Congregational Institute for Practical Theology Course Guide

2 Practical Theology Likewise Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) Training Course* Course Guide 2021-22 * Designed and run by the Congregational Federation, And validated by York St John University Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash 2

3 Here at the Congregational Institute for Practical Theology (CIPT) we realise that ... There is always more with God. 3

4 Welcome We are a fellowship of learners who share what we know and who learn from one another. Our tutors are all richly experienced and highly qualified, and we have put together a course that we believe will enable you to go deeper into God’s Word, so getting more out of it, deeper into our Christian faith, so becoming more challenged and more confident, deeper into your own relationship with God, so discerning more about what He has for you. Some people take the course and join our fellowship because they sense that God is calling them into one of the ministries of the Congregational Federation (CF). Others are already serving in ministry, and this course enables them to be- come accredited in that role across the CF. Some join our fellowship because they want to explore aspects of their life and faith more fully, and so they choose to take just one or two modules. Though most of us are from churches in the CF, some join us from other denomi- nations. We are also committed to supporting those with any special needs, and you do not need to be any particular age or have A-Levels or any other qualifica- tions. We have a wonderful cohort of students, many of whom will tell you that they could never have dreamed that one day they would be taking a course like this. Our backgrounds and personalities are really very varied. The diversity in our fel- lowship is part of our strength, under God, and we thank Him for it. I pray that you will take time to consider, prayerfully, whether taking our course, or some parts of it, could help you to discover more … whatever that ‘more’ means for you. You are very welcome! Walter Riggans Director of Studies 4

1 Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash “I am more aware in my worship and spiritual life. I am able to get others involved and feel inspired.” “the interaction with other students and tutors at training weekends was immensely valuable and enjoyable.” “It has opened up a lot of areas I would not have been able to have studied or learnt on my own, which has strengthened my faith.” 1

2 Contents Who are we? Why study with us? Likewise GIFT Foundation Degree in Practical Theology Cherry Picking Where are they now? The seven accredited ministries “The course has brought personal growth, new horizons, encouragement and empowerment.” “This course has helped me learn more about my faith and how to open up to new ways of learning.” 2

3Rev Dr Richard Cleaves Rev James Gregory Sue Rayner Rev Dr Janet Wootton Who Are We?Rev Dr Jason BoydRev Dr Ann JeffersDr Robert Richard Andrew Williams Tarling The CIPT team consists of Walter Riggans (Director of Studies), Maddy VarleyRev Catherine BootonRev Dr Paul DavisRev Suzanne NockelsDr Gillian Warson (Learning and Development Administrator) and 14 other specialist tutors. 3 Rev Dr Graham Adams Rev John Cartwright Rev Oliver Kinchin Rev Dr Walter Riggans

4 Why study with us? Studying with us will help to prepare you for the next step in your journey of faith and to grow as a Christian and a person – whatever that next step is for you. At CIPT we have learned that we are changed by what we learn about God, ourselves and our neighbours. “Each year there’s a different mix of people on the course and there is always something new that emerges from the discussions we have as we are exploring the subject together.” (Course Tutor) Of course we go deep into the Bible and explore how to understand and apply it; we examine our roots, what we have in common with other churches and organisations, and what our distinctives are; we examine different theological frameworks and ways of thinking about God, and about our key values and principles; we examine the different approaches to life that people hold, including different religious and ethical convictions and practices. However, this is all studied and reflected on within the context of living out our Christian faith and life in today’s world. It is a course in practical theology; theology to be lived out. “The joy of learning has been so immense that I have found work and the routine of life quite an interruption to my reading and studying! I am eager to hear where God leads next.” (Current Student) 4

Why s5 tudy with us? The course  has a focus on God’s love in action  is rooted in Scripture  will help to deepen your faith  is closely linked to life and service in our churches  explores our Christian and Congregational heritage  will equip you for a life of witness and service  is built around four weekends of learning, fellowship and worship together 5

6 The sessions are always well thought out and always challenge me to re-explore, dig deeper, and analyse my own beliefs and thoughts on what I have always accepted as truth, which I love! Student 6

7 Likewise events offer the opportunity for churches to explore topics that are relevant to them. Topics previously covered have included: • Why did Jesus use parables so much - and should we make more of them? • Can we get involved in pioneering ministry and fresh expressions of church? • How important for us are the laments in the Bible? Likewise events are hosted by a local church, but resourced by the Learning and Development Department and invited presenters. Your church can select any subject that is important to your church and that you wish to explore in more detail. If you wish to discuss the possibility of hosting an event please contact [email protected]. “This has given me confidence in my faith.” 7

8 8

9 GIFT(Growing in Faith Together) The GIFT Course is a unique course created specifically for the Congregational Federation. The course is designed to be taken by a group of people from your own church, or from a few neighbouring churches, but it can also be taken by individuals. Your running of the course will be supported with course materials and specialist tutors for a small registration fee. The modules you will study include:  The Word of Life: an exploration of the Bible  The Life of Faith: developing discipleship  Being Congregational: the vision of a church that is Christ- centred, Spirit-filled and in which all members are truly equal “It has given me great resources to help in building up the church.” 9

Founda10tion Degree in Practical Theology This is a part-time course that takes four years to complete. You live at home, stay with your church, and keep your job, if you are employed. Our studies are blended in with our service to our church and to our daily lives. “I feel much more confident in my preaching and leadership in my church.“ (Recent Graduate) 10

11 Is the course just for people aiming to become Ministers? Definitely not. We welcome people who simply wish to enrich their understanding of the Bible, their faith and how they can be more effective in sharing their faith with others, and we always have several people taking the course for this reason. It is also a valuable course for individuals who are testing a possible call to a particular ministry, and who wish to have some discernment about that. “The course has given me the gift of realising my vocation.” Here are some of the subjects that we study together: The Bible: Jesus and the Prophets Discipleship & Spirituality Practical Theology in Contemporary Contexts Christian Ethics Exploring Christian Service Theological Dialogues Conflict, Resolution & Reconciliation Mission in Context Living Congregationally Fresh Expressions of Church 11

12 This course is validated by York St John University and can lead to their university degree. For full information about the course and details about applying, download a copy of our full Prospectus. It is available at: www.congregational.org.uk/prospectus-and-application-forms Or contact us on 0115 911 1460 for a copy to be sent to you by post. Is doing the course “Mary Poppins” good for you? When the older among us were young, medicine always tasted awful. Grannies used to say that the worse it tasted the better it was for you. Only Mary Poppins could make medicine taste like any lovely thing you wanted. Studying on our course doesn’t taste like bitter medicine, but like a favourite drink. 12

13 I always enjoy the training weekends – it’s so great to mingle and share ideas. 13

Cherry14 Picking Want to do some study, but don’t want to commit to a whole course? Not studied in a long time? Only interested in certain subjects? Then this is the option for you! You can choose to study only the modules that appeal to you, whether that is just one or several, and you can study these with or without doing assignments. You will study the same material, in the same environment, with the same tutors as full-course students, and will be made to feel just as welcome and valued as everyone else. 14

15 Where are Simone Ramacci - Assistant Pastor \"The course helped me truly understand Congregational principles and why they matter. I am now back serving my Church as an Assistant Pastor, and very close to the end of the accreditation process\" Christine Denwood I take no personal credit for the faith, devotion and joy in our little gathered church maintained over lockdown, but the fact that two of us have graduated from the CIPT course has given the church added confidence. We have benefitted from access to the wider network of the Congregational Federation and the breadth of resources opened to the church from the training received in Nottingham. The course modules which involved exploring practical projects have, I hope, helped me and others to widen the engagement of the church in our local community. As alumni we continue to receive updated material which we can feed into our worship and study group. 15

16 They Now? Yvonne Campbell - Congregational Federation General Secretary “When I finished the course I felt very frustrated as all my peers had been called to churches and ordained but God hadn't called me and I spent a lot of time wondering about what the course had meant for me and what God wanted for me. 4 years later I was appointed General Secretary of the CF. It's all in God's timing. I made lifelong friends on the course and became part of the national Congregational family.’” Michael Rolton - Minister “I, along with others, started the CIPT course in September 2015 with hopes, fears and trepidation in equal measure. So, what had we learned? Our learning made us better equipped to undertake the particular ministerial role God had called us to. Our hopes had been fulfilled. But, in many ways, our journey had just begun.. 16

17 7 Ministries There are seven accredited Ministries in the Congregational Federation:  Minister  Preacher  Chaplain  Mission Enabler  Tutor  Pioneer Minister  Spiritual Enabler You can study on the course with any of these in heart and mind - or simply for the joy and satisfaction of going deeper with God! 17

18 I started just wanting to know about the Bible, but found the fellowship and the teaching confirmed my faith and developed new understanding. During the course I received the calling to ministry. Recent Graduate 18

Our Lo19cation In the heart of Nottingham The Congregational Centre, including the Cleaves Conference Centre and CIPT library, is centrally located in Nottingham City Centre, just a short walk from the train station. Taxis are easily available from both the train station and near the Conference Centre, if required. 19

20 20

21 21