Do you feel ready to embark on a spiritual journey which could deepen your Christian faith?
A new course to explore, learn and discuss Christianity is now open to anyone over 18 within the Diocese of Norwich.
The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian learning is an opportunity to feel refreshed and inspired, or simply to learn more about the Christian faith.
If you are new to the faith and you would like to understand more, then this is the course for you. Equally, it’s open to anyone who has been a Christian for years and would value the experience of meeting with others and exploring more together.
Perhaps you may want to develop your personal faith, or you have a role in your church and you’d like a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. All are welcome.
There are five subject areas containing five sessions. You are welcome to select one subject area or more. If you complete all five blocks, you will receive the Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning.
Revd Richard Lamey is the Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Norwich. Richard says:
“We are really excited to be offering this new Bishop’s Certificate across the diocese. It will be a brilliant chance to listen to excellent input, to discuss things together and then to take good ideas and fresh connections back to churches across the whole breadth of the diocese. It is flexible, accessible and deliberately created for the people of the diocese by the people of the diocese.”
The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock is the Dean of Norwich Cathedral. Dean Andrew says:
“The new Bishop’s Certificate is a brilliant opportunity to explore the riches of Christianity. It will nourish, stretch and deepen the faith of course participants, opening up fresh perspectives on how God in Christ is reconciling the world to himself.”
What you need to know
- You need to be 18+ to take part.
- You don’t have to be connected to or part of a church to apply
- The learning is open and available to all
- There are 5 subject area blocks, you are welcome to join 1 or select some, but the Certificate will only be awarded to people who complete all 5 learning blocks.
- The sessions look at: Old Testament, New Testament, Prayer, Mission and the Christian Life.
- The first session of each block is in person on a Saturday morning in Norwich, with other four sessions on Zoom on Wednesday nights from 7-8.30pm. The 1st session is on Saturday 18 January 2025 at a venue in Cathedral Close, to be announced.
- The cost of each block is £25, total for 5 is £125. There is a 10% discount if you book for all 5. Bursaries are available to cover if cost is an issue and parishes might choose to pay some of the cost for people who wish to apply too.
Course Content
1. Inhabiting the New Testament
Led by Dr Jane McLarty, Licensed Lay Minister
In person: Saturday 18th January AM
Zoom: Wednesday 22 Jan, 29 Jan, 5 February, 12 February
- The World of the NT
- How do I read the Gospels?
- What did Jesus teach?
- Is Acts history?
- How do I read Paul today
2. Exploring the Old Testament
Led by Revd Charles Read
In person: Saturday 1st March PM
Zoom: Thursdays, 13 March, 20 March, 27 March, 3 April
- The world of the OT
- How do I read Genesis?
- Horrible histories
- Reading the Prophets
- Seeking Wisdom
3. Praying
Led by Revd Canon Nick Garrard
In person: Saturday, 10th May 2pm-4.30pm
Zoom: Wednesdays, 14, 21, 28 May (half-term) 4 June. 7-8.30pm
- New pathways in prayer and learning from tradition.
- Being with God in creation and creativity.
- Praying with experience and imagination.
- Praying in the darkness.
- Journeying in prayer: pilgrimage.
4. Shaping the Christian life
Led by Revd Richard Lamey
In person: Saturday 14 June 2pm-4.30pm.
Zoom: 18 June, 25 June, 2 July, 9 July
- Baptism and breaking bread
- We believe – creeds and the framework of faith
- Sharing in ministry
- Faith in daily life
- Hearing God’s call
5. Sharing in God’s mission
Led by Revd Richard Lamey
In person: Saturday 13 September 2pm-4.30pm
Zoom: 17 September, 1 October, 8 October, 15 October
- God’s activity and the five marks of mission
- The parish and mission
- Chaplaincy and mission
- Pioneer ministry
- Social and environmental action
Day Session – Being God’s people today. Venue and time to be announced.
A day reflecting on our experience of the course, possible next steps in our Christian journey. Presentation of Certificates.
How to book your place
To apply, please email: BishopsCertificate@cathedral.org.uk