The Courses

Here are the 'courses' available for your church to take with a ConneXions Enabler... If you would like more information on these courses or to arrange for your congregation to use a course, please use the 'Have Your Say' page.

Bible Engagement with ConneXions: seeing the Biblical basis for moving on
A six-part series, based on the main aspects of ConneXions, using interaction and discussion as the main methods of study. It is important to relay what has been found to the wider congregation so that people know others are thinking and praying for the future of the Church.     ^^ Top ^^

Worship steps: growing from the present
Setting up a Worship Committee. Introducing changes. Worship Development Project. Resources at No9. Ideas for involvement and training lay leaders for worship. Also introduces a discussion on the use of Holy Communion, children and Communion and the Ministry of Healing. Guidelines for Praise groups to enhance worship and avoid stereotyping!     ^^ Top ^^

A Survey of your wider community: getting to know what you don’t know!
Helping a congregation to introduce itself to the locality; to know what is going on from the perspective of those living and working in the area. Mapping the church area and the congregation’s demography, in order to provide a framework for vision and mission.     ^^ Top ^^

Building Prayer Life: the accompanying refreshment for the whole journey!
A programme aimed at making prayer the priority of the local church. Introducing innovative ways of prayer on Sundays, and other occasions; presenting a Prayer Vision; equipping the people; introducing new ideas and training as well as indicators of success.      ^^ Top ^^

A Picture of your local church: what purposes have you and how are they doing?
Celebrate the past as you become aware of the history of your congregations and to see where changes have taken place. Diagnosing the life of your Church and set priorities to move towards an achievable Mission Statement. Using the statement to focus the Leaders’ Meeting Agenda. Setting aims and objectives.     ^^ Top ^^

Chef’s Speciality – Gifts for all: identifying and using people’s gifts in a new way
An intensive programme during which a vision statement is decided, with input from the whole congregation and then a three week programme of activity, including a meal, presentation and visitation to identify skills, find gifts and accept offers of service aimed at fulfilling the vision. An ongoing programme of renewal for a Church or circuit, which is lay led.      ^^ Top ^^

Rural Church options: mission that is unique to country areas
Identifying mission areas in rural regions so that small Churches can work co-operatively together in fulfilment of that mission. Investigating the possibility of training for agricultural lay pastoral work and the use of both church buildings and farm homes to witness, teach and evangelise. The course would also include finding ways of building partnerships with local community groups.      ^^ Top ^^

Crossing bridges: steps in reconciliation
Coming to terms with ourselves and our perceptions of others. Small steps in crossing the religious and political divides. Seeing the value of the little things. Finding a role as a meeting point for those of different faith traditions. Taking steps in reconciliation.     ^^ Top ^^

Church Councils matter: getting a new system up and running
Making the Leaders’ Meeting a Church Council. Servant leadership, task oriented ministry and purpose driven decisions.      ^^ Top ^^

For Later...

These courses aren't available yet, but may be prepared when needed...

Mission possible!: tasks for a serving Church
Providing a relevant ministry to transient populations as well as improving the fellowship of long standing members. Stretching without straining personnel or resources. Principles to guide in the use of premises; guidelines for short-term projects.

Telling the untold story: healing the impediments to growth
Touching the tender spots in a congregation by identifying the unspoken and assumed culture where old injuries still wait to be healed. Relate it to worship and identify the attachments we all have with the past, and how these sometimes keep us from moving on and growing.

Cell transitioning: making many small Churches from one big Church
A radical process involving a number of volunteers from a congregation who will attempt to see their small group as the Church, providing worship, learning, fellowship and service, whilst continuing to meet with the gathered congregation. The purpose of the cell is to grow and multiply by conversion growth.

Seeing all the Connections: playing your part in the wider vision
Getting an understanding of how the wider Church is working and changing, by information and experience. Linking with other circuits for mutual encouragement and sharing of resources.

Training for local ministries: resourcing local people and their ministers
Service for Christ - not positions in the Church! Job descriptions for local church officials and what is needed to ensure that they are helped to do a good job. Booklets and leaflets plus what you can bring to the task yourself. Being members of a team, which regularly asks how it is doing. Ministerial Appraisals.

Networking with others: learning from others and supporting them.
Help to set up links with other circuits and churches and developing ideas for encouraging one another. Plugging into the wider Church outside Methodism and outside Ireland. Using the Covenant.

Reviewing the situation: keeping mission statements updated
Making sure the congregation knows the reason for the existence of your Church, and reviewing them annually.

Reflect and grow: learning from your experiences
Learning to keep an eye on what you have been doing and where God may be leading you next.     ^^ Top ^^