training and some who've decided God is calling them to grow where they're already planted. Hear what a few of those who've been through it think about GRACE:

• An inspiring opportunity to meet other like-minded Christians on their path of faith, allowing you to sampleotherwaysof praising God. At the same time giving you an insight into aspects of theological study without thedustinessorformality!
• GRACE was a wonderful way to explore faith and theology with others who had experienced God's calling ... Ilearntsomuch from the group and formed some long lasting friendships.
• For me one of the most valuable aspects of GRACE was having time set aside for reflecting on vocation. Itwasalsoenormously valuable to spend the sessions with others who were also exploring their vocations; theopennessandcloseness our group shared in the course of the sessions was and remains a real treasure in my heart.GRACEgave methe precious space, shared with sensitive leaders, other folk exploring their sense of God's calling, and -of course - God!
• The GRACE course was one of the most beneficial and clear turning points in my journey towards ordination and getting my head round the implications of what that would mean the form it might take. The opportunityofbeing ableto explore those possibilities with other people on the course was really helpful. And it will be anexperiencethat I'msure I will carry with me for years to come. I would definitely recommend it to people who arelooking toexplore theirown ministry and what form it may take.