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Work Of The Diocese
Administration Council for Social Responsibility Agriculture Schools & Education Training & Development Communications World Development & Partnership Ministry Interfaith Community, Partnership & Funding The Tourism Project The Mothers Union Care of Churches
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COURSES FOR ALLIt is the aim of the Training Department to encourage and develop everyone in our churches. A sample of some of the Training Opportunities are described on these pages.
Becoming a Parish Visitor
The sessions, planned in co-operation and consultation with the church’s leadership, can include: listening skills, responding skills, specialist listening, e.g. bereavement. Appropriate accountability, confidentiality and support are considered within the training sessions. Time: Note: Preparing people for visiting bereaved families or supporting a bereaved person takes at least four two hour sessions. Called to Witness 
It has been said that we are not all called to be evangelists but we are
all called to talk about our faith to others. This programme begins to look
at how churches and individuals can become effective witnesses to their
communities. By focusing initially on personal witness in their daily lives,
people will explore how they can become more effective in honouring the
Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. The programme is planned in consultation with the church leadership and will reflect each church's mission among their communities. Time: Initially three x 2 hour sessions, probably over a period of three weeks or the equivalent. Back to the Top Leading Intercessions 
All churches have a time of intercession during their worship. This session
encourages churches to develop a team of people who prepare and lead intercessions
on behalf of their congregations. During the session topics such as: why intercessions, leading intercessions in church, the language used in intercessions, voice and pace, the use of silence, etc. are looked at. Practical aspects are considered and there is plenty of opportunity to practice writing and reading prayers for different occasions. Time: One session of two hours. Back to the Top Leading Small Groups 
Many churches have successful small groups that encourage growth and development
in Bible study and other studies such as Framework For Faith, etc. However
for many, developing leaders can be a problem. This popular course aims to encourage new and existing group leaders to develop their skills in group leadership. Topics covered include the 'why and how' of small groups; working together; preparing for the group; leading a session, etc. Time: Two sessions over two evenings or a half-day. It is not necessary to hold the evening sessions close together. Back to the Top Reading in Church 
All churches have regular bible readings as a vital part of worship. An
effective reader can enhance worship significantly. This course looks at
how to read scripture aloud in a church or large halls, how to use sound
enhancement (microphones and loop systems) effectively. It is a very practical
course. If a church does not have a sound system a portable system can be provided for participants to practice using different types of microphone, etc. Time: One session of about two hours Back to the Top
Growing Lay Leaders of Worship
The course will be led by experienced leaders of worship in a variety of contexts and styles. This course could be successfully linked with 'Leading All-Age Worship'
Drama in Worship 
There are many churches that use drama, mime, etc. to support and enhance
their worship. This course will help churches to form and organise a Christian
drama group; learn how to rehearse; learn how to develop short sketches
to enhance worship; readings and talks; find appropriate resources; etc.
At the end of the sessions participants will have rehearsed a short sketch
to be used in a future time of worship. People do not have to be brilliant actors to participate but they must be prepared to give time, energy and commitment to the project. Time: Two sessions of three hours or one day. It is important that all members attend both sessions. Back to the Top Other
Courses include:
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There are many evangelistic tools and programme's available at the moment
and one course does not fit all circumstances. This course looks at the
many courses available today (eg. Alpha, Emmaus, Y-Course, Start!,
Essence, etc.), some old and some new, and how they might best be
used and adapted to meet local needs. 
More
churches are recognising and encouraging worship leading skills among
their members. This programme aims to encourage new and experienced leaders
of worship to reflect on current practice, develop their gifts and make
effective use of the many resources available. The sessions
are planned with local church leaders to reflect local needs, traditions
and aspirations.