Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith is a twelve session course designed by the Wilson Carlile College of Evangelism and adopted by Bradford Diocese to help us grow in ministry and mission. Anyone may enrol – there are no entry requirements, except a willingness to explore one's faith in a group setting. The next course will run over the following six Saturdays in the autumn and spring of 2009-10: October 10, 24, November 28, January 30, February 20 and March 13. The venue will be Kadugli House.
Who is it for?
The course is for anyone who wants to grow in their faith and discern how they can best serve God, not just in the Church, but also in their daily lives. It is ideal for those who have already done something like Emmaus or Alpha and who want to delve a little deeper. It also makes a great refresher course for those who have been Christians for some while. It is even suitable for those in the early stages of exploring a call to accredited ministry.
Where and when is it taught?
Foundations of Faith can be run in and by a parish or by several parishes working together in a deanery. Occasionally it runs on a Diocesan-wide basis. The Training Officer can be called on to assist getting a course up and running.
What subjects are covered?
There are six units, each with two sessions:
Using the Bible
In this unit you will look at the different types of writing in the Bible, learn something of its historical background, and look at ideas about how to use the Bible.
Christian Belief
This unit looks at our understanding of God and at what it means to be human—to be created in the image of God.
The Church
In this unit the emphasis is on looking at different models of church and ministry, and exploring ideas about evangelism.
Mission Matters - learning from history.
This unit looks at early Christendom and the Church's mission strategy. It briefly explores the English Reformation, and considers the church's mission strategy today.
Worship
In this unit you will explore a whole range of issues to do with public and private worship and prayer.
Spirituality & Vocation
This unit will explore a number of understandings of spirituality, look at what it means to be called by God, and will help you consider your own call.
How much does it cost?
The cost is normally £24, just £2 per session as a contribution towards refreshments and the extensive handouts. Some Deaneries make the course free to all participants. Major overheads such as hire of venues and speakers expenses are met by the Diocese.
How difficult is it?
Foundations of Faith is not an accredited course. There are no formal assignments but you may be given little things to do to prepare for certain sessions. The emphasis is on participation and discussion rather than reading and writing. The last two sessions, Spirituality & Vocation are designed to help people consider how they can put their faith into action. Course leaders may suggest follow-up reading but this will be entirely voluntary.
And afterwards?
The course will stand alone and need not lead on to anything else. If participants feel more informed and confident to live out their faith in their daily lives then it will have succeeded.
However some people may find that through the course they sense God’s call to further study or particular areas of service. We hope soon to have a variety of modules available for those who wish to further explore Evangelism, Worship or Pastoral Care. These courses will not be formerly accredited but those who complete them will be recognised. There is also the Foundation Degree for those called to Reader ministry or who might want to explore Ordination.
So what do I do now?
Please download and complete an enrolment form or talk to your Vicar or Rural Dean who should know when the next course in your area will be. Failing that, please contact either the Training Officer, Canon Steve Allen or the Diocesan staff at Kadugli House (01535 650655).
