If you've been wondering how you might be able to serve God, but are not sure how or what route to take, then our Foundations for Ministry course might be for you. The course will help you to discern what God is calling you to do.
The course consists of 22 evening sessions, spread over three terms from September to April and is for anyone exploring how they can serve God in the world and the Church. For some, it’s part of their journey of exploring licensed or ordained ministry, and for others, it's a way to help them be more confident in their faith, discipleship and witness, wherever they are and whatever they do.
God calls us in many different ways, perhaps you feel a calling to do youth work, to volunteer at your local church, to become a Reader or Vicar. To some, it's not always obvious what they are being called to do, or even understand that they are being called at all, and this is where the Foundations for Ministry can offer help and guidance, not by providing the answer, but by helping you to arrive at the answer yourself.
If you'd like to explore your calling, join us for the next course this September.
Below is a short video of John Hart, who went on the Foundations for Ministry course and discovered his calling was to become a Reader.
Here’s some of what last year’s FfMers said:
- Really really good. lt constantly made me want to find out more, and was demanding but not impossible.
- Have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know all my fellow course members throughout FFM, and have been privileged to engage with some delightful people doing amazing work in, often very challenging, parish situations.
- Fed my desire for development and my sense of God's calling. More please!
- The teaching and admin support was excellent.
- l believe l learned a great deal and had my mind opened to experiences, expressions and approaches to faith of which l was not aware. It has made me read more and enhanced my knowledge.
- The course has made me want more and enhanced my belief, as well as my sense of being called to service as a lay Reader. lt has made me believe that l might be able to do this, piqued my curiosity and desire to undertake this ministry and given a new discipline to my prayer life and understanding.
- l have learnt how to relate what l found out about prayer to my personal prayer life and have now a discipline for my prayer life which is much better informed than it was.
- l really looked forward to Tuesday nights and enjoyed the fellowship, the dialogue and discussions and of course the cake!
If you'd like to know more about how the Foundations for Ministry course might be for you, visit our page on Foundations for Ministry for more details, or email ministry@chester.anglican.org for an application form.