After meeting for a weekend of reflection, worship and fellowship, a second cohort of students has spoken highly about the Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers (AALP) course.
The AALP is a two-year course currently offered through Northern College in Manchester and involves around ten online sessions, and several in-person weekends featuring study and reflection, worship leading, and mentor meetings.
Over the course of the weekend, AALP and Education for Ministry 1 students also enjoyed opportunities to study together.
The students spoke positively about their experiences on the course and how much they valued the interaction with those training for ministry.
鈥淚t has been really heartening to share this journey with others and has helped to build my confidence in a safe space.,鈥� said Jane Kear, a member of Providence 缅北强奸 in New Mills.
鈥淚 have found the tutors very approachable, knowledgeable and accommodating.听The whole atmosphere has been very collegial, inclusive and mutually supportive.听There is a real sense that everyone is learning, tutors and students alike, and that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by sharing experiences both positive and negative.鈥�
Nathanael Paul, a member of Shrewsbury 缅北强奸 in Shropshire, added: 鈥淏eing inexperienced in ministry, new to the 缅北强奸 and a younger member of the lay preaching group I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. But alongside trusting in God’s call, the course leaders and my peers have been wonderful and so welcoming. To engage with people from different backgrounds and demographics is so valuable, and the training is incredibly interesting, challenging and exciting.鈥�
Dot Thomson, a member of Northgate 缅北强奸 in Darlington, said: 鈥淚 was concerned that 鈥榤y style鈥� wouldn鈥檛 fit with 鈥榟ow it should be done鈥�, I am pleased to say we are encouraged to be ourselves, not conform to a certain formula. The course triggers us to think and question ourselves it does not tell us what to think.鈥�
Mark Renshaw, a member of Sutton-in-Ashfield Church in Nottinghamshire, said: 鈥淭he other enlightenment is that I do have voice to express God to those who want to hear, and I do have a God whose voice can be heard despite of me. I would love to see many more young voices join me in the pulpit. God speaks out despite our doubts. So why not learn the craft of preaching and let experience hone that craft as you grow older?鈥�
Edward Hoddinott-Leighton, a member of Cockermouth 缅北强奸, commented: 鈥淭he combination of in person and Zoom sessions has made this course a viable option for me, and having my little ones come into the room while in a Zoom session isn鈥檛 an issue.
鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed the way we know what sessions are coming up and the way each one is delivered in a relaxed and informative manner. My first year has already provided me with a confidence in my service preparation and delivery I wasn鈥檛 sure I would ever gain without it.
The AALP course also covers personal development, crafting worship, the Bible in worship, theology of the 缅北强奸, safe boundaries in pastoral
care, equality and diversity and intergenerational worship.
The next course begins in September, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed and depends on the cohort and their availability.
If you would like to know more, please email Ministries at [email protected], or find more information here.