Training and Development
We all have skills, gifts and talents that God has given us but sometimes we need a bit of encouragement to release them. Mersey Synod provides training opportunities for everyone from pew to pulpit. Whether you are wanting to refresh your ministerial practice, pep up the prayer-life of the congregation or introduce a new skill to your leadership team, there are opportunities out there.
Ministry is any service that God is calling His people to. Is God calling you? Whether you are certain or you are testing your call or are just not sure which way to go, why not contact Emma and have a chat?
Once you have been ordained or accredited the learning doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year there is national, regional and local training that can be accessed as well as support hubs and enrichment opportunities.
Find out more about Stepwise by clicking the logo. Stepwise is a discipleship programme that helps you grow and flourish in your wall with Christ.
MWS and AALPs have access to a Training Grant each year. Click HERE to download the current application forms.
From Elders’ training, Minister away days and Stepwise through to AALPs gatherings and conferences, details are posted on our events page, or you can get in touch with the Mersey Synod Training and Development Officer, Emma Howarth
Please let Emma know if there are any training, enrichment or development areas that you or your church think would be beneficial.
Find out more about upcoming training events here
The URC Education and Learning team has created a central home for blended learning programmes in the church – the URC Learning Hub. Here you will find all the Stepwise material plus additional resources for Elders, Ministers & other learners.
Contact Emma for more details or email HUB to activate your account.
Emma Howarth is the Mersey Synod Training & Development Officer (TDO), providing a range of support and opportunities for exploring and developing vocations and ministries across the Mersey Synod.
Whether you are discerning God’s call or are already serving in some form of ministry, we encourage an ethos of life-long learning, contact her:
07984335797 trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
There are many ministries in God’s church - and each of them is important.
Some are particular ministries in your church such as refreshments, welcomers or church hosts (and many others).
Other ministries are broader such as Elder, Locally Recognised Worship Leader, Lay Preacher, Church Related Community Worker or Minister of Word & Sacrament.
Whatever you are called to, or if you don’t know yet - come and speak to Emma
Worship & Prayer Resources from the URC are available for all to use.
Northern College is the URC training college or Resource Learning Centre (RCL) - and is at Martin Luther House in Manchester.
Retreat Centres
If you are thinking about a retreat, this is a useful website: Christian Retreats UK | Complete Guide
These are some of the Christian retreat centres in the north of England:
Ince Benet, Liverpool
Foxhill, Frodsham
Holy Rood House Centre for Health and Pastoral Care, Thirsk
Wydale, Scarborough
Scargill Movement, Skipton
Westwood Centre, Huddersfield
St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Formby
Refreshment Retreat, Blackpool
Elders Workbook Click this link to open a copy of the Elders Workbook that you can download.