Bishop's Certificate

 All sessions will be in the church Hall Lounge.

What is the Bishop's Certificate?
A course designed to help you learn more about worship, scripture and history, and help you to relate your Christian faith to your life and locality. It will also build you up and encourage you in your faith as you work together in a group.

This course is currently underway and places filled. The New course will be September 2010

 And what better way to learn what the course is all about than someone who is on the course...

“Dear All,

The Bishops Certificate is a 2 year course comprising of 6 terms of 8 weeks.

 There is a workbook per term, with pre-reading, and suggested follow-up books if you want to delve deeper into a topic, and questions for small and larger group discussions.

 Each sessions last approximately 2hrs and the basic pre-reading takes 1-2hrs at home. There is no formal assessment, but suggested essay titles if you feel you wish to write one. I would encourage people to try to write at least one as it’s a great way of pulling your thoughts together. As with all things in life you can put in as much additional effort as you want, and I feel it is worth it.

We are a very diverse group, coming from different traditions and at different stages of our Christian journeys which enhances the experience. I would recommend either a basic grounding e.g. Alpha Course, or a period of exposure to church life as I feel this is not a “taster” course, but for those who want to expand their knowledge and crystallize their thoughts.

 During the first year we have covered:-

       Experiencing Faith- about the Christian journey and expressions of faith, the use of hymns and how to pray. Those relatively young in their faith have said they wished they could do this session again, as their answers would be different now they have had the chance to firm up their views.

      Understanding the Old Testament-the story of the Old Testament, who wrote it and when.

      Understanding the New Testament-St Paul, the Gospels and Revelations.

Every term has a reflection form to allow you to think about what you enjoyed, found inspiring and found difficult, it helps you map your journey in the development of your faith.

In year 2 we are looking forward to the church history and theology of what we believe e.g. why we say the creed  and who wrote it etc.

I would thoroughly recommend it and am not the only one to say it has changed my life. The next course is planned for Sept 2010 and please don’t hesitate to speak to one of us-Revd Ben knows who we are and can point you in our direction!

Kind regards,

 The Resident Bishop’s Certificate Geek

 (Or Nerd or Swot! All terms have been used by family and friends-affectionately... I believe!)”