Lay Ministry Formation

home >> lay ministry formation

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT FOR LAY WORKERS

Developing training and support for those employed in the life of the Church

Many Methodist Circuits are now employing Pastoral or Community Workers to share in the ministry of their congregation(s) - and we want to help!

The variety of work being undertaken, together with the varied experience of workers, has led to the decision to offer a distinctive work-related training scheme – the Lay Ministry Formation Scheme – and to provide other opportunities for networking and fellowship through a Retreat. The first of these was held in January 2005.

Lay Ministry Formation Scheme

This is a work-related, portfolio-based training programme which does not require participants to attend classes, but rather to meet with a mentor to discuss aspects of their work and to seek to develop areas of their ministry.

Lay Workers with a significant amount of pastoral work within the Methodist Church in Ireland, appointed since January 2005, are required to take part in the scheme. Those who are already in post may opt into the course.

Lay Workers' Retreat - 'Time Out'

Time out to meet with other Lay Workers for personal development, reflection on the nature of lay ministry and Christian leadership in the Church, prayer and worship. The next Time Out will be announced soon.

Please note that Youth Workers have their own support system through the Department of Youth and Children's Work.

If you are a lay worker with a Methodist Church in Ireland and are not receiving mailings from us please talk to your minister. But please feel free to contact Mrs. Louise Wilson if you have any questions!

For further details of the Lay Ministry Formation Scheme, please contact Mrs. Louise Wilson (Training and Development Officer):

Tel: (028) 9068 6935
E-mail: tdo@edgehillcollege.org