Mainland Training
Trainees on the mainland follow the scheme developed by the Diocese of Winchester, and in part train with others from that diocese. The training can also lead to the award of the Foundation Degree in Christian Theology and Ministry [FdCTM] by the University of Winchester. A foundation degree is a vocational qualification equivalent in standing to both a Diploma of Higher education and the successful completion of the second year of an Honours Degree.
The couse focuses on the main work of a Reader, namely, preaching, teaching and leading worship in a pastoral context. It seeks to develop people able to reflect theologically upon their experiences within the church and in society.
The period of training for Reader ministry spans three and a quarter years. Two years of academic study are undertaken in tutorial groups. The six modules, each studied for a term, are: Old Testament, New Testament, doctrine, church history, ethics, and worship & liturgy. A set of course notes is provided, and a key textbook is required, in order to prepare for the tutorial sessions associated with each module. Assessment of each module is generally by means of a project and an essay.
In the third year the focus moves to more practical exercises relating to Reader ministry. The first term involves a series of preaching tutorials and exercises; the second, observing the ministry in another parish; the third, forming and operating a discussion group within the home parish.
During all three years there are residential training weekends and study days which concentrate particularly on building up experiences and skills in preaching, leading worship and theological reflections on the role of public ministers.
Two annual events: the weekend Reader’s conference and the Readers’ licensing service provide further training in the company of licensed Readers.
Alongside the work undertaken in all three years trainees are to be given a suitable variety of experiences in the parish, including leading worship and intercessions and preaching.
Course Outline Comments from Trainees
