Independent Methodists attend Methodist Worship Leaders’ Course

An announcement in a local Methodist Church Newsletter invited interested people to sign-up for a forthcoming Worship Leadership Course.

This prompted Grappenhall Church to promote the event amongst its membership and two members, a retired I.M. Minister and a retired primary school teacher forwarded their names.  In addition, eight others from Methodist and Anglican Churches signed up.

Sessions were led by two Methodist Local Preachers in what were well-structured, practical tutorials and lectures with course work as follow up and preparation; this included some research in our own Church. The course comprised of seven sessions over a three month period.

For all categories of participants the course provided an excellent grounding for newcomers and a refresher course for those well-experienced, who needed modern media guidance and some new stimulus.  It is no wonder that the local circuit has attracted three new local preachers via this course which has become a valid gateway to more detailed study and training for the calling of ministry.

The fellowship on the course with members of other denominations provided a wider opportunity to share experience and to help each other in personal and general development.  ‘Roots’ material with all its supportive ideas and applications proved to be valuable, especially to one church without a minister.

The package for the course, by David Burfield, is in a loose leafed file and was reprinted in 2012.  It is soon to be updated in a more modern, presentable format. 
Packs at £10 each are available from: Methodist Publishing, 17, Tresham Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Cambs.  PE2 6SG  (tel. 01733 2358962)

Footnote:
The course content outline is:
 1.  Introduction to corporate worship
 2.  The structure of worship
 3.  Leaders’ presentation
 4.  Preparation for leadership
 5.  Leading prayer in worship
 6.  Enabling worship

Photo caption: Rob Brooks, Church Deacon, presents Worship Leader’s Certificates to Roger Hazeldine (left) and Kath Middleton.