Diocesan Evangelists – closing date today
Today, 22 November, is the closing date for expressions of interest in our Diocesan Evangelists training.
The Diocese of Down and Dromore is seeking to recruit people with a heart to reach the lost, a commitment to work hard and a willingness to learn how to witness more effectively. We are looking for workers for a new harvest.
We are partnering with ‘Through Faith Missions’ to provide a high quality course in Evangelism. It is a distance learning, practical course taught by evangelists and focussing on equipping participants with skills in evangelism.
Who is it for?
The course is open to adults of any age within the diocese who have a heart for reaching others with the gospel but would best suit those who are currently involved as volunteers or workers in some form of outreach ministry.
What is required?
A commitment to study of approximately 8 hours per week as well as around 3 weekends per year. The duration of the course is normally 2 years but it can be extended over 3 years.
When does it start?
In January 2014 with closing dates for applications of Friday 22 November and interviews scheduled for Thursday, 28 November and Friday 29 November.
What is the content of the course?The course has five theory modules of learning covering Old and New Testament, Ministry in the Local Church, Evangelism and a fifth module that will be arranged after participants are selected.
These modules will be assessed through assignments and participants will also be expected to undertake further reading as part of these modules.
The course also includes an exciting ‘Life of the Evangelist’ core unit, which is a skills based with 12 learning outcomes on practical ways in which faith can be shared with others. This unit will not only teach and encourage you in a variety of skills but also help you to discover those areas of evangelism in which you are most suited for your future ministry.
The 12 Learning Outcomes are:
To be able to lead someone to Christ when they are ready, conveying the gospel facts and challenges appropriately. To preach, with or without advance notice, the gospel facts evangelistically, and in a manner appropriate to the recipients’ setting and background so that those who are ready are drawn to Christ. To attain a level of skill in a range of techniques for communicating the gospel evangelistically. Exercise leadership skills in a team situation. Assess the mission strategy required for different church environments. The ability to turn mission strategy into appropriate mission activity. To have developed a sustaining spirituality for an evangelistic life. Teach others how to make their lives an effective witness for Christ. Reach a particular group (social, ethnic, age, etc) with the Christian message in a particularly effective way. Relate sensitively to a wide spectrum of personalities, cultural backgrounds, and ages. To be able to make an appropriate response to people who are suffering psychologically, spiritually, or physically. To be able to nurture new Christians.
You will demonstrate evidence on each of these skills from many sources such as journals, observation, assessment, home church or placement reports, witness statements from those receiving ministry and some coursework. All of this evidence will be collated into a portfolio that will be submitted for final assessment at the end of the course.
In addition this unit will also involve face–to–face contact between students and some of the best evangelists in the UK and Ireland.
On the successful completion of the course you will have an accredited certificate from St. John’s College, Nottingham and also become a member of the Society of Contemporary Evangelists.
Is there a placement?
The diocese will work with you to help find concurrent voluntary or paid placements as evangelists in Down and Dromore.
What is the cost?
The cost for the entire course including materials, tuition, residential stays and flights will be £2,500 per person. In the case of those selected by the Diocese of Down and Dromore half of the cost will be met by the diocese. It is envisaged that the remainder will be shared between the participant and their parish.
How do I apply?
The closing date for expressions of interest is
Friday 22 November
. However it is essential that you discuss this with your rector beforehand as an accompanying letter from them is required.
There is no application form needed, simply a reference from your rector, details of another referee we could contact and a CV outlining your experience and role in ministering to others.
Interviews are scheduled for Thursday, 28 November and Friday 29 November.
Download a printable PDF version of the above information here.
If you would like any more information please contact:
Mary Coles
Church of Ireland House
61–67 Donegall Street
Belfast
BT1 2QH
Email:
mcoles@diocoff-belfast.org