Ministries and Learning

Definition

The Ministries and Learning Committee seeks to provide learning opportunities, training and support to lay and ordained ministry. This includes Lay Training, Church Related Community Work, and Ministers of Word and Sacraments, both Stipendiary and Non Stipendiary.   The Committee is also responsible for guiding those candidating for ministries from the North Western Synod of the United Reformed Church.

Role

Generally to:

• oversee the training and ongoing educational support of all ministers and lay people

• encourage and promote recruitment for all forms of ministerial service

• maintain active links with the RCLs used by the United Reformed Church.

Specifically to:

• initially assess potential candidates for ministry in the United Reformed Church

• provide pastoral support for candidates in ministerial formation

• oversee and direct the work of the Training and Learning Mentor

• provide mandatory training to support lay people in administering the sacraments

• provide mandatory and other training in line with the requirements of NW Synod and the URC

• set and monitor the ministerial and lay training budgets in consultation with the finance team

• provide Assessment Board representatives to assist in the process of discerning the suitability of candidates for ministerial training

• liaise with Ministries Committee, Church House as and when appropriate.

Membership

Membership is for an initial term of 3 years.                            

The following permanent members of the Committee are:

            Convenor: Elizabeth Hall

            Learning and Training Mentor: Revd Dr Rob Hoch

            Candidate Secretary                                                     

            Northern College representative                                   

            Church Related Community Worker                              

            Minister of Word and Sacrament EM2                          

            Minister of Word and Sacrament EM3                          

            Children & Young People Representative                                              

            Lay Representative                                           

            Area Lay Worship Leader Advocates                                         

The following are co-opted members

            Moderator                                                                   

            Synod Clerk                                                                 

            Deputy Synod Clerk      

Meetings

The Committee expects to meet approximately every two months, but will do so more frequently should circumstances require.