Introducing the new Local Preacher and Worship Leader Course Information from the Ministry Development Team

Why have a new course? Faith & Worship (1990) Worship Leader Training (1996) Ongoing promise of the Conference to the Connexion New course – early goal of the DMLN

We aim to enable Local Preachers or Worship Leaders to be... ReflectiveCommitted Empowering Respectful Collaborative Praying SkilledPassionate Confident Grounded Inspired Inquisitive

Launch date Modules 1-4 (for Worship Leaders and Local Preachers) Piloting in specific contexts from September 2014 Available to all from September 2015 Modules 5-8 (Local Preachers only) Pilot begins September 2015

Working title:

The vision of the new course Reshaping in light of new context and feedback Focus on worship and preaching skills Innovative format Group-based learning as well as individual Flexible and accessible

The vision of the new course Oriented toward tomorrow’s Church as well as today’s Encouraging a culture of learning in circuits and local churches Promoting confidence in God Creating confident leaders of worship

The course will… Respect learners as adults Include things to see... hear... do... as well as read Be conversational in style – not textbook Be assessed by portfolio

Eight modules Three sections in each module, each section including Worship Prepare Explore Apply & Reflect Extend 20 hours per section = 60 hours per module

The make up of each section A range of worship materials offered related to the theme of the module-section suitable for use individually and/or in groups Worship

Learning materials introducing the area of learning, to be used individually before the group session: The module-section itself Reading excerpts from other writers Video and audio clips Activities and reflection Prepare

A range of ways in which the theme can be further explored in a group setting, along with a flexible outline for a one-and-a-half hour session Explore

A range of ways in which individuals or groups may apply and reflect on their learning both as disciples, and in ways relevant to particular roles or ministries Apply & Reflect

Further ways in which individuals can deepen and extend their learning beyond the core material of the section, including possibilities for specialisation Extend

All carefully timed to fit into people’s busy lives…

At its heart the course aims to: Help learners make connections with their preaching and/or worship leading Stimulate the learner’s own experimentation and learning

The modules (working titles) Module 1: Encountering God… groundwork Module 2: Encountering God… in the life of the Church Module 3: Encountering God… in daily life Module 4: Encountering God… in unexpected places

The modules (working titles) Module 5: Ministry of the Word Module 6: Living Faith Module 7: Understanding our story Module 8: Voices from the Margins

The writing process includes: Writers from across the Connexion Critical friends: ensuring creativity is at the heart of the course Conversation partners: sharing insights from their own diverse ministry and experience

Same course: various modes of support designed to be taught via online learning and supported in various ways: Regional groups Circuit groups Local groups 1:1

Delivering the modules Online learning – with support for those not connected to the internet

Is it an ecumenical course? Yes and no!

Assessment will be recorded as “met” or “not yet met” Take account of the way in which the learning will be applied in practice Be both formative and summative Test both theological understanding and practical skills

Assessment will assess three main aspects: Knowledge and understanding Practical skills Reflective skills

Assessment will be by portfolio One portfolio for Modules 1-4 and another for Modules 5-8

be assessed and moderated by: local marker Regional moderator (coordinated by the Regional Ministry Development Specialist) Connexional moderation Assessment will

Evidence from services led by learner Two reflections on acts of worship led by others Assessing: Practical skills for leading worship and/or preaching Reflective skills Forms that show the student’s planning process (including exegesis) Evidence of the service itself (order of service, sermon transcript etc) Report forms/congregational feedback In a familiar and an unfamiliar context Portfolio assessment will include

And … Six pieces of work that apply theological understanding in different contexts Assessing: Knowledge and understanding, and ability to use in context Reflective skills Students choose at least one subject and no more than two, from each module Each subject addressed in a different way, such as…

... applying theological understanding 10-20min presentation Small group discussion/ Bible study Article for church website /newsletter/personal blog Short essay Sermon or equivalent All age talk Analysis of a song or hymn One or more prayer stations Short sketch or drama Meditation or poem Visual art, short video or similar through six of these media items :

Learners will be encouraged to think creatively and may use different combinations of subject and medium How this might be developed Examples: Blog article or presentation Small group discussion on the Kingdom of God An all age talk or sermon using clips from a film

The complete portfolio: Evidence from services led by learner 3-5 services (for Worship Leaders) 5-7 services (for Local Preachers) Two reflections on acts of worship led by others Six pieces of work that apply theological understanding in different contexts

Connexional moderation Summative assessment moderated within the region The assessment process Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (summative: met /not yet met) Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (summative: met /not yet met) Learner selects items for portfolio Formative feedback from local tutor

Connexional moderation Summative assessment moderated within the region Role of Ministries Specialists Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (summative: met / not yet met) Local tutor assesses whole portfolio (summative: met / not yet met) Learner selects items for portfolio Formative feedback from local tutor Initial and ongoing training needs Managed by Regional Ministries Specialists

The ‘end product’ – we want a local preachers and worship leaders to be... ReflectiveCommitted Empowering Respectful Collaborative Praying SkilledPassionate Confident Grounded Inspired Inquisitive

When will Faith & Worship cease to be used? Final date for registration onto Faith & Worship September 2016 Must be completed by August 2021 Q & A

I’ve already started Faith & Worship can I transfer on the new course? Yes! Credits will be awarded in relation to sections completed and assessment passed Q & A

When can I start? Modules 1-4 will be available to be used across the Connexion from September 2015

Q & A More answers are available on the Methodist Church website See Local Preachers

Images from stockxchange Layout: Amanda Bicknell