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Opportunities for Education and Training

Many opportunities for education and training exist within the United Reformed Church.  Some of these can be found within the local church, others are provided by District Councils, Synods or nationally.  The Synod Director of Training or Youth and Children's Work Trainer, or the equivalent should be useful sources of information.

I  Opportunities in Synods

1. Learning about Your Faith (Beginners)
The following courses and resources are available, often within the context of the local church:
Partners in Learning* - a weekly worship and training resource for children, young people and adults.

2. Membership Preparation
Members Together*
Material for membership preparation and renewal.  Please contact the Secretary for Life and Witness for information.

3. Post Confirmation Learning
Developing Discipleship*
This is a post-membership course of five modules: Being, Believing, Belonging, Worshipping and Serving.  These can be studied individually, or as a whole.  Each module could last about ten weeks and the whole course about a year.  The course is designed to be studied in local groups, with discussion, activity and some time for worship.  The material has been prepared for those leading groups.  Handout material is available within the pack for photocopying.  For further details contact the Secretary for Life and Witness or the Secretary for Training. 

* For all of these resources, contact The Bookshop, the United Reformed Church, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT  

• Training for Learning and Serving    

• Training for Learning and Serving, which was developed as an ecumenical course in Scotland, is for those who want to explore their Christian faith more deeply in our contemporary world - either as part of their discipleship or to reinforce their work in Church and community.  The core of TLS is a two-year home study and group tutorial Foundation course supplemented by a range of optional specialist courses.  The Foundation course starts each September.  Typical Foundation course members are:

• Needing to think things through, and want to grow and develop their faith, or

• Giving service in which they don't feel too confident, and would gain from the supportive interest of others;

• Facing pressure or difficulty in Christian service, within or without the Church; or

• Exploring new areas of Christian service (e.g. work with young people, lay preaching, pastoral care, local mission)

There are four other inter-related Foundation Course strands:

(i)   Home Study - students work on their own through home study units each fortnight in term time

(ii)  Local Training - Up to five or six students meet with a local tutor for about three hours six times a term;

(iii) Local Support - each student is asked to invite people able to help form a support group for that student.

(iv) Weekends away - in September and at the end of each term, course members attend residential weekends for worship, study, teaching and talk to compare findings from the local study groups.

(v) In addition - there is an essay option.  This is compulsory for those wishing to qualify for National Accreditation as a United Reformed Church Lay Preacher, and /or for those who wish to seek University Accreditation for the course.

For further information contact the Secretary for Training or the National Co-ordinator for TLS in England and Wales, the Revd David A L Jenkins, 61 Lakeside Road, London, N13 4PS (Telefax: 020 8882 2284).

4. Training for various tasks within the Church:
In General:

• Training for Learning and Serving (See above)

5. Becoming a worker with Children

• Kaleidoscope -  An ecumenical Training Course, designed to work with local groups, for those working with children. 

• Good Practice - A pack to help local churches ensure the safety of children.

• URCHIN - A magazine to help those working with children keep in touch. For further details contact the Children's Advocate

• The Bridge  - A newsletter for Pilots leaders. For further information about working with children contact the Children's Advocate or your Synod Youth and Children's Work Trainer.

6.      Becoming a worker with Young People:

• Spectrum  - An ecumenical Training Course for Youth Leaders, designed to work with local groups.

• FURY National - a newspaper for members of FURY and those interested in work with the 14-25 year olds

For further information about working with young people contact the Youth Secretary or your Synod Youth Leadership Training Officer or Youth and Children's Work Trainer

7.       Eldership Training

There are several courses run by Synods and District Councils and by the URC Windermere Centre.

• Refreshing the Elders' Meeting may be particularly helpful.

For information, contact your Synod Director of Training or the Director, the URC Windermere Centre, Lake Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA 23 2BY (Tel 015394 44902)

II    National Opportunities

8.       Becoming a Lay Preacher
Before training for Lay Preaching it is recommended that the candidate seek a commendation from the District Council.

• Training for Learning and Serving (See above) is the main programme recommended by the Training Committee for training Lay Preachers.  This is a two-year foundation Course, plus an additional 'Worship and Preaching' year.  We also recognise (with United Reformed Church additions) the Milton Keynes Christian Training Course, and, for those in Methodist/United Reformed Church Local Ecumenical Partnerships, we accept, (also with United Reformed Church additions), the Faith and Worship Course.

8.2        Apprenticeship

Some people, however, are reluctant to begin a major course commitment without gaining some experience in Lay Preaching before they decide to join a three-year Course.  In such cases, we recommend to District Councils and Lay Preaching Commissioners that an apprenticeship system be set up. This means attaching a person who has expressed interest in Lay Preaching to a small team composed of two or three Lay Preachers and one Minister.  The candidate accompanies preachers in his or her team and begins by taking only part of a Service.  In this case, the District Council should not recommend the candidate to the Training for Learning and Serving Course until after a report had been received from the Apprenticeship Group.  Apprenticeship will not of itself lead to recognition by the Church.  That will remain dependent on a candidate successfully completing a programme of Lay Preacher Training, such as the Training for Learning and Serving Programme.

8.3  In-Service Training for Lay Preachers

The Training Committee encourages all Lay Preachers to undertake continuing education, either in locally organised sessions or at national and ecumenical events.

(Reports to General Assembly 1997)

9.    United Reformed Church Training Centres

9.1  The Windermere Centre

The Windermere Centre is available for everyone. 

• It is a place where local churches can come to relax together and discover more about their mission;

• The Centre puts on a range of courses, retreats, and activities, and is available for holidays, sabbaticals and other events;

• It is a place which groups in the United Reformed Church may book for meetings, or to run particular courses.

For more information, please contact The Director, The URC Windermere Centre, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2BY. (015394) 44902:  fax: (015394) 47218

9.2   The National Youth Resource Centre, Yardley Hastings

Set in the heart of rural England, and based around a Community of young people and staff, the Yardley Hastings Centre is dedicated to encouraging and equipping young people and their churches to grow in Christian discipleship.  Part of the National Youth Programme, as well as hosting FURY (Fellowship of United Reformed Youth) events, the Centre welcomes groups from other denominations, schools and all involved with youth activities.  There is excellent accommodation for up to 40 people including those with special needs.

For more information, please contact the Centre Administrator, The URC National Youth Resource Centre, Yardley Hastings NN7 1EL.  Tel: 01604 696307, Fax: 01604 696030.

In addition, the following Colleges, whose main function is the training of ministers, are also available for lay training:

9.3 Westminster College, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0AA. Tel: 01223 741084

9.4 Northern College, Luther King House, Brighton Grove, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5JP  (0161 224 4381)

9.5 The Queen's Foundation, Somerset Road, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2QH (0121 454 1527)

9.6 Mansfield College, Oxford OX1 3TF  (01865 270999)

10. National Training Events:

10.1 URC Holiday Forum

Holiday Forum is a week-long holiday and learning event which takes place annually, is planned and administered by an independent group. 

For further details please contact the Secretary for Life and Witness, United Reformed Church House, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT. 

10.2  CWM Swanwick

This event, organised by the Council for World Mission, takes place for one week, usually in August, at the Conference Centre in Swanwick. 

For more information, please contact:  The Secretary for International Relations, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT

III  Foundation Training for the
Ministry of Word and Sacraments

11.   Entry Qualifications

11.1  The following educational qualifications are the normal standard for entry into training for both Stipendiary and Non-Stipendiary Ministry in the United Reformed Church:

a)    GCSE (Grade A-C) in English Language or the equivalent as an essential prerequisite.

b)    plus one of the following:

      i)                2 'A' Levels

      ii)         3 Scottish 'Highers'

      iii)        a degree from a UK University, or equivalent.

      iv)        120 first degree credits from the Open University or other UK                   University working on a modular system.

      v)         an advanced GNVQ, involving a substantial quantity of           discursive work

      vi)         a successful completion of TLS at an agreed standard.

      vii)        such professional qualifications or experience of life and work as, in the opinion of the Assessment Panel, is of equivalent standard and provides a suitable foundation for training.

(General Assembly 1997)

12.   Paths of Training for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament              

(1)  To obtain the minimum requirement for ordination, candidates will follow one of the following course paths; or a mixed-mode combination.

1. The satisfactory completion of the Introductory Course, including attendance at the 'United Reformed Church Ethos and History' weekend.

2. Followed by either:

(i) A Full time Course
College based.  3 or 4 years including an Internship year or placements in each year.

      or

(ii)      A Part Time Course

At a recognised Ecumenical Course (3 years) plus one year assessed placement work, supervised by college staff in consultation with the Synod Training Officer or the Faith in Living Course at the Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester

3.    After ordination ministers are expected:  

a.          to follow a programme of post-ordination training normally during the three years service following their ordination; and

b.          to undertake appropriate subsequent training (known as continuing ministerial education) throughout their ministry.

(General Assembly 1997)

(Part-time Ecumenical Courses currently recommended by the Training Committee are:

                  The East Anglia Ministerial Training Course (EAMTC)
                  The East Midlands Ministry Training Course (EMMTC)
                  The North East Ordination Course (NEOC)
                  The Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester
                  The St Albans and Oxford Ministry Course (SAOMTC)
                  The South East Institute for theological Education (SEITE)
                  The Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme      (STETS)
                  The South West Ministerial Training Course (SWMTC)
                  The West Midlands Ministry Training Course (WMMTC)
                  St Michael's College, Llandaff

13.   The Choice of a College or Course

We believe that the choice of the right College or part-time Course is crucial.  The candidate's own wishes are the starting point in the process.

1.    After acceptance by the District Council, and just before attending the National Assessment Conference, candidates will be sent prospectuses from Colleges and/or part-time Courses,  and may be invited to visit them.  If there is not time for a visit before this, then candidates are encouraged to visit after the National Assessment Conference.

2.    During the National Assessment Conference, candidates will see the members of the Training Board, who will seek to discover the best form of training for each person.  They will take careful account of any wishes expressed by a candidate and shall recommend a particular college to a Synod.  Factors to be taken into account would include:

(a)   The college milieu which will best enable the student to develop personally and spiritually.

(b)   Any family or financial  restrictions for the type or place of training.

(c)   The kind of course most suitable.

(d)   The size and balance of the student body at any particular time.

(e)   The final choice is without prejudice to the admission procedures of the college or Course.

A change of college at the request of the candidate shall only be recommended if good reasons can be clearly stated to all concerned.

3.    Synods shall normally only call for a change in the recommendation of the National Assessment Board if new factors come to light, and only after direct consultation with the Training Committee.  No promises or guarantees shall be made until this has taken place.  The Training Committee shall consult with the Synod, those who made the original recommendation, and the colleges concerned.

4.    In the interests of all concerned, an individual candidate may obtain details of the college or Course, but shall not enter into private negotiations with a College or Course, and thus hinder the due process of consultation.

5.    In the case of dispute, the Training Committee shall offer advice, with the final decision resting with the Synod.

(General Assembly 1984- altered)

14.      Criteria by which the Training Committee will be guided in recognising Courses and Colleges for Ministerial  Training.

Ministerial Training should:

1.    be placed in an ecumenical context wherever possible and also include working in partnership with secular bodies;

2.    be open to both lay people and ordinands who will experience learning together;

3.    take seriously the experience of participants and integrate experience and learning, theoretical and practical work, academic disciplines and life in the world and in the Church;

4.      include supervised and assessed placement experience either over the full length of the Course or for an Internship year;

5.    be interactive by helping participants to learn from the world church and from other cultures and faiths;

6.    be flexible in relation to the needs of different people whilst nurturing academic excellence relative to the abilities of individual participants;

7.    use methods of teaching and assessment appropriate to current adult education;

8.    be collaborative in style;

9.    take seriously issues of race, class, gender and disability and actively promote anti-oppressive practices;

10.   expose participant to issues surrounding ministry among children and young people, and nurture skills which facilitate effective work with children and young people;

11.      include at least two modules per year which will be taught by at least one active member of the United Reformed Church;

12.   ensure that there will be opportunity for participants, as part of an ecumenical diet of worship, to worship following patterns and ethos currently experienced in the United Reformed Church.

13.   Make provision, together with the Synod Director of Training, for 800 hours of placement work. 
NB.  It is expected that this placement work will be completed during a fourth year of training under the guidance of the Synod Director of Training.

The Training Committee will recognise a Course or course within a College only if:

(a)   it is satisfied regarding 1-12 above;

(b)   two experienced ministerial and theological educators, appointed by the Training Committee assess a Course and recommend its recognition by the committee as a whole.

(General Assembly 1995)

15.       Belonging to the World Church

As part of their training, ordinands are encouraged to spend at least one month abroad with a Third World Church, (preferably a member of the Council for World Mission).

16.      Leaving Certificates

(Stipendiary and Non-Stipendiary Ministerial Training)
Ordinands preparing for ministry in the United Reformed Church undergo training on courses prescribed by the General Assembly which determines the 'standards and scope of an adequate ministerial training and education'  (Basis of Union 9 (5) (v)).  Throughout the training process, colleges in the case of stipendiary candidates, and the Board of Studies in the case of non-stipendiary candidates, keep closely in touch with the sending Synods who are also responsible for local support, and if necessary for the discontinuance of a particular candidacy.

(General Assembly 1990)

17.   The Minimum Qualification for Ordination

At the end of initial ministerial training, the minimum qualification for ordination should be 240 undergraduate credit points, or the equivalent of two thirds of a first degree on a course recognised by the Training Committee, plus 800 hours of supervised and assessed placement or internship work.

(General Assembly 1997)

18.      Financial Arrangements

Stipendiary and CRCWs

The United Reformed Church will meet the normal training costs (fees and maintenance) of all ordinands and their dependants from central funds.  We nevertheless encourage ordinands to first seek funding from grant awarding bodies, where possible.  Where this is not possible, or where only part of the costs are met, the United Reformed Church will make up the grant to an agreed level. Further details are available in the booklet, Financing Your Training, which is available from the Secretary for Training, United Reformed Church House, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT.

Non-Stipendiary

The costs of training for the ministry vary enormously.  No candidate should be prevented from training because of lack of funds.  Whilst we ask candidates if they are able to contribute towards or pay for the costs of their training, help from the locality, the Synod and central funds, is available. 

The Synod Directors of Training  or Training Officers are responsible for seeing that financial matters are settled properly, after due consultation with the individual student.

19.      Training for Church Related Community Workers

For those without professional qualifications:

1.    a four-year full-time foundation course will be provided at Northern College, Manchester (Manchester Christian Institute).  This will include an integrated programme of theological and professional studies. This will lead to a professional qualification which will be accredited by the Accreditation Unit of the Greater Manchester Community Work Training Group, and will also include a theology qualification with the University of Manchester.

2.    In some cases,  it may be possible to consider part-time training with practical placement work near the student's home, and at least six weekends a year on the Partnership for Theological Education, Manchester.

3.    For those who have already qualified as either social workers or youth workers, a one-to two year theological qualification may be provided at the Manchester Christian Institute.

(Adapted from More About Church-Related Community Ministry
Ministries Department 1990)

IV  In-Service Training for Ministers
(Continuing Ministerial Education)

20.   Post-Ordination Education and Training

20.1  The programme will consist of three strands: theological reflection, personal / spiritual development and the acquiring of further skills, knowledge and understanding information.  All three strands will be provided by each of three different sources:

(a)       Locally - through one to one work with a pastoral adviser.

      The Synod will, having consulted with the new minister and with the relevant District Pastoral Committee, appoint a Pastoral Adviser. This will happen as soon as possible, and in any case within three months of ordination.  The task of the Pastoral Adviser is to offer support, opportunities for theological reflection and encouragement of spiritual and personal development.  The minister and Pastoral Adviser will meet every six weeks.  Guidelines regarding the role of the Pastoral Adviser will be made nationally in collaboration with Synods, but training opportunities will be delivered in Synods.  Further guidelines and training opportunities for Pastoral Advisers will be made available.

(b)   In Synods - through work with a group of new ministers in their first three years of ministry. At least three training days a year will be provided by the Synod.  The programme for these should be fairly flexible in order to meet the needs of each group of new ministers.  It is important for new ministers to identify with their Provincial group, which will consist of ministers in at least their first, second and third year of ministry.  Guidelines for Provincial Directors of training will be issued.

(c)      Nationally - through residential weekends.

New ministers will attend two 48 hour residential weekends in each of the three years of the programme.  These will be run using a syllabus such as the one suggested below so that a variety of areas of skill and experience can be developed.  Courses time-tabled at weekends are important because they provide an opportunity for all new ministers to attend, and they provide a Sunday free of leading worship and the preparation involved.  Arrangements will be made for defraying essential costs.

(General Assembly 1998)

21.      Continuing Ministerial Education

21.1      Ministers and Church Related Community Workers are strongly urged to devote two weeks per year to Continuing Ministerial Education.  [Post Ordination Education and Training courses, Ongoing Education and Training Courses, refresher courses and sabbatical leave will count as continuing ministerial education in the year in which they are taken.  Ministers may opt, if they wish, to nominate synod summer and spring schools for ministers as one of their weeks or part of one of their weeks of Continuing Ministerial Education depending on the length of the school.  It will be possible for some courses to be planned as first or higher degree modules.  To make this possible it will be best, as far as stipendiary ministers are concerned, to think of 'week' meaning Monday 9.00 am until Friday lunch time.  Ministers attending a week-long course should not be expected to lead worship on the following Sunday, thus allowing time for time off and for the family.  For non-stipendiary ministers who, because of other work cannot attend a mid-week course, a 'week' means two weekends each lasting from Friday evening until Sunday teatime.  Alternatively, a 'week' may be calculated at 40 hours.]

21.2      District Councils and local churches are strongly urged to ensure that an agreement requiring the minister to take two weeks continuing ministerial education in an academic year be included in all settlement agreements.

21.3  All ministers should keep a record/portfolio of continued learning.

21.4      Continuing Ministerial Education may be provided via two routes:

(i)   a programme of approved courses, including ecumenical courses, from which ministers may select or

(ii)  An agreed programme of reading, writing or other activity suggested by the minister and approved by the Synod Continuing Ministerial Education Officer in consultation with the National CME Officer.

21.5  In any year where a new ministry is being taken up, an opportunity for continuing ministerial education of up to four weeks should be available as part of the induction into a new post.  This time should be used for the direct benefit of equipping the minister for the work ahead.

22.      Funding for Post Ordination Education and Training and Continuing            Ministerial Education

Limited Grants are available by application to the Synod CME Officer.  These should normally be submitted three months in advance of any course being taken.

23.      Sabbaticals

Every ten years, Ministers are entitled to take up to three months sabbatical in order to engage in further study, reflection and spiritual development.  Permission must first, however, be sought from the appropriate District Council to ensure that sufficient cover is available.  Grants to cover some of the costs of the sabbatical are available on application to the Synod CME Officer.  Stipends for the minister are continued over this period, and pulpit supply costs are recoverable from the Finance Office, United Reformed Church House, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT.