the journey home: Back from Copenhagen...
The first of a number of posts about this past weekend in Copenhagen, where young people from the Diocese of Chelmsford witnessed to this historic moment and their faith...
Monday 14 December 2009
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Thoughts on the shape of mission, ministry and the church's deployment of resource in the years to come...
The Bradwell Area Team - a group of resource/sector workers serving the churches of south and east Essex - sat down last week and had a wide-ranging discussion arising from the questions which emerge in consideration of the document currently being consulted upon in our Diocese of Chelmsford, Principles for the Deployment of Ministry 2009 – 2016. We wanted to think out loud about our theology of mission and ministry...
We began with various understanding of the role of the priest
• Does s/he need to be the church leader or the chair of the leadership team?
• Maybe a better model would be that of Barnabas in Acts; drawing all ministries together in harmony and making one Body; using his/her God-given tools the sacraments
• Priesthood derives its importance from the centrality of the Eucharist which shares the Body of Christ
• The priest does not define what is meant by Church, but derives from it
• Whether a priest is to be locally deployed or deployable will not define the level of training and formation s/he needs. All will need the same
• The nature of the priest in the Early Church was not a jack of all trades
We then looked at the Eucharist
• The sacraments are a first order issue; whereas the nature of priesthood (sacerdotal) is a second order issue
• The Eucharist is central to the worshipping community; but this can be worked out in two ways: either it should be celebrated as often as possible and at least on every Sunday; or it should be celebrated infrequently as an important part of the life of the Church with everyone giving it priority and preparing themselves appropriately.
We sought to understand the nature of mission, ministry and growth:
• A positive definition of mission could be “Seeing where God is and joining in”, its corollary being “being there to maintain a presence”
• Caution is needed with language about growth. It can tempt us to deploy resources where things are going on and to abandon places where nothing is happening to their fate. However, the language of growth is worldly and consumerist, and we are called to be counter-cultural
• Is our vision of Church that of a ministering community or that of a community gathered round a minister?
• We need to distinguish between ministry (a task life-long or time-limited to which God has called an individual) and discipleship (the life-style and values to which all baptised Christians are called with consequent actions)
How do we get from where we are to where we want to go?
• How much does our carnal baggage get in the way of hearing where God is leading us?
• We need to frame what we do in our current context and not seek to reclaim some “golden age”
• We need to discover the essential spirituality of our age through critical (but never judgemental) reading of the Bible and Church history
• Do we trust small, struggling groups of Christians to do their theology and discover their spirituality? Or are we still wedded to the 19th century idea that they need external programming by an expert (a theologian) in their midst? Do we trust small communities if they do not have an expert?
• Small communities do not thrive on external programming
• We need areas with communities of different sizes making the minster model a first preference rather than a second best
In the light of our discussion, we then looked at the vision document we drew up at Aylesford Priory in July 2007
• Our role is to take a strategic overview, free of local distraction but leading to effective resourcing of local communities
• Under the 19th century model of a priest (an expert, theologically trained) in each parish, Episcopal oversight was only needed if things went wrong
• However, the model towards which we are travelling of ministry teams without an expert necessarily in their midst, more oversight will be needed
• The team will need to help people see the wider picture
• It is part of our vision and history that we affirm the local. A local Christian presence is not disempowered if it lacks an expert
• The Deployment document is not an exercise in down-sizing but an opportunity to rethink the need of a paid expert
• Local congregations can be set free from the expert; leaving the experts free to perform a wider brief. E.g. currently, in multi-church benefices, the pattern of worship is determined around whether the priest or reader can be present; it would be preferable for each church to have some form of worship every Sunday whether or not a priest or reader is available
We began with various understanding of the role of the priest
• Does s/he need to be the church leader or the chair of the leadership team?
• Maybe a better model would be that of Barnabas in Acts; drawing all ministries together in harmony and making one Body; using his/her God-given tools the sacraments
• Priesthood derives its importance from the centrality of the Eucharist which shares the Body of Christ
• The priest does not define what is meant by Church, but derives from it
• Whether a priest is to be locally deployed or deployable will not define the level of training and formation s/he needs. All will need the same
• The nature of the priest in the Early Church was not a jack of all trades
We then looked at the Eucharist
• The sacraments are a first order issue; whereas the nature of priesthood (sacerdotal) is a second order issue
• The Eucharist is central to the worshipping community; but this can be worked out in two ways: either it should be celebrated as often as possible and at least on every Sunday; or it should be celebrated infrequently as an important part of the life of the Church with everyone giving it priority and preparing themselves appropriately.
We sought to understand the nature of mission, ministry and growth:
• A positive definition of mission could be “Seeing where God is and joining in”, its corollary being “being there to maintain a presence”
• Caution is needed with language about growth. It can tempt us to deploy resources where things are going on and to abandon places where nothing is happening to their fate. However, the language of growth is worldly and consumerist, and we are called to be counter-cultural
• Is our vision of Church that of a ministering community or that of a community gathered round a minister?
• We need to distinguish between ministry (a task life-long or time-limited to which God has called an individual) and discipleship (the life-style and values to which all baptised Christians are called with consequent actions)
How do we get from where we are to where we want to go?
• How much does our carnal baggage get in the way of hearing where God is leading us?
• We need to frame what we do in our current context and not seek to reclaim some “golden age”
• We need to discover the essential spirituality of our age through critical (but never judgemental) reading of the Bible and Church history
• Do we trust small, struggling groups of Christians to do their theology and discover their spirituality? Or are we still wedded to the 19th century idea that they need external programming by an expert (a theologian) in their midst? Do we trust small communities if they do not have an expert?
• Small communities do not thrive on external programming
• We need areas with communities of different sizes making the minster model a first preference rather than a second best
In the light of our discussion, we then looked at the vision document we drew up at Aylesford Priory in July 2007
• Our role is to take a strategic overview, free of local distraction but leading to effective resourcing of local communities
• Under the 19th century model of a priest (an expert, theologically trained) in each parish, Episcopal oversight was only needed if things went wrong
• However, the model towards which we are travelling of ministry teams without an expert necessarily in their midst, more oversight will be needed
• The team will need to help people see the wider picture
• It is part of our vision and history that we affirm the local. A local Christian presence is not disempowered if it lacks an expert
• The Deployment document is not an exercise in down-sizing but an opportunity to rethink the need of a paid expert
• Local congregations can be set free from the expert; leaving the experts free to perform a wider brief. E.g. currently, in multi-church benefices, the pattern of worship is determined around whether the priest or reader can be present; it would be preferable for each church to have some form of worship every Sunday whether or not a priest or reader is available
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Friday 20 November 2009
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Diocesan Eco-Essay - win a trip to Copenhagen!
ECO-ESSAY COMPETITION
• Are you a Christian?
• Are you aged between 18 and 29 years old?
• Are you passionate to make a difference in God’s precious world?
• Would you like to be a part of one of the most significant events of our time?
• Could you be an ambassador and champion in our Diocese of churches?
“Yes!”.....?
…then this Eco-Essay competition is for you!
December's UN climate summit in Copenhagen will shape the way the world combats climate change. It’s vital an effective deal is done for the sake of the planet which is God’s good creation and for the millions in the poorest countries who are suffering the effects of climate change now.
Chelmsford Diocesan Environment Group (DEG) is pleased to be able to offer to pay to send
FIVE DIOCESAN DELEGATES to Copenhagen.
Could you be one of the five?!?...
If so, you will be joining a group from Christian Aid, for a packed itinerary!...
Friday 11th
• Travel from UK to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening for dinner and bed at a school, where basic accommodation will be provided in dormitory-style.
Saturday 12th:
• Participate in large civil society march from Copenhagen city centre to the Bella Centre, where the United Nations climate change talks are taking place. You will be marching with Christian Aid partners who have come to take part in the talks and campaigners from all over the globe.
Sunday 13th
• Participate in an event, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu will handover all the Countdown to Copenhagen pledges collected in the UK together with actions from across the globe to a representative of the UN. This event is being organised by Aprodev, the European coalition of which Christian Aid is a member.
• Participate in an ecumenical church service, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will speak. The service is taking place in Copenhagen cathedral; we hope to join in via big TV screens nearby.
• Depart Copenhagen early evening. (time TBC)
Monday 14th
• Arrive back in the UK at various times!
So, what do you need to do to enter this competition and be one of the five?...
Simply write an essay of between 2000 and 2500 words, which addresses the following brief:
“Climate-change and sustainable lifestyles are vital issues for our shared future in God’s good creation.
What perspective and contribution can the Christian faith bring? And how do we raise up a prophetic generation of young people to live out this faith and make a difference?”
Submission deadline: Friday 13 November 2009
Entries will be judged by a panel of members from the Diocesan Environment Group.
The winners will be announced by the Bishop of Colchester on Friday 20 November 2009.
Please send your essay entry to Paul Trathen, the Bishop’s Advisor for ‘Faith in Action’, at:
Rawreth Rectory,
Church Road,
Rawreth,
Essex.
SS11 8SH
or
paul.trathen@btopenworld.com
• Are you a Christian?
• Are you aged between 18 and 29 years old?
• Are you passionate to make a difference in God’s precious world?
• Would you like to be a part of one of the most significant events of our time?
• Could you be an ambassador and champion in our Diocese of churches?
“Yes!”.....?
…then this Eco-Essay competition is for you!
December's UN climate summit in Copenhagen will shape the way the world combats climate change. It’s vital an effective deal is done for the sake of the planet which is God’s good creation and for the millions in the poorest countries who are suffering the effects of climate change now.
Chelmsford Diocesan Environment Group (DEG) is pleased to be able to offer to pay to send
FIVE DIOCESAN DELEGATES to Copenhagen.
Could you be one of the five?!?...
If so, you will be joining a group from Christian Aid, for a packed itinerary!...
Friday 11th
• Travel from UK to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening for dinner and bed at a school, where basic accommodation will be provided in dormitory-style.
Saturday 12th:
• Participate in large civil society march from Copenhagen city centre to the Bella Centre, where the United Nations climate change talks are taking place. You will be marching with Christian Aid partners who have come to take part in the talks and campaigners from all over the globe.
Sunday 13th
• Participate in an event, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu will handover all the Countdown to Copenhagen pledges collected in the UK together with actions from across the globe to a representative of the UN. This event is being organised by Aprodev, the European coalition of which Christian Aid is a member.
• Participate in an ecumenical church service, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will speak. The service is taking place in Copenhagen cathedral; we hope to join in via big TV screens nearby.
• Depart Copenhagen early evening. (time TBC)
Monday 14th
• Arrive back in the UK at various times!
So, what do you need to do to enter this competition and be one of the five?...
Simply write an essay of between 2000 and 2500 words, which addresses the following brief:
“Climate-change and sustainable lifestyles are vital issues for our shared future in God’s good creation.
What perspective and contribution can the Christian faith bring? And how do we raise up a prophetic generation of young people to live out this faith and make a difference?”
Submission deadline: Friday 13 November 2009
Entries will be judged by a panel of members from the Diocesan Environment Group.
The winners will be announced by the Bishop of Colchester on Friday 20 November 2009.
Please send your essay entry to Paul Trathen, the Bishop’s Advisor for ‘Faith in Action’, at:
Rawreth Rectory,
Church Road,
Rawreth,
Essex.
SS11 8SH
or
paul.trathen@btopenworld.com
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Desmond Tutu to help launch new York youth initiative | Ekklesia
Desmond Tutu to help launch new York youth initiative | Ekklesia
A good model of the sort of thing we could be developing and encouraging in our parishes, not least at this time of rising youth unemployment...
A good model of the sort of thing we could be developing and encouraging in our parishes, not least at this time of rising youth unemployment...
Wednesday 26 August 2009
New resource on THEOLOGY OF DEBT...
Following an initial request from a parish group in the Southend area earlier this year - and outings subsequently - I have produced a powerpoint presentation regarding a theology of DEBT.
This has now been adapted and placed on our Diocesan website, here. It is a bit of a palaver to get the thing downloaded to your PC, but it can be done, with patience!
I trust that people around the Episcopal Area - and beyond - may find it of use, not least in our present contexts. I would be glad to respond to any requests to follow this up in Area parishes, whether by further discussions, or by looking at practical responses to debt matters on your own doorstep.
This has now been adapted and placed on our Diocesan website, here. It is a bit of a palaver to get the thing downloaded to your PC, but it can be done, with patience!
I trust that people around the Episcopal Area - and beyond - may find it of use, not least in our present contexts. I would be glad to respond to any requests to follow this up in Area parishes, whether by further discussions, or by looking at practical responses to debt matters on your own doorstep.
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Basildon Faiths Forum at al on BBC Essex
There is more exciting news about the Forum and the Conference which can be published on this blog soon - watch this space!
Meanwhile, I got to talk a little about it on BBC Essex this past Sunday. You can find out more via my blog entry and the links to 'Listen Again' over at my personal blog, here.
Meanwhile, I got to talk a little about it on BBC Essex this past Sunday. You can find out more via my blog entry and the links to 'Listen Again' over at my personal blog, here.
Friday 31 July 2009
A Faiths Forum for Basildon?..
During the last 9 months or so I have had the pleasure - and occasional frustration - of working alongside a good, small group of people who are starting to think about, and work towards, the creation and establishment of a Faiths Forum for the District of Basildon, here in south Essex.
Basildon District Council have been a great help, as they have acted as birthing-partner to the enterprise, through the good offices of their Equality and Diversity Unit. (The head of that Unit brings considerable expertise and experience to the tasks before her, having been headhunted from Barking and Dagenham Borough Council in London - any of you who know east London at all will know that B&D is a neck of the woods where issues of community cohesion and justice and access for all are very live issues, indeed.)
Having furnished us with meeting rooms at the Council offices (the 'Bas Centre', as it is generally known!) and given Officer support at these early stages, we are just now starting to gain a sense of direction, some key tasks and aims, and a sense of independence. We have joined up our work with some of the emerging threads of the 3-year Community Cohesion Strategy (which will be launched in October 2009, for 2009-12 triennium) and have started to put our own irons in the fire...
Key amongst these initial irons in the fire is our planning for a Faiths Conference. This is intended to be of worth in its own right, and also to suggest to the wider group who come along that they, too, may wish to get on board with the Forum, grow its membership and diversity, and decide that it is a worthwhile thing to switch the TV off and get out a bit for a few times a year!
The theme of the day-long Faiths Conference is to be "A shared faiths' response to the credit crunch". Initial speakers from Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim perspectives will relate the theology or practice of their faith to some of the issues which rise to the surface in our present economic scenario. Each short presentation in the morning session of the conference will be followed up by a workshop in the afternoon, so that delegates all get a chance to discuss matters further with each presenter.
It is hoped that the media - in Basildon, across Essex, and beyond - will cover this important conference and the growth of our Forum. We hope, also, that they will follow with interest the statement which we intend to issue following the conference - this will be for general public consumption, but will also be especially directed to the District and County Councils, for their considered response. In this, we have been rather inspired by a similar effort in London to generate a shared faiths' response to the credit crunch: this has been produced following seminars organised by Faith in London's Economy (FiLE) and has been widely circulated already. The Chair of FiLE, The Revd Jonathon Evens, will be the keynote speaker at our Basildon conference, on the day.
Our Faiths Conference will take place within the scope of the newly-launched Interfaith Week, a national initiative, new from this year. This will, hopefully, serve to better attract peoples' attention in our busy lives and schedules.
The other exciting feature of our conference is that we hope to host it in the wonderful new building of the Wat Tyler Centre, within the bounds of the Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea. This is a fabulous new resource centre in the District, and we will be amongst the first to host a big conference there!
So, please watch this space as further details emerge! Precise details of day and time within Interfaith Week, more information on speakers and topics, and other details - all will emerge over the next few weeks!...
...in the meanwhile, you might care to hear me speaking a little about the Forum and the Conference on BBC Essex this weekend. I shall be speaking with presenter Ian Wyatt - and reviewing the Sunday newspapers! - at the next edition of Sunday Supplement, 2 October 2009...tune in just after 8.00am, or catch it later on Listen Again!
Basildon District Council have been a great help, as they have acted as birthing-partner to the enterprise, through the good offices of their Equality and Diversity Unit. (The head of that Unit brings considerable expertise and experience to the tasks before her, having been headhunted from Barking and Dagenham Borough Council in London - any of you who know east London at all will know that B&D is a neck of the woods where issues of community cohesion and justice and access for all are very live issues, indeed.)
Having furnished us with meeting rooms at the Council offices (the 'Bas Centre', as it is generally known!) and given Officer support at these early stages, we are just now starting to gain a sense of direction, some key tasks and aims, and a sense of independence. We have joined up our work with some of the emerging threads of the 3-year Community Cohesion Strategy (which will be launched in October 2009, for 2009-12 triennium) and have started to put our own irons in the fire...
Key amongst these initial irons in the fire is our planning for a Faiths Conference. This is intended to be of worth in its own right, and also to suggest to the wider group who come along that they, too, may wish to get on board with the Forum, grow its membership and diversity, and decide that it is a worthwhile thing to switch the TV off and get out a bit for a few times a year!
The theme of the day-long Faiths Conference is to be "A shared faiths' response to the credit crunch". Initial speakers from Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim perspectives will relate the theology or practice of their faith to some of the issues which rise to the surface in our present economic scenario. Each short presentation in the morning session of the conference will be followed up by a workshop in the afternoon, so that delegates all get a chance to discuss matters further with each presenter.
It is hoped that the media - in Basildon, across Essex, and beyond - will cover this important conference and the growth of our Forum. We hope, also, that they will follow with interest the statement which we intend to issue following the conference - this will be for general public consumption, but will also be especially directed to the District and County Councils, for their considered response. In this, we have been rather inspired by a similar effort in London to generate a shared faiths' response to the credit crunch: this has been produced following seminars organised by Faith in London's Economy (FiLE) and has been widely circulated already. The Chair of FiLE, The Revd Jonathon Evens, will be the keynote speaker at our Basildon conference, on the day.
Our Faiths Conference will take place within the scope of the newly-launched Interfaith Week, a national initiative, new from this year. This will, hopefully, serve to better attract peoples' attention in our busy lives and schedules.
England will have its first ever Interfaith Week, 15–21 November 2009. The week will include and highlight activities organised by bodies around the country designed to:
- strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels;
- encourage local faith groups and communities to reach out to each other and build stronger bonds of understanding and cooperation;
- increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, with a particular focus on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society;
- to gain positive profile for inter faith initiatives, locally, regionally and nationally as well as for the overall work of building good inter faith relations;
- increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs;
- encourage the development of new partnerships within local communities and by faith communities with statutory and third sector partners.
The other exciting feature of our conference is that we hope to host it in the wonderful new building of the Wat Tyler Centre, within the bounds of the Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea. This is a fabulous new resource centre in the District, and we will be amongst the first to host a big conference there!
So, please watch this space as further details emerge! Precise details of day and time within Interfaith Week, more information on speakers and topics, and other details - all will emerge over the next few weeks!...
...in the meanwhile, you might care to hear me speaking a little about the Forum and the Conference on BBC Essex this weekend. I shall be speaking with presenter Ian Wyatt - and reviewing the Sunday newspapers! - at the next edition of Sunday Supplement, 2 October 2009...tune in just after 8.00am, or catch it later on Listen Again!
Friday 29 May 2009
New training opportunity for church-based community workers...
One of my earliest concerns on coming into my present post a little over two years ago - and it remains my concern, now through experience with people in many parishes and projects - was that I felt ill-equipped to know where to direct those with community ministry experience in terms of "Where next?" to reflect on their experiences and to integrate that with both Christian theology and community development practice.
So, I am very pleased indeed to now be starting to see the fruits of a labour that has meant working with peer-colleagues in London and Southwark Dioceses, the Church Urban Fund, and the University of Westminster over the past eighteen months.
From hereonin, I shall be commending the following course!...[nb. The wording that follows is that which will also be in a glossy A5 booklet, very shortly!]
Practical and Critical Perspectives for Church-based Community Development
Community development is recognised as a profession in its own right, utilised by the public, private and ‘third’ sectors – the latter, community and voluntary organisations. In recent years there has been a growth in professionals’ roles requiring community development skills – particularly at the interface between government policy initiatives and local neighbourhood regeneration projects. With this has come the introduction of agreed occupational standards, which define the skills and knowledge needed to establish effective community development practice.
Christian churches have a long history of community development work in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, playing a vital role as catalyst and facilitator, enabling diverse people groups to identify effective ways through problems associated with disadvantage and poverty. Church-based community development work has played a vital role in providing holistic services, enabling citizens to establish more confidence and control of key areas of life through a combination of social, moral and spiritual welfare development.
Responding to the proliferation of church-based community development work, the University of Westminster is pleased to offer this practical, intensive, and dynamic new course.
The University of Westminster has a unique history of delivering professional courses that meet the needs of groups from a variety of professional backgrounds. The development of this innovative and professionally-endorsed pathway in church-based community development work upholds this tradition. Through a new model of learning, church-based community development workers will be able to explore a range of key issues at the core of their practice.
This important new course captures the distinctive contribution of church-based community development work in challenging injustice and facilitating effective responses. The course is:
• Practical – it will enable church-based community workers to enhance and develop their own skills, and develop relevant new approaches where appropriate. The programme includes site visits and interactive sessions with leading church-based community development worker-practitioners
• Critical – participants will analyse in depth the issues confronted by church-based community development workers, connecting theological ideas to experience, to critically shape and inform practice.
The course will provide participants with training in up-to-date community development practice.
Facilities
The course is taught at our newly-refurbished Cavendish site in purpose-built facilities. You will have access to all the dedicated library and computing facilities that you would expect from one of Britain’s largest universities.
Teaching
The creative learning environment helps you to acquire a critical grounding in church-based community development work. There are no easy answers or quick fixes. You will be able to use this course to wrestle with the issues of developing effective and empowering church-based practice underpinned by community work principles. The course enables you to share and compare your experiences with others, stimulated by new perspectives from assigned reading, invited speakers and practical assignments. The experience and expertise students bring is highly valued. You can also incorporate this course within extended study for a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate.
Teaching staff
Our staff are a diverse team made up of core and associate staff all of whom are engaged in practice outside the University. They bring relevant and current experience of different sectors to the work of the School.
Assessment
Assessment will be via coursework.
Entry requirements
You must have two years’ experience in church based community work (paid or unpaid) as well as an Honours degree or evidence of ability to work at postgraduate level. You will also be required to submit an essay on community work practice, and be interviewed. Applicants are invited from community organisations, the voluntary sector, statutory agencies, health, housing and social care. You are required to show competence in written and spoken English, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 or above in all components, or equivalent.
How to apply
Applications should be made directly to the University, using a paper application form or online from the University website. Applications should be sent to:
Cavendish Admissions and Marketing Office,
University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7911 5883
Email: cav-admissions@westminster.ac.uk
Related courses
MA Community Development
MA International Community Development
“At long last we have a first class course which gives the tools into the hands of those who wrestle with how their work in community is directly related to and critiqued by their Christian faith.
Bringing together the disciplines of Community Development and Christian Theology encourages brave new insights into Community Action and can open up fascinating new discoveries about what the Christian faith can do for individuals and local communities. The course is taught by a highly respected team, who know how to do it – and know how to help other do it. The course is both vocational, in that it offers new skills and abilities, and is reflective, in that it engenders those insights which are vital to energetic faith understanding and social concern. It will be welcomed in parishes by clergy, ministry teams and community workers – indeed, by any Christian who has serious Kingdom concerns. This exciting course offers the tools for courageous Community Development shot through with faithful Christian integrity.”
Dr Laurie Green
Bishop of Bradwell
So, I am very pleased indeed to now be starting to see the fruits of a labour that has meant working with peer-colleagues in London and Southwark Dioceses, the Church Urban Fund, and the University of Westminster over the past eighteen months.
From hereonin, I shall be commending the following course!...[nb. The wording that follows is that which will also be in a glossy A5 booklet, very shortly!]
Practical and Critical Perspectives for Church-based Community Development
Community development is recognised as a profession in its own right, utilised by the public, private and ‘third’ sectors – the latter, community and voluntary organisations. In recent years there has been a growth in professionals’ roles requiring community development skills – particularly at the interface between government policy initiatives and local neighbourhood regeneration projects. With this has come the introduction of agreed occupational standards, which define the skills and knowledge needed to establish effective community development practice.
Christian churches have a long history of community development work in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, playing a vital role as catalyst and facilitator, enabling diverse people groups to identify effective ways through problems associated with disadvantage and poverty. Church-based community development work has played a vital role in providing holistic services, enabling citizens to establish more confidence and control of key areas of life through a combination of social, moral and spiritual welfare development.
Responding to the proliferation of church-based community development work, the University of Westminster is pleased to offer this practical, intensive, and dynamic new course.
The University of Westminster has a unique history of delivering professional courses that meet the needs of groups from a variety of professional backgrounds. The development of this innovative and professionally-endorsed pathway in church-based community development work upholds this tradition. Through a new model of learning, church-based community development workers will be able to explore a range of key issues at the core of their practice.
This important new course captures the distinctive contribution of church-based community development work in challenging injustice and facilitating effective responses. The course is:
• Practical – it will enable church-based community workers to enhance and develop their own skills, and develop relevant new approaches where appropriate. The programme includes site visits and interactive sessions with leading church-based community development worker-practitioners
• Critical – participants will analyse in depth the issues confronted by church-based community development workers, connecting theological ideas to experience, to critically shape and inform practice.
The course will provide participants with training in up-to-date community development practice.
Facilities
The course is taught at our newly-refurbished Cavendish site in purpose-built facilities. You will have access to all the dedicated library and computing facilities that you would expect from one of Britain’s largest universities.
Teaching
The creative learning environment helps you to acquire a critical grounding in church-based community development work. There are no easy answers or quick fixes. You will be able to use this course to wrestle with the issues of developing effective and empowering church-based practice underpinned by community work principles. The course enables you to share and compare your experiences with others, stimulated by new perspectives from assigned reading, invited speakers and practical assignments. The experience and expertise students bring is highly valued. You can also incorporate this course within extended study for a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate.
Teaching staff
Our staff are a diverse team made up of core and associate staff all of whom are engaged in practice outside the University. They bring relevant and current experience of different sectors to the work of the School.
Assessment
Assessment will be via coursework.
Entry requirements
You must have two years’ experience in church based community work (paid or unpaid) as well as an Honours degree or evidence of ability to work at postgraduate level. You will also be required to submit an essay on community work practice, and be interviewed. Applicants are invited from community organisations, the voluntary sector, statutory agencies, health, housing and social care. You are required to show competence in written and spoken English, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 or above in all components, or equivalent.
How to apply
Applications should be made directly to the University, using a paper application form or online from the University website. Applications should be sent to:
Cavendish Admissions and Marketing Office,
University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7911 5883
Email: cav-admissions@westminster.ac.uk
Related courses
MA Community Development
MA International Community Development
“At long last we have a first class course which gives the tools into the hands of those who wrestle with how their work in community is directly related to and critiqued by their Christian faith.
Bringing together the disciplines of Community Development and Christian Theology encourages brave new insights into Community Action and can open up fascinating new discoveries about what the Christian faith can do for individuals and local communities. The course is taught by a highly respected team, who know how to do it – and know how to help other do it. The course is both vocational, in that it offers new skills and abilities, and is reflective, in that it engenders those insights which are vital to energetic faith understanding and social concern. It will be welcomed in parishes by clergy, ministry teams and community workers – indeed, by any Christian who has serious Kingdom concerns. This exciting course offers the tools for courageous Community Development shot through with faithful Christian integrity.”
Dr Laurie Green
Bishop of Bradwell
Thursday 21 May 2009
New funding streams for community ministry in south and east Essex
This is a copy of letter that is being sent out to all incumbent clergy in south and east Essex today...
Others for whom this might be of use are just as welcome to be in touch with this office, through this blog or otherwise...
Dear colleagues
I wanted to let you know about a number of (relatively-new) funding streams which may be of help to you in your community ministry work. I hope you will find them of value.
I am, of course, ready and willing to directly assist any parish or group who might wish for my assistance in approaching these funders or developing their vision and plans.
Church and Community Fund (Church of England) helps with projects of all kinds that bring the community into the church and the church into the community. The maximum grant is £15,000 and applicants are welcome to request any amount within this limit. The Fund does support ecumenical projects where the Anglican Church plays a significant role. Full guidance notes and application details are on their website: www.churchandcommunityfund.org.uk or contact The Church and Community Fund on 020 7898 1767 or email ccf@c-of-e.org.uk
Migration Impacts Fund: A new fund to manage the transitional impacts of migration has been announced and application packs for project funding are now available. For further information contact Lee Davies, Government Office East, 01223 372950 or email lee.davies@goeast.gsi.gov.uk
BT Community Connections is an award scheme which enables community and charitable organisations to get online and make use of information and communication technology (ICT). The scheme supports a diverse range of community and charitable organisations. Almost any organisation, working in any field of community benefit, can apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband connection. To find out more log on to www.btcommunityconnections.com
Deadlines for round one (open now):
Postal applications must be received by
Online applications must be submitted by
Free Introductory Pack on Funding and Finance
Produced by NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project and the Finance Hub, this pack of six guides is for small and medium sized organisations and they cover fundraising, trading, contracting and much more.
For more information visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sfp/introductory-pack
Myself and others on the Area Team hope that these opportunities may be of assistance to you.
Go well,
The Revd
Faith in Action Advisor – Bradwell Episcopal Area
PS Archdeacon David Lowman and Canon
Martin, further, holds a database of grant making trusts that can be accessed in his office.
Martin is happy to offer general advice to parishes about raising money for major capital projects.
The funding guides on the parish resources website (http://www.parishresources.org.uk/funding.htm) are a good source of advice.
Thursday 7 May 2009
The safeguarding of our children...
One aspect of my work which is a great privilege - though it can be a terrible chore, and certainly has its tedious moments! - is being involved in the life of Essex County Council.
I have been co-opted as a Member of the Council, in the first instance to be asked to contribute towards the scrutiny of policy in the arena of Children, Young People, Schools and Families. Being in County Hall and meeting other Members/Councillors, though, certainly helps me to develop relationships and familiarity with people and functions of our local authority, which is valuable in all sorts of ways...
Today, we had a day-long scrutiny exercise, calling a string of witnesses to tell our committee about their work on the Essex Safeguarding Children's Board. Essex has been heavily-critisized by OFSTED for its failing and unsatisfactory work in regard of safeguarding our children, so this Board's growing work and profile is significant. Should colleagues wish to know more about what we are investigating and monitoring, then do please be in touch.
It is also significant that, just yesterday, HM Government (DSCF) published its own latest bit of advice and direction about the work of Boards of this kind, following on as a response to the second piece of work by Lord Laming, itself arising out of the Baby Peter debacle over these past months.
Watch this space!
I have been co-opted as a Member of the Council, in the first instance to be asked to contribute towards the scrutiny of policy in the arena of Children, Young People, Schools and Families. Being in County Hall and meeting other Members/Councillors, though, certainly helps me to develop relationships and familiarity with people and functions of our local authority, which is valuable in all sorts of ways...
Today, we had a day-long scrutiny exercise, calling a string of witnesses to tell our committee about their work on the Essex Safeguarding Children's Board. Essex has been heavily-critisized by OFSTED for its failing and unsatisfactory work in regard of safeguarding our children, so this Board's growing work and profile is significant. Should colleagues wish to know more about what we are investigating and monitoring, then do please be in touch.
It is also significant that, just yesterday, HM Government (DSCF) published its own latest bit of advice and direction about the work of Boards of this kind, following on as a response to the second piece of work by Lord Laming, itself arising out of the Baby Peter debacle over these past months.
Watch this space!
Wednesday 6 May 2009
The Croydon connection, Rowan's environmental initiatives and other fun...
Was great, today, to welcome a colleague from down in south London...
The Revd Dr Barry Goodwin wears many hats, and is a wonderful example to me of how to juggle the kind of job he and I do. Barry works in the Croydon Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Southwark (ie. south of the river in London and a bit of Surrey) as their Parish Development and Social Responsibility Officer, and acts in a wider capacity across the Diocese as DEO (Diocesan Environment Officer) and Rural Officer.
We were able to touch base about a number of things, but a good number of them concerned environmental matters and initiatives.
Barry convenes the group for the London Churches' Environmental Network, which is a useful discussion and action forum across the capital city, and should be seen as a resource beyond the metropolis, in my view. So, come on, Essex people, get plugged in to this network!...
Barry has also been involved in some of the lead-up to the relaunch this summer of the C of E's environmental initiative Shrinking the Footprint. This will be given a needed jolt of new publicity on June 11 at Lambeth Palace by ++Rowan - I hope to be there, and want our churches in south and east Essex to really get excited and committed about the idea of making our places of worship and our lives of discipleship in Jesus Christ places where God can speak powerfully of His goodness against the background of our present perilous relaitionship with His created order...
At the end of this year, vital discussions about our energy uses and carbon sequestration across the world will be the subject of international discussions at Copenhagen. Perhaps, we could consider in our parishes involving the whole community, and especially our children, in the ARK campaign of Operation Noah? I would be happy to assist any in the parishes - or our schools - with this initiative, which I think is a really great one!
The Revd Dr Barry Goodwin wears many hats, and is a wonderful example to me of how to juggle the kind of job he and I do. Barry works in the Croydon Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Southwark (ie. south of the river in London and a bit of Surrey) as their Parish Development and Social Responsibility Officer, and acts in a wider capacity across the Diocese as DEO (Diocesan Environment Officer) and Rural Officer.
We were able to touch base about a number of things, but a good number of them concerned environmental matters and initiatives.
Barry convenes the group for the London Churches' Environmental Network, which is a useful discussion and action forum across the capital city, and should be seen as a resource beyond the metropolis, in my view. So, come on, Essex people, get plugged in to this network!...
Barry has also been involved in some of the lead-up to the relaunch this summer of the C of E's environmental initiative Shrinking the Footprint. This will be given a needed jolt of new publicity on June 11 at Lambeth Palace by ++Rowan - I hope to be there, and want our churches in south and east Essex to really get excited and committed about the idea of making our places of worship and our lives of discipleship in Jesus Christ places where God can speak powerfully of His goodness against the background of our present perilous relaitionship with His created order...
At the end of this year, vital discussions about our energy uses and carbon sequestration across the world will be the subject of international discussions at Copenhagen. Perhaps, we could consider in our parishes involving the whole community, and especially our children, in the ARK campaign of Operation Noah? I would be happy to assist any in the parishes - or our schools - with this initiative, which I think is a really great one!
Monday 4 May 2009
Welcome to Bradwell Faith in Action!
If you have been directed here from the journey home, or via the website of the Anglican Diocese of Chelmsford, welcome! If you have arrived here otherwise, then welcome too!...
Please be patient as this blog gradually develops as a resource for all who are working to serve the communities of south and east Essex, and beyond. Should you have suggestions about what ought to be here, do please make suggestions!
Go well,
Paul
Please be patient as this blog gradually develops as a resource for all who are working to serve the communities of south and east Essex, and beyond. Should you have suggestions about what ought to be here, do please make suggestions!
Go well,
Paul
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)