Training and Development offered by providers other than the Diocese
Last Updated on Friday, 29 July 2011 09:10
We have a number of resource churches in the diocese which run training and development courses in Sheffield City, such as St Thomas Crookes, the Philadelphia Campus, Christ Church, Fulwood, Sheffield Cathedral , St Mark's Broomhill and All Saints, Ecclesall as well as good links with the Urban Theology Unit and the Wilson Carlile Centre. For further information about what they are offering please go to their web sites.
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• P.2 Other Training and Development Opportunities
• P.4 Diocesan Training on line
• P.3-6 Diploma and Postgraduate Studies
• P.5 - 13 Useful Information and Resources
For details contact Revd Canon John Thomson at Church House preferably by email: ‘ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ’ or phone: 01709-309147
CMD Grants can be used towards the cost of these events.
August 14-27th Oxford University Theology Summer School: Varieties of Religious Experience. £1040 per week resident/£735 non resident. Contact www.coted.ox.ac.uk/theologysummerschool
September
October: 3 – 7 October 2011
The Mission of the Triune God*; (Canon Dr Christina Baxter, Dr Ben Fulford and Michael Leyden); Contact: Helen Taylor, Development Director, St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS. Tel: 0115 968 3221; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Website: www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
8 October 2011 10.00am to 3.00pm: Messy Fiesta Training Day
Saturday Venue: St John’s College Nottingham. Speaker: Lucy Moore. Price: £15 including lunch (payment in advance by cheque or card please)
To book: Complete and return the attached booking form - or download a booking form from our website http://www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/assets/PDFs-FORMS-for-download/Events/Messy-Fiesta-at-St-Johns-Nottingham-Booking-Form-8Oct11.pdf
Enquiries: Helen Taylor 0115 968 3221 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or see http://www.messychurch.org.uk/ or http://www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/events-calendar/2011-10-08
Mon 17 – Thurs 20 October: EXPLORATION IN ROME (Anglican Centre in Rome)
A ‘mini-pilgrimage’ to enable independent travellers to explore their faith in the context of Rome’s centrality in Christian history. The course contains introductory talks on aspects of Rome, guided tours of San Clemente and the excavations under St Peter’s, attendance at the weekly Papal audience, guided reflections, corporate worship and several shared meals. Those attending may wish to extend their stay with further exploration of Rome. Cost: 200 €
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
November: 2nd November 2011 9.00 am – 5.00 pm : DOCTORS, CLERGY AND THE TROUBLED SOUL: TWO PROFESSIONS, ONE VOCATION? A CONFERENCE OPEN TO DOCTORS AND CLERGY HELD JOINTLY BY THE GUILD OF HEALTH and THE SPIRITUALITY AND PSYCHIATRY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE
St. Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Rd London NW1 5LT. For further information contact: (0207 235 2351)
15-25th Church Leaders & CMJ Reps Study Tour with Alex Jacob and Jane Moxon; costs £909-949 plus flights (ELAL special price return flight £300): email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; tele 01623 883960.
December: 5 – 9 December 2011Islam and Christianity in Dialogue; (The Revd Dr David Marshall). Contact: Helen Taylor, Development Director, St John's College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS. Tel: 0115 968 3221; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Website: www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
BIBLE FRESH & KING JAMES 400th ANNIVERSARY: Most of you will have seen the growing range of resources being produced by 'Biblefresh' - encouraging churches to use the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible as a learning opportunity. http://www.biblefresh.com/ , or the leaders guide at http://www.brf.org.uk/pdfs/biblefreshleadersguide.pdf .
Other Training and Development opportunities
Anglican Centre at Rome: For more information re courses etc please contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Arrow Leadership Programme: CPAS, www.cpas.uk/arrow
Beta Course: Being Christian, Becoming Whole, Building Community. 10 week video based course. Produced by The Psychology and Christianity Course, Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge University. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . web site: www.beta-course.org
Christians Learning Across Yorkshire (CLAY): Ecumenical courses, events etc across Yorkshire. Further details: www.claycourses.org.uk
Mennonites Cross Currents events: For details of what is on offer among other things in mediation skills, understanding Islam, training trainers, engaging with film etc see www.menno.org.uk
Anvil Trust, Deepcar, Sheffield: Workshop Applied Christian Studies: an exciting Christian learning experience designed to encourage and strengthen you on your spiritual journey in today’s fast paced world. For further details: email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Myres Briggs Training for parish groups with Jacky Stride of Lodgemoor LEP, Sheffield, Sue Campbell and Sandy Hastings. All are trained counsellors: Groups of 12-20: Cost £200 per day & £5 per head. For further details see www.rainbowcounselling.org.uk
The Children’s Society Theology Study Package: to explore Biblical understanding of the Church as a context for engaging with communities in a changing context. See www.childrenssociety.org.uk
Bossy Ecumenical Institute, (WCC) Geneva, Graduate Studies, conferences etc. Sabbatical possibility for someone. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit website: www.wcc-coe.org/bossey
The Christian Coalition for Urban Mission: c/o Unlock: Handsworth Parish Centre, Handsworth Road, Sheffield. S13 9BZ: tele 0114-293-9060; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Centre for Studies in Rural Ministry: University of Wales, Bangor and the Arthur Ranke Centre at St Deiniol’s Library, Hawarden. Further details: www.bangor.ac.uk/rs/pt
Centre for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations & University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education: Master of Studies (MSt): tele: 01223-741-048 or www.cjcr.cam.ac.uk
Centre for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relations & University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education: A modular course: for details: tele: 01223-742406 or www.cmjr.org.uk
Centre for the Study of Theology and Health: Holy Rood House Centre for Health and Pastoral Care. Patron: The Archbishop of Canterbury. www.holyroodhouse.org.uk
Christian Coalition for Urban Mission: for details of training courses etc www.urbanmission.org.uk
Church Mission Society: www.cms-uk.org See Make Believe vocation course & encounter trips.
Church’s Ministry among Jewish People: 30c Clarence Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4JJ: www.cmj.org.uk speaker willing to visit and share on a number of themes.
Church Pastoral Aid Society: Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick. CV34 6NG www.caps.org.uk: Making Mission Possible: Training in: Developing Leaders for 21st Century Mission (Mission Shaped Leadership; Developing a Youth/Children’s Strategy; Discerning Direction; Turing Vision into Action; Multi-Church Leadership; Growing Young People in Church; Growing Young People in Church; Self leadership; Developing Jesus Shaped Leaders & Models of Christian Leadership; Building and Maintaining Teams; Growing Leaders; Mentoring for Missional Leadership; Sustaining yourself in leadership
College of Preachers: 14A North Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10 9AB: www.collegeofpreachers.org.uk
Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. Short courses. St Edmund’s College, Cambridge: tele: 01223-741281 or www.faraday-institute.org
Fellowship of the Maple Leaf: grants for projects and placements. Further details: www.mapleleaf.org.uk
Fresh Expressions: Mission Shaped Ministry – a one year part time course. Further details: www.freshexpressions.org.uk
Society of Mary and Martha, Sheldon nr Exeter: retreats, conferences, holidays; tele: 01647-252752 www.sheldon.uk.com
3 D Coaching: Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Diane on 0845 458 0156 if a coaching conversation will help you. www.3dcoaching.com
York Course: bringing leading Christian thinkers into your discussion group. www.yorkcourses.co.uk
Sarum College 2011-12 Course Brochure: Spirituality - Theology - Leadership - Liturgy - The Arts
The year's programme covers all the above themes, with courses on re-imagining church, contemporary spirituality, reflective practice, spiritual direction, theology of film, biblical study breaks, mysticism, spirituality of ageing and more.
The 2011 speaker for the Niblett Memorial Lecture is Lord Brian Griffiths of Goldman Sachs who will give a Christian reflection on the financial crisis.
In spring 2012, Giles Fraser, Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral in London, will deliver the Sarum Theological Lectures on the morality of new war.
Download the course brochure Dowload a course booking form
Several Dioceses now have included useful training material on their websites - please don't forget to pass on information about yours to Friday Mailing to let others know where to explore.
Examples include:
http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/monmouth/resources/ (includes sessions relating to collaborative ministry)
http://www.hereford.anglican.org/pages/training/Framework_Downloads_000.html (some material from their foundation course)
Diploma & Post graduate Studies:
Cliff College, Carver (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) Diploma in Children’s Evangelism and Nurture; Diploma in Mission Accompaniment; Diploma in Youth Mission and Ministry; Mission & Evangelism MA, Diploma & Certificate; Leadership, Renewal and Mission MA, Diploma and Certificate (part-time or full time); Consultancy, Mission and Ministry, MA (part-time) and Diploma; Research degrees Mphil & PhD & Professional Doctorate in Missiology.
Cranmer Hall & St John’s College, Durham:
1. MA in Theology and Ministry: Modules in Rural Theology: Community and Church & How Mission Can Shape the Church: Mission and Ecclesiology in the Contemporary Context, The Bible in Tomorrow’s World, Spirituality and Creativity, Science and Religion, Art and Theology.
2. DMin (4-5yrs pt time);
Further details: www.dur.ac.uk/cranmer
Mirfield: MA in Theology and Pastoral Studies: Further details: www.mirfield.org.us/ma
University of Cambridge
University College, Chester (www.chester.ac.uk/trs or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) MA; Post Grad Certificate/ Diploma in Adult Education with Theological Reflection
Sheffield University, Mirfield andYorkshire Ministry Course: MA courses, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
York St John University: BA in Theology and Religious Studies; Foundation Degree with Theology in Theology and Ministry; Taught MA & Research Degrees MA, MPhil & PhD. Contact www.yorksj.ac.uk/theology
MA/PG Diploma in Consultancy for Mission and Ministry: Further details email: Dr Helen Cameron This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Revd Ian Johnson on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
St John’s Nottingham:
Leading Children
A completely revised version of our training programme for Christians who who want to develop their skills in leading children, to keep in touch with their culture and see them valued as members of the body of Christ. A distance learning course incorporating a residential weekend.
Certificate of Higher Education in Theology and Vocation
A substantial course, accredited with Open University, combining distance learning with three short residential periods.Flexible alternatives for those who cannot commit themselves to the full course.
Trinity College, Bristol: taught MA Programmes in Applied Theology and Theological Studies. Further details: www.trinity-bris.ac.uk.
University of Bristol: MA, MLitt & PhD courses: Further details: www.bristol.ac.uk/thrs/christiancentre
Urban Theology Unit, Sheffield; Post grad research degrees in Ministry & Theology; level M courses in Reading the Scriptures and Religion & Ethics plus Ashram Study Year; www.utusheffield.fsnet.co.uk
University of Cambridge Insitute of Continuing Education: CJCR: Master of Studies in The Study of Jewish-Christian Relations. Further details: www.cjcr.cam.ac.uk
Ecumenical Institute Bossey, Switzerland; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Anglican Centre, Rome: www.anglicancentreinrome.org
University of Wales Centre for Studies in Rural Ministry; at St Deniol’s Library, Hawarden with Arthur Rank Centre; MTh; MMin; DMin; www.bangor.ac.uk
Centre for Youth Ministries: For further details contact Gill Benson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 0115 968 3222 or look at the CYM website www.centreforyouthministry.ac.uk
Communications Training at Church of England: Excellent! www.commstraining.cofe.anglican.org
Diocesan Subscriptions for Journals: ANVIL & THEOLOGY can be obtained at a discount rate.ANVIL forms sent by mailing; THEOLOGY forms contact John Thomson at Church House. At present I am still trying to find out whether THEOLOGY have us on their list as in the past. If there are other journals with similar schemes which you wish to avail yourself of, please contact me and we’ll try to get the discounts.
Voice Coaching: Ms Gilian Cally, Voice Coach, Jordanthorpe Hall Farm, Cinderhill Lane, SHEFFIELD. S8 8JA. 0114-2373797
Retreat Houses that have contacted us:
Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire, LE7 9XB, telephone: 01572 717254
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it & web:www.launde.org.uk
The Royal Foundation of Saint Katharine: Retreat House and Conference Centre: renovated and with good local links eg to Contextual Theology Centre (www.contextualtheology.org). Further details:email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sneaton Castle Centre, Whitby: Further details: www.sneatoncastle.co.uk
Scargill House: further details: www.scargillhouse.co.uk
Society of Mary and Martha: email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Other contacts:
International Volunteer Projects: aims; to encourage and recruit young people from overseas to come to UK to undertake voluntary work here. For anyone interested in hosting someone or wanting further details see www.kacc.org.uk
The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber: Further details of events etc see www.crc-online.co.uk
Holy Rood House: Centre for Health and Pastoral Care: Thirsk. Courses etc on Counselling, Psychotherapy, Art and Dramatherapy etc. Further details: www.holyroodhouse.org.uk
After Sunday: Faith, Work and the World Project. Looking for interested people to help with this project. Interested? Contact www.aftersunday.org.uk
Students Exploring Marriage: web site: www.exploring-marriage.org.uk
Useful Information & Resources
The Churchcare website (www.churchcare.co.uk) has been set up by the Church of England to cover the use and development of buildings and church yards. Though Anglican, it has useful generic information about funding for buildings, community projects, how to write a business plan, what funders are around and what they focus on. It is regularly updated.
The Anglican Shop on line for books etc see www.AnglicanShop.com
'Promoting a safe Church' and 'Responding to domestic abuse'
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Both are A4 format publications, available at a cost of £5.99 each. The full texts are also available as PDFs on the C of E website - www.cofe.anglican.org
UNDERSTANDING CONGREGATIONS: Web based info
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From the US Episcopal Church website - 5 useful booklets from Arlin Routhauge to help reflect on 'Congregational Vitality'. See especially 'Sizing up a congregation' for thinking about differing dynamics in different sizes of church, the potential for mismatched /unrealistic expectations, and differing patterns of collaborative ministry that are likely to work in different contexts. Other booklets here include one on small groups in churches, and on the 'life-cycle' of congregations. These are available as PDFs to download at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/growth_23206_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=61609
Story Telling and Faith:
Robert Bela Wilhelm, Th.D.
Founder and Director, the School of Sacred Storytelling
http://www.sacredstorytelling.org
COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY - Website links
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There are various schemes and different ways in which what is variously described as shared / collaborative / mutual / total ministry is structured. Here are a few websites from other parts of the world that contain 'generic' ideas on this. (There are others with local regulations etc, but these include more general information). Some translation of words like 'vestry' is obviously needed for our church contexts.
* www.edow.org/parish/congregation/development/cong_mmreview.doc - A 20 page paper titled "Mutual Ministry Review" and subtitled "Celebrate Success - Resolve Challenges". Ends with 5 plans of suggested processes that could be used with churches.
* www.diomass.org/documents/MutualMinistry.pdf - There is a lot of background in this 'Mutual Ministry Cycle' resource guide - though I have not printed off all 91 pages or read all the detail!
* http://www.etdiocese.net/sharedministry/sharedministry.php
This 'concept paper' from East Tennessee gives a clear and not too lengthy description of their vision for shared ministry.
* http://www.upepiscopal.org/mutual.html - the Diocese of Northern Michigan is almost legendry for its pioneering work in this area - the diagram of their structure, and theological framework are here. Also a rather lengthy research paper on case studies of "theological education".
* www.umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_johns/media/iamfaq.pdf - some responses to 'frequently asked questions' on Total Ministry from the Canadian Institute for Anglican Ministries at St John's College, Manitoba.
Also a couple of articles thinking about the implication for particular types of area:
www.culf.org.uk/files/Rethinking.pdf (Some of you may have met Alister Palmer from Bristol at the last 'Local Ministry' conference: he writes in terms of churches on 'Estates')
www.rural-theology.org.uk/journal/abstracts/2-2.2004/Williams.pdf (Looking at collaborative ministry in a rural context)
FOUNDATIONS21
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Some of you will have heard about this web-based / multi-media Christian basics course in the making - for others the advertising from BRF may or may not have passed you by!
There is information on the website - www.foundations21.org.uk
SHARING MINISTRY AND VOLUNTEERS
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* Resources:
Those involved in promoting various patterns of shared ministry / every member ministry / participatory ministry / parish ministry teams etc will find it helpful to be alert to good practice information relating to work with volunteers. The following resources are available via the web:
o An excellent source of guidelines, suggestions and information can be found on the Methodist Church website: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentoyou.content&cmid=54 . This picks up numerous important practicalities – very clearly explained and without frills! There are guidelines for producing volunteer agreements or contracts, information about the legalities relating to expenses and honoraria, ideas for support and encouragement. This advice is formulated with church contexts in mind, which could be particularly helpful.
o Liverpool Diocese Social Responsibility Team, in partnership with other Merseyside faith and community groups, has produced a useful new pack on volunteering. This is billed as "A good practice guide for faith communities and faith inspired projects involved in Volunteering and for Volunteer Centres and Councils for Voluntary Service who work with them." It is more wide-ranging than some of the resources available, as it addresses issues related to projects run by faith communities as well as more 'domestic' volunteering. It includes several issues related to the structure of a scheme that are not all dealt with by some other resources - e.g. insurance, CRB checks, equal opportunities and costing a volunteer programme. It is available electronically from mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Other links:
Volunteering England - Volunteer Management Programme
* http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentoyou.content&cmid=54 . The Methodist Church website is an excellent source of practical guidelines and suggestions, formulated with church contexts in mind.
* http://www.volunteering.org.uk/Resources/ - The Volunteering England website - including lists of publications and information sheets
* http://www.volunteering.org.uk/Resources/publications/volunteersandthelaw.htm - You can download a booklet on 'Volunteers and the law" (I recommend the 8 page version)
A list of some other contacts / resources with information and guidelines on volunteering is also available to Friday mailing readers: mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Volunteering in Parishes takes the principles and practice of effective volunteer management found in the voluntary sector and ‘translates’ them into the language, culture and theology of parish communities. Everything is focused in prayer and Scripture. The practical strategies are making a difference in many parishes... they could make a difference in yours...
If you would like to know more please visit the ViP website www.volunteeringinparishes.org.uk
Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers at the University of Wales, Lampeter. Free if you don’t have a degree. £199 if you do, though there is a reduction of £100 if you go through Lampeter using their promotional code LAMP99. www.volstudy.ac.uk
VOLUNTEERS and LAY MINISTRIES
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I've had several queries about lay ministries and good practice in relation to volunteers.
* Specifically Church of England details related to Canon Law / terminology to adopt or avoid / EIG guidance on insurance etc is available on the C of E website 'Shared Ministry Pages' - http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/education/lifelong/sharedresources/ . See the section on Volunteers and Employed Workers which offers clarification on formal legal and technical arrangements relating to volunteers, lay ministries and employed workers.
* The Methodist Church website is a helpful source of practical guidelines on generic technicalities such as 'honoraria' (or not), contracts (or not), etc. These notes have been formulated with the church context in mind - http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentoyou.content&cmid=54
* You can download a booklet on 'Volunteers and the Law" (I recommend the 8 page version) - http://www.volunteering.org.uk/Resources/publications/volunteersandthelaw.htm
* While there are many sample Volunteer Agreements available to download off the internet, some of these are written in very formal language and may seem unsuited to much church use. In addition, you want to ensure that there is no danger of volunteer or lay ministry agreements implying an employment scenario, which in a worst case scenario might potentially be seen as subject to employment legislation. Volunteering networks are recommending linguistic distinctions to avoid any employment implications. So, for example:-
ROLE (and ROLE DESCRIPTION) - not Job / Employment / Job Description
KEY ELEMENTS OF ROLE - not Duties
REIMBURSE EXPENSES - not Payment
AGREEMENT or COVENANT - not Contract
HOPES / EXPECTATIONS - not Obligations / terms / conditions
PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURES - not Grievance / Discipline
Christians in the Workplace
A resource pack from the Diocese of Chelmsford
Chelmsford are happy to share this with others - see http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/CITW.html. You can get it for £10 towards production costs plus P&P.
EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN PRESENCE AND ENTERPRISE
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Not a snappy title - but this ECPE project offers research based suggestions on "what works" - and Erica Dunmow notes that there are "lots of training recommendations and implications". There are thoughts here relating to many groups and trainers in the church - Parish Development, Ministerial training and ongoing development, Volunteer management and development, Local Ministry, Teams, Leadership and those interested in 'Fresh Expressions'.
The ECPE research project comes form The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Faithworks. Working with local churches and other forms of Christian 'presence' (Christian charities , community projects etc), it has aimed to identify, learn from and encourage what makes for good, effective, sustainable practice, and what factors help or hinder work. Their researches identified 7 key areas:
1. Partnership or collaborative working is a key for effectiveness.
2. Volunteers are crucial.
3. Effectiveness requires three distinct leadership styles working together - team building, entrepreneurial and project/strategic management.
4. Effectiveness is dependent on more than the church leader! Teams are crucial.
5. It's important to strive for quality
6. Flexible 'church structures' can actively encourage effective presences.
7. Sustainability is about more than long-term funding - it's about 'keeping the fire alive'.
You can find more information at http://www.faithworks.info/Standard.asp?ID=8291 . As well as the full report you can access a manageable 4 page "executive summary" - which gives a flavour, and some "suggested ways forward" in each of the areas above.
TEAM PERFORMANCE
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Several people have mentioned the useful resources / ideas on the 'Mindtools' website - http://www.mindtools.com
An example of a resource there that could be of interest is one on Team Performance - which might be useful particularly to those involved in shared and local ministry work. See
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_66.htm . Among other things there is a "Team Effectiveness Assessment Tool" - an informal questionnaire not aiming to be a full scientific analysis, but "designed to help you quickly 'zero in' on tools that may help you." If anyone uses or adapts this for a church team (or if anyone has already done so) I would be very interested to talk with you about what was or was not relevant and helpful.
SMALL GROUP LEARNING
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A constant challenge for many is how to developing small group opportunities so they are creative learning opportunities - whether you are advising those who work in parishes, with tutorial groups on diocesan courses, or break out groups in formal learning events.
* Simple, enjoyable, wise reminders on working with groups - http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/aa/landt/docs/small-gr.html
* Useful introductory website for work on teaching groups - including, for example, thoughts on different group sizes, and formal/informal groups - http://www.learningandteaching.info/teaching/usingthegroup.htm
* Very useful chapter, especially for those structuring academic group work: “Collaborative Learning: Group Work and Study Teams”
http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html
* From Oxford Brookes University - notes by David Jaques on Small Group Teaching - http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsd/2_learntch/small-group/index.html
For those looking for understanding of group processes:
* A downloadable course on 'Understanding Groups' is available on the Church of England Website - Shared Ministry pages: at http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/education/lifelong/sharedresources/resources/understandinggroups/
* 'Once upon a Group' , Michael and Maggie Kindred (available from the author: order forms and contact details: www.4mpublications.co.uk )
Michael Kindred's series of '4M publications' have a slightly home-grown feel, with pin-people illustrations. This makes them look deceptively simple - and unthreatening. They actually include enormous wisdom on groups, teams and good practice, and are based on good theoretical bases - with clear useful reminders on practice and group dynamics, and a preparation checklist on running a group. A very helpful 80 page A5 booklet - though the price has now risen to £8.50.
OPEN UNIVERSITY RESOURCES:
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Tim Ling writes:
" Did you know that your training budget has increased by £5.65 million over the next two years?
Well, that's how much the Open University OpenLearn programme is costing. For those of you who haven't visited it yet (http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/) or made use of the materials, it really is free, materials are free and open to all. New modules keep coming on stream. There are some particular gems on 'projects', i.e. stuff we all probably do all the time. We have an idea, we put a team together around that idea, and we do something. How about learning to do it better, or helping someone else to do it better by pointing them to an 8 hour Masters level.
Leadership Programme:
VMG Associates: Leadership Skills for Christian Leaders: Courses in Developing and Implementing a Vision; Resolving Conflict; Facilitating Group Discussions; Manageing Mentors; Building and Developing Leadership Teams etc. For further details: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.vmgassociates.co.uk
Coaching:
There are full details at http://www.3dcoaching.com/3d_training/coaching_for_excellence.phtml .
John Truscott: for resources in a range of practical issues for church and personal development see www.john-truscott.co.uk
GROUPWORK (especially in more formal / HE settings)
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There is an increasing amount of material on group-work geared to the HE sector. This not only recognises the importance of communities of learning and promotes good practice, but also addresses some of the concerns many have had relating to assessment etc. (See also PS for more thinking on the importance of some communal working)
Several of the links previously circulated via Friday mailing are now no longer available - so here are some that can currently be accessed.
* Enhancing Experiences of Group Work - from the University of Technology Sydney
http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/learnteach/groupwork/index.html .
* From Liverpool John Moores University - providing " an outline of background theory to group learning, issues to consider in the design of group learning activities, and links to key resources." http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/lid/ltweb/84051.htm
* From the Higher Education Academy - Assessment and group work http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ourwork/learning/assessment/Group
* Quick suggestions on ways to avoid some of the regular complaints and pitfalls under the heading 'No more group work - please!" - from Arizona State University
http://clte.asu.edu/active/no_more_gw.pdf
* More quick reminders, rather than detailed reflections on process - generic and useful in any groupwork contexts http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/aa/landt/docs/small-gr.html
* And Tim has made a splendid discovery on a resource relating to making groupwork work. Tim writes:
" Last week I attended a day conference at the Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching at the University of Kent where I got a chance to play with the following resource on making group work work: http://www.learnhighergroupwork.com/index.php
RISK MANAGEMENT - guide relating to volunteers
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Following last week's FM information on resources to encourage appropriate practices working with Volunteers and Lay Ministries, I have been told about another useful downloadable resource - a guide for organisations on how to take care fo risk in volunteering.
The 'Risk Toolkit' by Katharine Gaskin starts by saying that their research found that a large number of organisations using volunteers said that they found the terminology of risk management baffling. The response is a document that makes this issue feel more manageable and relevant to a local non-statutory organisation than anything else I have seen.
http://www.volunteering.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2B108CBD-0BBD-4DB3-A4D2-D987B885D1F3/0/risk_toolkit.pdf
