Prospectus 2022-23 v2

The Integrated Course Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) Training Course Practical Theology Prospectus 2022-23

As for most people, 2020 and 2021 were challenging years for our students and tutors. However, despite the pandemic and its consequent lockdowns, we managed to continue with teaching, learning and supporting each other remotely and in person. Our usual residential weekends were instead held online using Microsoft Teams ; personal tutorials were carried out via video or telephone; we held some remote services in conjunction with some of our churches; we improved the availability of resources to students online; students set up their own online supportive study groups. We will continue into the future with the very good developments that were triggered by the pandemic and lockdowns. We now have systems in place to support learners whatever circumstances present themselves. Come and join us; come as you are.

Contents 4 6 The Integrated Course 7 What is it all about? 8 Who is it for? 9 Our tutors 9 Our governance 10 We also work with a University 14 Growing in Faith Together (GIFT): a local course 15 Training Course / Foundation Degree 18 University Qualification & CF Accreditation 19 Your Learning Context 20 What about resources? 20 Are you Interested? 21 Training Course / FD Level 4 22 Your Time Commitment - Level 4 23 Training Course / FD Level 5 24 Your Time Commitment—Level 5 25 Accredited Prior Learning 26 APL & APEL: The Details 27 Cherry Picking 28 Course Weekends 30 Weekends & the Learning Experience 32 How Do I Apply? 34 Venue and Accommodation 36 What do I need to Consider? 37 What does it cost? 39 Financial assistance & grants Our Location 3

The Integrated Course What is an integrated course? In our case, it refers to our approach to learning as a whole person and as someone preparing to serve God in an enhanced way. We see learning as an ongoing development in our lives; as we are changed by what we learn about God, ourselves and our neighbours, we are becoming ready for the next step in our journey of faith and learning. And so we have designed a course that is committed to nurture and formation as well as to study and reflective learning. It’s all integrated together 4

The course... • will help you learn more about God; it has a focus on God’s love in action • is rooted in Scripture; it explores our Christian foundations • is closely linked to the life of the church; it will help you relate your faith to today’s world • can help deepen your faith; it offers preparation for a variety of ministries and forms of service • encourages careful and prayerful thought about belief and practice; it explores our Christian and Congregational values, perspectives and insights • is flexible enough to suit most needs; we use modern educational methods • is available with no, or reduced, tuition fees to members of Congregational Federation churches • can lead, if you wish, to a recognised qualification which is validated by York St John University. 5

What is it all about? The Congregational Federation’s courses are designed to nurture your life and faith, and they are rooted in the local church. They seek to help you to take the next step in your journey of faith, building knowledge and understanding, and helping to develop your skills and confidence. The course combines face to face teaching with distance learning and electronic learning. In this way it is accessible to those who have other commitments, at home, work or church. Face to face teaching for local GIFT courses is delivered in sessions in those local churches. Face to face teaching for the Training Course is delivered at four residential weekends per year in Nottingham. Learning materials for the Training Course are provided on our dedicated student pages on the Congregational Federation’s website. They are therefore permanently accessible by students. 6

Who is it for? Anyone who wants to take their understanding and confidence further and deeper; Church members who want to focus on particular areas of service in their local church (e.g. youth ministry, children’s work, mission, or administration); Anyone who wants to develop practical ministry skills inside and outside the local church, within or outside the Congregational Federation; Anyone who feels called to one of the seven ministries recognised by the Congregational Federation, or who wants to test a possible call to ministry. 7

Our TutorsRev Dr Richard CleavesRev James GregorySue Rayner They are all experienced and qualified practitioners with a wideRev Dr Jason BoydRev Dr Ann JeffersRev Dr Janet Wootton range of experience, skills and knowledge in a variety ofDr Robert Richard specialisms. Andrew Williams Tarling Paper photo created by wayhomestudio - 8Rev Catherine BootonRev Dr Paul DavisRev Suzanne Nockels Rev Dr Graham Adams Rev John Cartwright Rev Dr Walter Riggans Rev Oliver Kinchin

Our governance The Congregational Institute for Practical Theology (CIPT) is accountable to its Management Board, which reports to the Church Support Committee of the Congregational Federation. The CIPT Management Board is responsible for:  Support and guidance for CIPT  Advice for particular aspects of the CIPT budget  Scrutiny of CIPT policy statements and plans, with reference to the needs of CF churches. We also work with a University The Training Course is validated by York St John University. This means that those who choose to do so can register with the University, and graduate with a York St John University Foundation Degree qualification (FD). The full course, either taken as validated by the University or not, is a four year, part-time course, involving only four residential weekends per year. For those interested, it may be possible to transfer academic credits from other institutions or courses with similar learning outcomes, or even to take certain professional and life experience into account. Find out more about the University on their website www.yorksj.ac.uk 9

Growing in Faith Together (GIFT): a local course The GIFT Course is a set of modules designed for church groups and individuals to use. You can use these separately, or in combination as a whole course. Four general modules help you to reflect on basic aspects of our Christian faith and how to apply what you are learning. There are no formal educational or entry requirements. These modules link to a set of five optional modules designed to help you develop your insights, gifts and skills in particular areas. The course can be used as a stand alone course of study, or towards a Certificate and an access course to the Training Course / FD. 10

The GIFT Course Run in local churches The GIFT Course can be used by:  Any church or individual who would like to explore a topic, or develop their involvement in Christian service, by using one or more modules from the GIFT Course.  Any local church, or group of churches, which may like to use the GIFT Course as a whole, integrated course.  Any individual who would like to gain a Congregational Federation GIFT Certificate at the end of the course.  Any individual with a view to progressing to the validated Training Course / FD. The GIFT Course can be a starting point for those preparing for particular ministries, but it can also be a way into deeper study for those simply wishing to develop their own knowledge, skills and faith in a way which can be of value not only to themselves but also to the church. It can help to build fellowship with Christians from other churches, and to encourage an awareness of the life of individual churches and the Congregational Federation today. 11

GIFT continued GIFT provides an introduction to key themes in the Christian faith. It is designed to be of value in its own right, helping you to find out more about your faith, and equipping you for more effective service in your own church. You will learn in ways that are relevant to the life and mission of the church today. If you wish to study individually you can simply request a copy of a module you are interested in and learn at your leisure. For those undertaking the full course, along with a group of people, sessions can be organised to suit your particular situations. For example for those undertaking the full course, along with a group of people, sessions can be organised to suit your particular situations. For example: ~ 6 hours over a weekend, covering two modules ~ 3 hours in a day (for example a Sunday afternoon following the morning service), covering a single module ~ An hour or an hour and a half in an evening, spreading a module over two or three evenings ~ Another pattern of your own choosing – talk it over with the GIFT Co-ordinator! 12

GIFT Modules Core Modules Optional Modules 1 Word of Life 5a Growing Disciples 2 Life of Faith 5b Working with Children and 3 Faith in the World 4 Being Congregational Young People 5c Church Management and Administration 5d Living Worship 5e Mission Each Module comes with:  A handbook which can be downloaded from our website by request to the GIFT Co-ordinator  Resources, such as PowerPoint presentations and charts  Assignments and cover sheets for those wishing to do the assessed version of the course Module descriptions and book lists can be found at www.congregational.org.uk/module-descriptions-and-booklists See the GIFT Course Handbook for more details, available from www.congregational.org.uk/GIFT For initial enquires contact: The Learning and Development Administrator, Maddy Varley 13

Training Course/ Foundation Degree The Training Course / FD is a course in Practical Theology. It is a part-time course, with 2 years at university Level 4 and 2 years at university Level 5. Although many people choose not to take their studies further after the GIFT Course, others go on to the Training Course / Foundation Degree (FD). The Training Course / FD has its own identity, and it is possible to take the course purely as an ‘internal’ student. However, the very same course can also be taken as a registered student with York St John University. If the course is successfully completed, the student is awarded a York St John University Foundation Degree. For those who do not have standard formal qualifications, the GIFT Course can act as an access course. Alternatively, students may enrol on the first module of the Training Course, and upon successful completion of the module, go on to enrol on the full course, transferring the 20 credits achieved from that first module. 14

NB Successfully completing the course and achieving the necessary number of credits for the FD brings an academic qualification, and does not imply acceptance onto the Congregational Federation’s Roll of Ministries. For information about the Roll of Ministries, please contact the Chair of the Accreditation Group, Revd Barbara Bridges. NB It is perfectly acceptable to participate in all the modules on the Training Course without registering with the University. If you do this, including submitting and passing all the assignments, that is sufficient to satisfy the training requirement for recognition on the Congregational Federation’s Roll of Ministries. University qualification & CF accreditation All students on the course require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS/CRBS) certificate obtained through the DDC, Due Diligence Checking. A PVG certificate is required for those residing in Scotland. Students whose first language is not English will be asked to provide evidence of English language ability when applying to the University. Students are required to have achieved a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (including 6.0 in writing) or a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or an equivalent qualification. 15

Graduation 2021 Mockup psd created by Vectorium - www.freepik.com Practical Theology is theology in action as well as study. It includes tools such as the Pastoral Cycle and understanding research methods in projects. Each level is founded on biblical teaching and includes biblical and theological studies alongside discipleship, worship, mission, fresh expressions of church, global issues and church development. 16

Application forms for all levels can be found on the Congregational Federation website www.congregational.org.uk/application 17

Your learning context There are four residential weekends per year for the Training Course / FD. Each academic year runs from September to June. These weekends are an essential and required part of learning. They include substantial teaching sessions relating to modules, practical sessions, personal tutorials and fellowship and worship together. If you’re wondering whether you can get something from doing a course like this, my answer, on so many levels, is yes. The quality of course materials and the support from tutors has helped me both in my work, my role in church and in my own relationship with God. 18

What about resources? Between the residential weekends, some modules include electronic sessions, organised through Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams or the like. To access these, you will need some basic software and equipment (e.g. headphones). It is important to be part of these sessions, where they are run, as they are designed to aid progress through the course, and to complement your reading and study. They are also able to help you develop the skills to complete assignments successfully. There is a library available at the Congregational Centre, with module-related resources as well as wider reading. We keep the library well-stocked and are constantly updating our resources. You will have constant access to online resources through CONGLE, the Congregational Federation’s Virtual Learning Environment. You will be provided with a list of academic libraries throughout the UK, with details of their availability. Support from the Learning and Development Department is offered throughout the course. 19

Are you interested? Then please commit this to God in prayer and seek advice and confirmation from friends whom you respect. Then contact us for an initial discussion about any matters that may be concerning you. We will happily support you through the process of application. Each application from a Congregational Federation church member requires the endorsement of his or her church; applicants working for the Congregational Federation or an Area Association require the endorsement of the Area or National Body. This must be on the Congregational Federation Endorsement form which can be found on the CF website. Please note that endorsement requires the assent of an appropriate meeting and the signature of two officers, including the Church Secretary, Area Secretary or General Secretary, as appropriate. The Training Course / FD is offered free of tuition charges to members of Congregational Federation churches and those employed in recognised posts within the Congregational Federation and its Area Associations. See pages 36-37 for the costs and for information about financial assistance and grants. Training Course / FD — Level 4 Level 4 forms the first level of study. Level 4 is taught through a rolling programme. You will study 120 credits over two years. This includes a module which pro- vides you with an opportunity for hands-on experience in are- as related to your own vocational or personal development. 20

Your time commitment — Level 4 You will need to set aside about 10 hours per week for study and preparing assignments. The church, or other body, should also be aware of the time commitment you will be making and, if necessary, release you from some of your work within it to give you time to study. In the long run, your study will benefit not only yourself but also the church or other body that you serve. The practical emphasis, particularly in the optional modules, means that you may be able to see your coursework as part of your immediate service in the church. Nevertheless, if you are already heavily committed, it is advisable to consider carefully whether you should try to put aside any of your present commitments for a while, to enable you to devote adequate time to your course. Some Core Modules 2022-2023 Exploring Christian Service The Bible: Jesus and the People of God Some History of Christian Life and Thought Optional Modules Christian EthCiocrse M&odBuilgesI2ss0u2e2s-2023 2022-2023 Christian Spirituality Preparing for Preaching Pastoral Care 21

Training Course / FD — Level 5 Level 5 forms the second level of the FD Practical Theology. It can be pursued by anyone who has successfully completed Level 4. Level 5 is taught through a rolling programme. You will study 120 credits over two years. This includes a major placement module which provides you with the opportunity for hands-on experience in the area directly related to the accredited ministry for which you are aiming. Some Core Modules Some Optional Modules 2022-2023 2022-2023 The Bible: Law and Letters The Word and the Words Congregational History and Principles Living Congregationally Biblical Hermeneutics Contextual Mission Pioneering and Fresh Expressions Christian Leadership and Service 22

Your time commitment — Level 5 The need for quality time to be spent on your studies in between weekends is at least as great greater as that at Level 4, because subjects are explored and examined in more depth. The more time you can devote to researching and reflecting on what you are learning the greater this will strengthen your personal growth and benefit your service to the church. The residential weekends bring together all the level 4 and level 5 students, and students and tutors join together for worship, fellowship and socialising. 23

Accredited Prior Learning: APL & APEL Both we and York St John University may take prior learning and prior experiential learning into account. Accredited Prior Learning (APL) refers to academic credit that has been achieved prior to applying for a new academic course. Typically (but not exclusively), this means modules taken and passed at higher education level, and not necessarily in the UK. If the learning outcomes for those modules match those of modules on the Training Course / FD, it may be possible to be granted an exemption from the relevant modules. Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) refers to learning that has taken place outside of a higher education course. Typically (but not exclusively), this means professional experience in a position of some responsibility. However, it is based on the skills and learning that you have gained, not the experience itself. You must demonstrate what you have learned, and establish that it is at the appropriate level for the course, and directly relevant to it. 24

APL & APEL: details APL may only be granted for academic credits acquired within the five years before application - except, occasionally, where continued study can be demonstrated. It depends on the provision of documents from the previous accrediting institution, confirming the credits, levels and learning outcomes covered. The previous learning outcomes must match those of the modules for which APL is sought. Additional academic work may be required where there is only a partial match. APEL may also only be granted for learning and skills gained within the five years before application. It depends on the provision of evidence from the organisation(s) where the experience took place and where the skills and learning were gained, identifying how the resultant learning can be described in terms of learning outcomes. APL & APEL application Process If you wish to be considered for APL or APEL you should contact the Director of Studies prior to making an application. He will ask for copies of transcripts and certificates, or other evidence of learning or experience, and advise on the appropriate course to follow. He can also provide an application form. 25

Cherry Picking It is possible for an individual to take just one or more modules from the course. Whether it is for personal interest or to enhance service in the church, our modules can be used in a variety of ways. Contact the Learning and Development Administrator for more details. See page 36 for costs. Sunday service is forever changed for the better following my experience on the course; bible readings have been brought to life and my faith deepened as a result of the course. Module Student 2022 26

Course weekends When are the residential weekends? 8-11 September 2022 13-15 January 2023 14-16 April 2023 23-25 June 2023 Start and end times differ per weekend and per level. See weekend schedules for more information. These are distributed well in advance of each weekend. 27

Weekends & the learning experience Course weekends are a required and key part of the course experience (see page 27 for the dates). They provide the opportunities for learning from tutors; they offer a chance to learn in seminars, lectures and discussions; they enable us to share in worship together; students and tutors learn from each other and develop a sense of fellowship and common commitment, which can make a real difference to the quality of what you gain from your course. There is an Induction Day for all new students each July / August, and sessions on academic skills for each level are offered on a rolling basis across the weekends. Each day of the weekends commences and closes with a short time of worship and prayer, led by students. From the start, you will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will be with you throughout the course. At each weekend, there is an opportunity to spend time with your Personal Tutor. At our weekends, we provide pastoral care for students through the presence of a ‘listening ear’, independent of the course, and not a tutor or member of staff, who is available to students at all times. A member of the Accreditation Group is also present at each weekend to offer advice and information for those wishing to explore a sense of vocation or to discuss the Congregational Federation’s accredited ministries. 28

Booking forms for weekends are circulated by email around six weeks in advance. Please return these promptly, to help us to plan efficiently for the weekends. It is important that you keep the course weekends and teaching sessions clear of other commitments. 29

How do I apply? To apply for the Training Course / FD, please submit the online application form on the Congregational Federation website: www.congregational.org.uk/prospectus-and-application-forms For CF students seeking exemption from tuition fees, this should be accompanied by the Congregational Federation Church Endorsement Form. The usual deadline for applications is 31 May in each year, but later applications are often accepted. You will also be encouraged to send an application for funding from The Lady Hewley Trust, for which details will be provided at the time of application. We will also suggest other possible funding sources. All students on the Training Course / FD require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) certificate for England and Wales or Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certificate for Scotland. This is because it is likely that you may be working with children and /or vulnerable adults. If you are using completion of the GIFT Course, including achieving the assignments, as your entry qualification for the FD (see page 10), all your assignments must be submitted by 31st May of the year in which you wish to begin the FD. Other previous learning can also be taken into account at this level. Details of the procedure for Accredited Prior Learning can be found on pages 24-25. 30

We bond as a community at the training weekends and this social aspect is every bit as important as the learning. The standard of sessions is very good; Informative, helpful, challenging, and we laugh which is always a great tonic! Current student 31

Venue and Accommodation The weekends and sessions are held at the Congregational Centre in Nottingham, with accommodation in the nearby Mercure Hotel. Breakfast and evening meals are served in the hotel, and a cold buffet lunch is served each day in the Congregational Centre. Special dietary requirements can be catered for on request. We have made every effort to ensure the accessibility of our facilities. There is wheelchair access throughout the main venue, including the conference facilities and library, and at the hotel. Participants with additional needs should make this clear in their application form. 32

Mercure Hotel, Nottingham 33

What Do I Need to Consider? Technology In order to ensure that your studies are fulfilling, enjoyable and successful there are a few things you will need to carefully consider before applying. This guide should help you think through the important issues. It might seem obvious, but as this is a distance learning course, you will often be engaging in independent study, and will therefore need to ensure you have the appropriate technology available. As a minimum you will require a PC or laptop with internet access. Once you have registered for the course you will be provided with a Congregational Federation email address and Outlook account, which provide you with free access to basic Office packages including Word and PowerPoint. A printer is useful, though not essential. You will need to ensure that you also have adequate basic IT skills to send and receive email, search the internet, write and edit a Word document, etc. During the Coronavirus pandemic we continued our teaching online instead of as residential weekends. We have used Microsoft Teams for this, and if we decide to offer virtual teaching sessions for anything, you will be given guidance on how to use Teams. 34

Time We all have busy lives, and you will need to ensure you can fit your study around your other commitments. Most of our students have jobs and families, as well as church and other responsibilities - you will need to plan and organise your time carefully to manage your study commitments - around 10 hours per week. There are also four compulsory residential weekends per year, so you will need to consider any childcare, caring responsibilities, etc., which you may need to cover. Finance Although we don’t charge tuition fees for members of CF churches, there are still some registration fees, and accommodation and hospitality costs which are charged. These can be paid in full up front or (by arrangement) in four instalments prior to each residential weekend. You need to know before you enrol how you will meet these costs. If you are hoping your church or Area may be able to help, you will need to discuss these arrangements with them in advance. Refer to page 36 for details of costs. Support You will of course have the full support of all of the CIPT team, including a Personal Tutor. However, it is important that you have encouragement and support from family and friends at home. As a CF church member, it is also important for you and your church that you have the support of the church leaders. This support is formalised using our ‘Church Endorsement’ form, and allows us to waive your tuition fees, and will ensure that the church offers you support, both spiritually, and to assist you in developing your practical skills. 35

What does it cost? Because the tutors give so much of their time and service voluntarily, we are able to keep our costs lower than otherwise would be possible. Our commitment is to offer the Training Course / FD free of tuition charge to members of Congregational Federation churches. NB There is a cost, of course, but this relates to accommodation at the weekends, travel expenses and some important administrative charges. Please remember that each student is responsible for ensuring they are able to meet the costs incurred by the due date. A payment plan of four instalments per year is available (terms and conditions apply). Your church and / or Area might be able to provide some financial assistance. CF Students £30 FREE FD (Levels 4 and 5 per year) Registration Fee £350 Tuition £1,001 * Module Administration Fee Hospitality and Accommodation Total: £1,381 External (non-CF church member) Students As above plus tuition £1,500 If you simply wish to take one or more modules: 10 credit module £65 20 credit module £130 accommodation and hospitality charges will also apply. * Prices may be subject to change and are correct at the time of publishing. 36

Financial assistance & grants There are some grant-making bodies with whom we have a relationship and that could provide financial assistance. Financial assistance may also be available from your church or Area. In exceptional cases, and only where funds are available, CIPT may be able to help students with costs. If you would like any further help or advice, please contact the Learning and Development Administrator, Maddy Varley. Grants may be available from: The Lady Hewley Trust The Milton Mount Foundation The Congregational Fund Board For details of eligibility, how to apply, and funding updates, please contact the relevant organisation directly. Every Blessing! We hope that you will enjoy whatever course or modules you apply for. Remember that you are not on your own with this. Support is always available from staff and tutors whenever you need it, and there is a genuine fellowship among all our students. May God richly bless you as you continue to serve Him, and as you learn and grow in and through the course! 37

Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) If you have any queries regarding the courses please contact: Director of Studies Dr Walter Riggans Congregational Federation 8 Castle Gate Nottingham NG1 7AS 38

Our Location In the heart of Nottingham The Congregation Centre, including the Cleaves Conference Centre, is centrally located in Nottingham City Centre, just a short walk from the train station. The Mercure Hotel is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Centre. There is a car park a short distance from the hotel, which offers reduced parking rates for guests at the hotel. Taxis are easily available from both the train station and near the Conference Centre, if required. 39

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