After meeting for a weekend of reflection, worship and fellowship, a second cohort of students has spoken highly about the Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers (AALP) course.
The AALP is a two-year course currently offered through Northern College in Manchester and involves around ten online sessions, and several in-person weekends featuring study and reflection, worship leading, and mentor meetings.
Over the course of the weekend, AALP and Education for Ministry 1 students also enjoyed opportunities to study together.
The students spoke positively about their experiences on the course and how much they valued the interaction with those training for ministry.
“It has been really heartening to share this journey with others and has helped to build my confidence in a safe space.,” said Jane Kear, a member of Providence URC in New Mills.
“I have found the tutors very approachable, knowledgeable and accommodating. The whole atmosphere has been very collegial, inclusive and mutually supportive. There is a real sense that everyone is learning, tutors and students alike, and that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by sharing experiences both positive and negative.”
Nathanael Paul, a member of Shrewsbury URC in Shropshire, added: “Being inexperienced in ministry, new to the URC and a younger member of the lay preaching group I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. But alongside trusting in God’s call, the course leaders and my peers have been wonderful and so welcoming. To engage with people from different backgrounds and demographics is so valuable, and the training is incredibly interesting, challenging and exciting.”
Dot Thomson, a member of Northgate URC in Darlington, said: “I was concerned that ‘my style’ wouldn’t fit with ‘how it should be done’, I am pleased to say we are encouraged to be ourselves, not conform to a certain formula. The course triggers us to think and question ourselves it does not tell us what to think.”
Mark Renshaw, a member of Sutton-in-Ashfield Church in Nottinghamshire, said: “The other enlightenment is that I do have voice to express God to those who want to hear, and I do have a God whose voice can be heard despite of me. I would love to see many more young voices join me in the pulpit. God speaks out despite our doubts. So why not learn the craft of preaching and let experience hone that craft as you grow older?”
Edward Hoddinott-Leighton, a member of Cockermouth URC, commented: “The combination of in person and Zoom sessions has made this course a viable option for me, and having my little ones come into the room while in a Zoom session isn’t an issue.
“I’ve enjoyed the way we know what sessions are coming up and the way each one is delivered in a relaxed and informative manner. My first year has already provided me with a confidence in my service preparation and delivery I wasn’t sure I would ever gain without it.
The AALP course also covers personal development, crafting worship, the Bible in worship, theology of the URC, safe boundaries in pastoral
care, equality and diversity and intergenerational worship.
The next course begins in September, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed and depends on the cohort and their availability.
If you would like to know more, please email Ministries at [email protected], or find more information here.