The highly successful Fresh Expressions mission shaped ministry course, which helps Christians to reach those not involved in traditional churches, is to be take place in Shrewsbury from January 2010.
The one year, part-time mission shaped ministry course looks at how to start, and sustain, fresh expressions of church. It is available in over 30 areas and, by the end of 2010, an estimated 2,000 people will have taken part.
Shrewsbury's is the third msm offered by Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury Methodist District and the Church of England's Diocese of Lichfield. Successful msm courses have previously taken place in Stafford and Telford.
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill, has given his backing, saying:
I hope that the new course will help congregations in this Diocese to connect the unchanging Good News of Jesus Christ with our rapidly changing culture.
The Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury Methodist District, John Howard, added:
The mission shaped ministry course is precisely what we need to enable the enthusiasm seen in the Church for mission to be translated into action. I hope that many will be encouraged to take part in it.
The course will start on 23rd January 2010 at the Trinity Centre, Holy Trinity, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, SY3 9HF. The 24-unit course is presented over three Saturdays; a residential weekend at Shallowford House, Norton Bridge, nr Stone (7-9 May 2010); and six Wednesday evenings. It will finish on Sat 13th November 2010.
For those developing fresh expressions of church, mentoring is offered in between meetings. Individuals are very welcome to sign up for the course but organisers have found that learning is enhanced when people come as part of small groups.
The course looks at:
- The mission of God;
- Vision and values;
- Gospel and culture;
- Evangelism and discipleship;
- What is Church?
- Leadership and team roles;
- Missional spirituality;
- Worship and the sacraments;
- How to keep going when things get tough.
msm has been been established jointly by a number of Anglican Dioceses, Methodist Districts and United Reformed Synods. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, fully endorses the Fresh Expressions initiative and said recently:
Fresh Expressions is about the re-discovery of the deepest roots about who we are as Christians.
The cost of the course is £300 per person which includes relevant materials, the residential weekend, and all refreshments – including a two-course lunch on the Saturday sessions.
To find out more about msm Shrewsbury 2010, contact msm administrator Anne Riddle on 01782 769532/07974 197806 or by email on anne.riddle1@ntlworld.com.
For further details about msm and where courses are running across the UK, visit the mission shaped ministry website.
RSS
Podcast feed