The highly successful Fresh Expressions mission shaped ministry course, which trains Christians to engage with those outside the reach of traditional church, is to be repeated in Lancashire this autumn.
mission shaped ministry is a one-year part-time course on starting and sustaining "fresh expressions" of church. It is available in over 30 centres and has already involved over 1200 students.
The Lancashire course is validated by the University of Cumbria and is fully endorsed by Revd Stephen Poxon, Chair of N Lancs Methodist District and former President of the Methodist Conference.
The Revd Richard Church, NW Synod Moderator of the United Reformed Church, also supports the initiative and said today: "I am encouraged by fresh expressions as they try to explore what it means to be the Church in the 21st century and what leadership in such a Church might involve."
The course has also been endorsed by the Rt Revd Geoff Pearson, Bishop of Lancaster. He says: "As the take up of fresh expressions of church increases we need to be developing the gifts of those pioneering the way. The mission shaped ministry course is set up to invest in new mission leaders. It is a positive pathway for any who desire to be better equipped for sharing Jesus Christ in today's culture."
The course will start on Sept 19th with a centre in Preston and has been been established jointly by a number of Anglican dioceses, Methodist districts and United Reformed synods, working together to share resources and experience.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is fully behind the Fresh Expressions initiative and said recently: "Fresh Expressions is about the re-discovery of the deepest roots about who we are as Christians."
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