There have been a couple of blog posts in the Methodist world about the importance of continued academic training of our Ministers. It started with Angie in The Kneeler: Qualified to Minister? and The Kneeler: Education and Ministry - Wesley's lists! Richard then continued with it in Ministerial formation | connexions.
As someone with only a Diploma in Theology (and whose attempt to complete the degree during probationer training was thwarted by family problems particularly Mother-in-law heart attack and double bypass operation) I fully support the need for academically qualified ministers who are spirit filled and can make connections between these things and everyday life with people in and outside the Church.
I take seriously the need to continue to learn and would relish the opportunity to continue to study and that despite finding academic essay writing a horrific process (love the learning, hate the fully referenced writing, love putting it into practice in community).
So anyway with all that in mind I have enrolled on a new course of study. It may not be quite what Angie had in mind :-) Still in January my education continues with a 10 week course through Tresham College at one of their Corby centres to gain a Welding C&G Level 1 Certificate.
Well that is assuming they offer me an interview and accept me.
Suggestions about how to use this in ministry are welcome!
As someone with only a Diploma in Theology (and whose attempt to complete the degree during probationer training was thwarted by family problems particularly Mother-in-law heart attack and double bypass operation) I fully support the need for academically qualified ministers who are spirit filled and can make connections between these things and everyday life with people in and outside the Church.
I take seriously the need to continue to learn and would relish the opportunity to continue to study and that despite finding academic essay writing a horrific process (love the learning, hate the fully referenced writing, love putting it into practice in community).
So anyway with all that in mind I have enrolled on a new course of study. It may not be quite what Angie had in mind :-) Still in January my education continues with a 10 week course through Tresham College at one of their Corby centres to gain a Welding C&G Level 1 Certificate.
Well that is assuming they offer me an interview and accept me.
Suggestions about how to use this in ministry are welcome!
Welding different church factions or warring parishioners together seems an admirable skill to have.
Good luck! And enjoy!
Posted by: Erika Baker | Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 03:43 PM
If it reminds you that there is a link between learning and doing I'm all for it!
The big question is - did you persuade your district that this was a good use of your CDIM £250 ?
Why not consider
http://www.methodist-e-academy.org
I'd love to have you as a student again!
Posted by: angela shier-jones | Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Angie,
That CDIM money gets sucked up faster than a speeding circuit steward, so no this is personal.
I'll take a look at the e-academy but what with the welding and stuff it might have to wait a while :-)
Posted by: Dave | Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Erika,
I was wondering about welding the doors of the Church ope. Or maybe shut, in some cases :-)
Posted by: Dave | Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Good for you! I am a great believer in life-long learning, for Ministers and lay people alike. At 88, I still miss it badly when I am not on some course or other, and am just waiting for the result of tests this week before enrolling at Sarum College again. I just want to be sure I can safely do the double train journey to get there!
Posted by: Olive Morgan | Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Welding means you can still be accepting and inclusive to brass monkeys when the heating fails again.
Posted by: Tony Buglass | Friday, November 27, 2009 at 10:14 AM