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Pathways are…
…a combination of learning, training and formation to help you feel more equipped and confident in the places God has called you to at work, at church and in your local community.
We currently offer Pathways in…
Click the title for a summary of what is included:
- Bereavement ministry (either Visiting or Taking funerals)
- Children, youth and families
- Leading worship
- Pastoral ministry
- Preaching
- Reconciliation ministry
- Young leaders’ Pathway
Note: Those involved in a new worshipping community may find Myriad helpful.
Pathways are open to…
…anyone who is actively involved in OR exploring that ministry (in either a formal or informal way).
The training we offer is designed to be completed alongside being active in that ministry. This means we request your incumbent recommends you, so we can share details about supporting you.
Helpful info: All Pathway training events and learning courses are also open to people who are not on the Pathway.
Each Pathway includes:
- Three learning courses – (each with five sessions) to help deepen your understanding of the Bible, faith and your ministry. There is a short assignment to complete at the end.
- Six training events – five sessions specific to your ministry and unconscious bias awareness training. You also need to complete basic and foundation safeguarding training.
- At least five personal formation sessions –to explore how your personality, experiences, and faith are lived out in your ministry.
- Practical experience – organised within your own church and context with your skills, personality and gifts in mind.
Once you have completed these elements there is a ‘Reflective Review’ to help you think about your experience and growth over your time on the Pathway.
Practical information
Joining a Pathway – If you are interested in joining a Pathway, speak to your incumbent about your ministry and recommending you for the Pathway.
Completing a Pathway – The main purpose of Pathway is to help you grow in your ministry. To mark the end of your Pathway you will receive a Bishop’s certificate in lay ministry.
Time – The Pathways are circular so you can join a Pathway at any point. It takes a minimum of one year to complete a Pathway. It can also be completed over a longer period of time.
Location – The training and personal formation sessions are at different places around the diocese. The learning courses may be led in person, on Zoom or ‘online in your own time’ on the Equip hub. We encourage car sharing wherever possible.
Cost – The total cost of a Pathway is £105. This is paid as you book onto each element (courses are £25 each, training is £5 a session, personal formation is free). We ask churches to consider covering the costs of training as part of investing in their lay leaders. Finances should not be a barrier to accessing the Pathways so please contact us if it might be.
Licensed Lay ministry (Readers)
If you are considering licensed ministry, there are two important elements to be licensed:
- Discernment – Opportunities to consider your calling before a discernment process for LLM (Readers) where relevant.
- Training – Involves completing three Pathways relevant to your ministry alongside the reader formation group. Training can begin during or after the discernment process.
Click here for more information or contact mark.norris@coventry.anglican.org for more information about the discernment process.
More information…
Click here to download a handbook with all the information about how Pathways work and what is involved in each one.
Do contact Anna Naish for an informal chat or with any questions.
