Lord, Teach Us to Pray
The first step to a healthy and thriving church is prayer, so we will make prayer integral to all our events and activities in 2025, to help the spiritual life of our churches to flourish.
In order to prepare those who value the opportunity to share the bounty of prayer with others within their own church family and beyond, the Mission Team were pleased to conduct two preparation courses in January (online using Zoom). These were well attended by both lay leaders and clergy who wanted to explore the content of the two prayer courses being offered to all by the Diocese during Lent. Attendees were able to familiarise themselves with the free resources available for both events, and the breakout discussions in smaller groups challenged and encouraged participants to “Keep it simple, keep it real and keep it up.”
Following the success of these prayer course training events, the Mission Team are offering further opportunities to learn how to run an event for your own church or worship group, using the Pilgrim Prayer Course national church
resources, and The Prayer Course. Sessions will include simple liturgy, reflection on passages of scripture, video content, time in breakout groups to discuss, questions, and of course, prayer.
09 July 2025 How to run a prayer course (online) For more details click here.
10 July 2025 How to run a prayer course (Bouverie Court) For more details click here.
What's It All About? Enquirers Course Training Opportunities
One of the most effective ways to help people come to, and grow in faith, is through an Enquirers Course. These are simple gatherings where people can ask questions, discuss their opinions and listen to honest explanations about aspects of Christianity - taking place in a comfy, safe environment, often with food included. While many of of our friends and neighbours may not come to church, a surprising number are keen to talk about life, the universe, God and everything else, when in a place or with people they feel comfortable with!
This training explores some of the 'off the peg' enquirers courses available, how to go about organising, inviting and running a course; also the key principles of listening, generous hospitality and faith journeys.
Research shows that churches which regularly run enquirer's courses - even with only 2 or 3 attending, see consistent growth in their numbers and depth of faith.
Learn how to lead an enquirers course by joining one of the following training sessions:
- Wednesday 17 September 2025 7:00-8:30pm Online Click here to book your place
- Thursday 18 September 2025 12:00-2:00pm Bouverie Court, Northampton Click here to book your place
- Wednesday 12 November 2025 7:00-8:30pm Online Click here to book your place
- Thursday 13 November 2025 12:00-2:00pm Bouverie Court, Northampton Click here to book your place
For more infomation on each of the courses covered by the training, click on the links below:
Alpha Being With The Word One to One Start! Christianity Explored Hope Explored
Leading your Church into Growth (LyCiG) Autumn National Conference 13-15 October 2025
The LyCiG Autumn National Conference will take place at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 1AU.
This highly-regarded residential course is an open seminar with interactive talks, practical exercises, workshops and time and space for personal reflection. There will be opportunities for LyCiG team members to answer questions and to explore the profile of individual churches. This event is designed for clergy and lay leaders from across different denominations who are looking for help in leading their churches into growth.
There are still a few subsidised places available.
Contact Charlie Nobbs by email or phone 07532 013599 for more information on bookings and funding assistance.
See the Events Calendar for more details.
Lay Pioneer Training Course
A 3 module course for anyone exploring or wanting to get better at starting things that reach out to people who are unlikely to visit their local church. If you are interested we’d love to hear from you.
Contact: Rev. Dave Battison
Church Planting
Individual or team coaching. Contact Revd Charlie Nobbs, an experienced church planter and coach, or phone 07532 013599 to talk about how we can support you.