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Training
The committee will encourage and enable the integration of the training of the whole people of God and to this end will seek to influence the philosophy and methodology of learning; the core content of courses; and the development of resources. It gives direct support to, and acts in partnership with Doctrine, Prayer and Worship; Discipleship, Stewardship and Witness; Church and Society, and Youth and Children’s Work Committees; and synods and districts, as they respond to the needs of local churches in training matters. It collaborates with Ministries Committee in the training of ministers of word and sacraments, CRCWs and Lay Preachers. It also supports all other committees and task groups, in particular the Ecumenical Committee and the Advocacy and Stewardship Task Group. It also gives oversight to the YLTO and YCWT programmes.
Committee Members
Convener: The Revd Dr John Sutcliffe Committee and Staff Secretary: The Revd Dr Lesley Husselbee
Revd Ruth Ball, Mrs Helen Brown, Dr Jean Butler,
Dr Andrew Dawson, Revd Sandra Dears, Dr Iain Frew, Dr Tony Jeans Revd Roy Lowes, Revd John Proctor, Revd Chris Warner
1 Introduction
1.1 This has been a busy and difficult year for the Training Committee. There have been long and difficult discussions about two colleges: Mansfield College, Oxford and St Andrew’s Hall, Selly Oak. We have been both involved in these talks, and concerned for their effect upon the members of the two colleges. The Committee has, however, been able to work on an overview of its task, and presents the following strategy to General Assembly.
2 Training Strategy for the United Reformed Church
2.1 What are the Priorities? Within an overall concern for:
2.1.1 the development of learning opportunities for all in the Church,
2.1.2 the fullest attainable ecumenical co-operation; we presently aim to:
a) foster excellence in and monitor the development of Initial Ministerial Education and Training;
b) expand, sustain and develop Continuing Ministerial Education, in the Post-Ordination period and beyond;
c) promote, sustain and advocate opportunities for Lay Training; and
d) integrate the training of lay people and ministers so far as appropriate.
2.2 What has been done so far?
2.2.1 Emphasis on developing learning opportunities
a) Developing Discipleship was produced by the Integrated Working Group for post-confirmation groups.
b) Training for Learning and Serving was adopted as an integrated Lay training course for training Lay Preachers and others serving the Church. The first groups taking this course began in September 1995.
c) It was also agreed that the Exploring the Faith course for Lay Preachers and others be phased out from June 30th 1998.
2.2.2 Initial Ministerial Training and Education
a) Criteria for courses for initial ministerial training. (General Assembly 1995)
b) Minimum standard of initial training, plus requirement of 800 hours of placement experience. (General Assembly 1997)
c) Minimum entry requirements for candidates attending assessment conferences. (1997)
d) Changes in routes through training for Stipendiary and Non-Stipendiary Ministers. (1997)
e) Beginning to arrange consultations of Synod Officers and College and Course representatives.
f) An advisory role in the use of colleges review exercise.
2.2.3 Continuing Ministerial Education (Both Ordained and Lay) Proposals on Continuing Ministerial Education and Post Ordination Training were accepted by General Assembly in 1998, and are now moving forward to implementation.
2.2.4 Oversight of Training provided through the YCWT Team. A revised policy for the staff development of YCWTs and for the guidance of their Synod managers has been produced, is in use, and has been submitted for Youth Agency approval.
2.3 Future Strategy
A What we mean to do next
a) Implement new plans for Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) work (including Post Ordination and Training (POET). Make and keep them lively and sustainable.
b) Reflect afresh on the Church’s curricular expectations for Initial Ministerial Education and Training.
c) Review arrangements for CRCW Training.
d) Work on Elders’ training - as we have been instructed by Mission Council.
e) Consider more broadly the Church’s strategy on Lay Training, and seek to secure some advances in this area.
B What we mean to do in the next few years.
a) Seek to develop opportunities for Continuing Education and Training for Lay Preachers.
b) Encourage a shared exploration of the training overlap with various committees.
c) Sustain discussion with the Synods about possible areas of integration and co-operation between their varied training posts and the resources provided through Assembly.
d) Develop more regional co-operation in the area of training resources.
e) Review the ways in which Continuing Ministerial Education might equip and prepare ministers to take up tutoring and training roles within the Church.
f) Keep in view a concern for an integrated training policy.
3 Continuing Ministerial Education
3.1 Following the adoption of proposals for Continuing Ministerial Education by the 1998 meeting of General Assembly, the Training Committee has been working hard to work out a structure so that all ministers may benefit from this initiative. During the year, the Training Committee has set up the Continuing Ministerial Education Sub-Committee, (which is currently convened by the Revd Chris Warner), to initiate and oversee the programme. In January 1999, the Committee sponsored a very useful Consultation on Continuing Ministerial Education for representatives from Synods, who have helped us jointly develop the programme. In addition, we have launched a twice-yearly journal CME News, explaining the developments in Continuing Ministerial Education to Ministers and local churches, and we hope that this will be published on a regular basis giving information about the various courses available. The real importance of this programme is to give ministers and Church Related Community Workers as much support as possible as times change.
3.2 The Continuing Ministerial Education programme consists of three main sections:
(i) Post Ordination Education and Training (POET) This programme takes place during the first three years after a new Minister’s ordination. It consists of two nationally organised residential week-end courses and three days organised by Synods per year.
(ii) On-going Education and Training (ONET) This programme begins at the end of the POET programme and it is expected that ministers will follow this throughout the rest of their ministry. In the academic year 1999-2000, this consists of seven days, increasing to fourteen days after 1st September 2000. Ministers may take these days in one block or over separate days.
(iii) Sabbaticals
Ministers may apply for a Sabbatical term of up to three months every ten years but not after the age of 60. A shorter, two-month sabbatical is available for Ministers between their 60th and 63rd birthdays. Ministers from other denominations who transfer to the United Reformed Church, are not eligible for a sabbatical until they have completed at least five years’ service as Ministers of the United Reformed Church, after which, up to five years’ service in their previous denomination may be ‘credited’ for sabbatical purposes. (For example, a minister who has served their previous denomination for six years and the United Reformed Church for five is eligible to apply for a sabbatical.)
3.3 New Funding System for Continuing Ministerial Education Grants.
3.3.1 In the past, grants for the In-service training of ministers have been administered by and paid for first by a Synod representative (such as the Provincial In-Service Training Officer) and then by the Secretary for Training, who arranges for a national grant. The disadvantage of this system is that it involves several layers of administration, and that it creates inequality. Some Synods are able to award larger grants than others. From 1st September 1999, we hope to simplify this system and administer it closer to the original applicant. We also aim to create a fairer grant award to every minister, wherever they live. Each Synod is asked to designate someone who will be responsible for signing grant forms. These should be registered with the national Finance Office.
3.3.2. Objectives for the Expenditure
(i) To organise the expenditure of new national Continuing Ministerial Education funds, so that the provision of money to enable training is made more equal between Synods, in particular, to increase the money available to ministers and CRCWs in poorer Synods, without losing the current input from richer Synods.
(ii) To pay the reasonable costs of Continuing Ministerial Education for all ministers and CRCWs.
(iii) To organise the payment of Continuing Ministerial Education Grants at Synod level rather than the National.
3.3.3 Timing All Continuing Ministerial Education and Belonging to the World Church grants will
begin from 1st September 1999. Grants for all training which begins after 1st September 1999 will be implemented as soon as the procedures are in place.
3.3.4 What do the Grants cover?
(i) National Post Ordination Education and Training residential courses.
(ii) Synod Post Ordination Education and Training events.
(iii) National Continuing Ministerial Education events such as Refresher Courses.
(iv) Synod arranged residential courses such as Spring and Summer School, after, as at present, making deductions for local church and Trust income as arranged by each Synod.
(v) Grants to Individuals. These are available for all serving ministers (Stipendiary, and Non-Stipendiary), and Church Related Community Workers from ordination until retirement. All grants described below are a maximum and depend on the actual cost of the training/education and on national guidelines. All grants will be agreed and paid by the Synod Continuing Ministerial education Officer directly to the minister/CRCW. The Synod will then claim back the national proportion of the grant.
a) Annual ONET Grant Full cost of course, including travel and books up to £700 (1999-2000). Less current Synod contribution.
b) Sabbatical Grants
Every ten years but not within five years of expected retirement (see above) Cost of sabbatical up to £1,200 (1999-2000) less current Synod contribution. Sabbaticals of less than three months duration will receive a proportionately lower grant (e.g. for a two month sabbatical, the maximum grant will be £800).
c) Additional Synod Contribution
Those Synods which pay a greater proportion of the cost of the training or even the total cost should assume the national grant to be 50% of the maximum set out above and make the calculation of their contribution accordingly.
d) Belonging to the World Church ONET Grant.
Not more than once every five years for travel and related costs. Related costs would include accommodation necessitated by the travel, health precautions and any particular costs related to travel overseas. Europe and North America, up to £500 Elsewhere in the world, but excluding the Holy Land, up to £1,000 (1999-2000) (The Holy Land is excluded because there are alternative sources of money and most of the travel there is not directly for training purposes.)
(vi) Reports and Record Keeping
Each Synod will keep a record of the training/education each minister/CRCW has done and the grants they have received. Reports, depending on the size and kind of training will be required by Synods. Sabbatical Reports will then be sent on by Synods for holding at Westminster College, Cambridge; reports which have received Belonging to the World Church grants will be sent to the Belonging to the World Church Officer; POET records will be kept nationally; ONET records will be kept by the Synod.
(vii) Flexibility
There will be some flexibility in the application of this scheme, in regard to the wide range of individual and local needs around the Church. We hope to learn from experience, and to adjust any of the general rubrics in the coming years. For the moment, any requests for particular individual flexibility should be channelled through the Synod Continuing Ministerial Education Officer who will consult the National Continuing Education Officer, or the Belonging to the World Church Officer.
3.3.5 Secretary for Continuing Ministerial Education.
We are delighted that the Revd Jean Black has been appointed Secretary for Continuing Ministerial Education. She will begin work on 1st June 1999.
3.3.6 Future Proposals for Continuing Ministerial Education.
Among other areas of work, we plan to address the following:
(i) to help Synod Training Officers develop their liason with one another;
(ii) create a database of courses to be available as a leaflet and on the World Wide Web;
(iii) develop a core-curriculum for Post Ordination Education and Training;
(iv) review the place of the Church’s Refresher courses within the whole CME structure;
(v) develop wisdom and experience in portfolio techniques;
(vi) consider the ways in which CME connects with other Church programmes, such as the Accompanied Self-Appraisal and Belonging to the World Church programmes, and the work of the Church and Society committee;
(vii) continue to develop induction courses for ministers who move to a new sphere of service that will require some different skills.
4 The Use of Colleges Review
In 1997, the Training Committee asked Mission Council to take the lead in discussing the future use of Colleges by the Church for initial ministerial education. During the year, the Training Committee has completed work in order to give technical advice to Mission Council regarding the number of colleges the Church could usefully use. The Committee could find no evidence to rebut the tentative conclusion drawn by the March 1998 Mission Council and the December 1998 Consultation on Mansfield College that ‘we should cease to use one of the colleges for initial ministerial education’. 5 Mansfield College 5.1 Response to the 1997 Inspection of Ministerial Training and Education at Mansfield College. The Training Committee has studied with care the Mansfield College Review of December 1998, and finds clear evidence that Mansfield has responded positively to criticisms that were made by its Inspectors in 1997. There is a perception that the discussions at General Assembly in July 1998 were adversely influenced by the Inspectors’ criticisms, so that two issues intersected to the disadvantage of Mansfield: the issue of quality and the issue of the nature and extent of the Church’s training requirements. We are content that the issue of quality is being addressed. Any future decision should be based on the single issue of the nature and extent of the Church’s requirements.
5.2 The Committee has explored with Mansfield College and the Congregational Federation ways in which both denominations might make future use of Mansfield College should the United Reformed Church cease to use the college for initial ministerial education.
5.3 The committee wishes to record its thanks to the Revd Dr Catherine Middleton who has done so much, despite her serious illness, to guide Mansfield’s positive response to the 1997 Inspection report through a very difficult period and to handle the situation with wisdom and care.
6 The Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester
6.1 Representatives from the Training and Finance Committees met with representatives from the proposed Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester, in July 1998 and were very impressed by the educational plans for the future of the Northern Theological Federation, which we hope will legally become the Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester, in August 1999. After some investigation into the financial background for the development of the Partnership, in which, hopefully, the United Reformed Church should become a stakeholder, the Training Committee, together with the Finance Committee, recommended to Mission Council that the United Reformed Church approve the capital investment of £200,000 in Luther King House Trust, subject to the officers of the Finance Committee being happy with the level of financial expertise available to the Trust, and to the legal structure of the organisation, and requests the General Secretary and the Treasurer to make the nomination or appointment of an appropriate person to the board or Trust.
7 Westminster College, Cambridge
7.1 The Training Committee rejoices with Westminster College, Cambridge as it celebrates one hundred years on its present site. Several events have been planned by the College to celebrate this centenary, not least a Conference on Reformed Theology to which Jürgen Moltmann will contribute.
8 St Andrew’s Hall, Selly Oak.
8.1 This has been a very difficult year for
St Andrew’s Hall, as its Council came to the reluctant decision in September 1998 to sell the buildings and the land. The Training Committee has worked with the Ecumenical Committee on the future of mission training in Selly Oak. It wishes to be associated with the Ecumenical Committee’s report. The officers of the Training Committee are willing to stand with the officers of the Ecumenical Committee in any debate about the future of Mission Education.
9 Training of Church Related Community Workers
9.1 The Training Committee has been concerned about the length of time that it has taken to replace Mr Graham Ghaleb as Church Related Community Worker Development Officer. Representatives from the committee have had detailed discussions with the Ministries’ Committee, the CRCW Central Management Committee, and with representatives from the Faith in Living Course, Manchester about the best way in which we can support the training of Church Related Community Workers.
10 Lay Training
10.1 The Training Committee is delighted with the progress of some very interesting lay training projects, not least the growth of the Training for Learning and Serving programme, and the enthusiasm of the students. Mission Council has asked the Training Committee to look at Elders’ training, and this we are beginning to do. We also know of some Continuing Education programmes for Lay Preachers, and we should like to consolidate and extend this area of the Church’s training work. Encouraged by these advances, we mean to take a fuller look at the whole spectrum of lay training in the next year or two.
11 Training for Learning and Serving
11.3 The Training for Learning and Serving programme has both grown and consolidated. There are now 116 students on the Foundation Course (more than in Scotland), and 18 students in the Worship and Preaching course now being delivered for the second year. Ten people belong to the one-year Life of Prayer course, which began in September 1998, and three English students are sharing in the Pastoral Care course, which is delivered in Scotland. All those on the Worship and Preaching course in the academic year 1997-1998, passed, and most are now being accredited as Lay Preachers.
11.2 Further growth is planned for the 1999-2000 academic year. We hope that the Helping Christian Adults Learn Course will then be launched, and we are expecting around 30 Worship and Preaching students, necessitating two parallel weekend centres for this course. In total, there will be 42 residential TLS weekends between September and July! The opportunities which TLS courses can offer as part of the training portfolio for Local Leaders is under active discussion.
11.3 Everyone involved in TLS (National Co-ordinator, Regional Organisers, Weekend Tutors, 54 Local Tutors, Lay Preaching Commissioners, over 500 support group members and some 20 placement supervisors) give of their time and skills voluntarily. We continue to be immensely grateful for this commitment, and especially grateful for the energetic and effective commitment of the Revd David A L Jenkins, the National Co-ordinator. With TLS now so firmly established, we are investigating how more security can be given to the programme by spreading the central workload to provide cover against illness and other eventualities. We would also like to express our thanks to the Revd Sandy Mailer who has done much to launch the Worship and Preaching course but who has had to stand down as Lay Preaching Commissioner due to serious Illness.
12 Training of Local Leaders
12.1 Representatives from the Training Committee attended a joint Consultation in February 1999 to consider the setting up to the Local Leadership programme. The Training Committee recommends that all Local Leaders receive training for their work, although this may be done on an in-service basis. We commend the initial course developed by Mersey Province as a starter, and we also recommend that other courses such as the Training for Learning and Serving programme be used to develop skills.
13 Training Board at National Assessment Conferences
13.1 The Training Committee has been working with the Ministries Committee to review the ways in which training advice is given by the Church to candidates for ministry.
14 Part-time Initial Ministerial Education and the 8OO Hour Placement
14.1 Work continues on the development of part-time training for ministry, and in particular the placement work - which mirrors the internship year served by many who train full-time for ministry.
15 Personalia.
15.1 The Training Committee wishes to record its very grateful thanks to the Revd Dr John Sutcliffe, who has convened the Training Committee during its first four years with insight, vision, great enthusiasm and care. The Committee has been sad that his illness during the winter months has prevented his greater contribution this year, but we know that his leadership will be a lasting influence on the Committee and in the Church. We would also like to offer thanks to Dr Jean Butler and the Revd Chris Warner, who have been very effective and loyal working members of the committee. Thanks are also due to Ms Lesley-Anne Morgan, who as Personal Assistant to the Secretary for Training, until December 1998, has contributed a great deal to the smooth running of the Committee.
15.2 We are pleased to report that Howard Nurden was appointed as Youth and Children’s Work Trainer by Southern Synod for five years from 1st October 1998 until 31st September 2003, and that Stephen Collins was appointed as Youth and Children’s Work Training and Development Officer by Thames North Synod from 1st December 1998 for five years until 30th November, 2003. They have already made a considerable contribution to the work of their Synods. We are also delighted to report that Wallie Warmington has been re-appointed as Youth Leadership Training Officer by West Midlands Synod until until 31st March 2004, and Ivan Andrews has been re-appointed for a further five years as youth and Children’s work Trainer by South Western Synod until 31st December 2004. We value the work of all these workers and wish them well for the future.
15.3 The Nominations Committee recommends to this Assembly that the Revd Dr Lesley Husselbee, Secretary for Training, have her seven-year contract renewed for a further three years until 31st August 2002. The Committee heard of this nomination with great pleasure. The development of our Continuing Ministerial Education programmes in the last year has added extra pressure to an already onerous job, yet Lesley has continued to carry her work through with efficiency, wisdom and good grace. We value her abilities and her service very highly indeed.
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