New course starts September 2025
What is the course about?
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 in Norwich with four sessions on Zoom on Wednesday evenings.
- 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.
The reviews are in – what do people think?
The first course started in January 2025 and there is one unit left in September. If you are on this course, the dates for unit 5 are below. Everyone who completed the 5 units will receive the Bishop of Norwich certificate in Christian Learning during a special presentation on 29 November 2025.
If you have an inquisitive mind, enjoy learning and want to broaden your knowledge of Christianity in the widest sense, then this is an enjoyable, informative and reflective course to take part in.
A unique opportunity to expand your understanding of the Christian faith with the support of friendly, knowledgeable presenters in the company of motivated fellow learners.
No matter where you are on your faith walk this course will enhance your journey.
A chance to gain more understanding of all the subjects covered. Great to hear other people's views, really helpful. I found the pace of the course helpful as it fits around other commitments. Great opportunity to ask questions.
Course Content
1. Inhabiting the New Testament
- 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
- The world of the OT
- How do I read Genesis?
- Horrible histories
- Reading the Prophets
- Seeking Wisdom
3. Praying
- 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
- 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
Saturday 29 November 3-5pm 2025, Weston Room, Norwich Cathedral
An afternoon reflecting on our experience of the course, possible next steps in our Christian journey. Presentation of Certificates.
Interested?
The next course starts on Saturday 27 September 2025 at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.
Further dates:
Unit 1: Inhabiting the New Testament.
- Saturday 27 September in person
- Thursdays on zoom. 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct 2025
Unit 2: Exploring the Old Testament
- Saturday 22 November in person
- Thursdays on zoom. 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 18 Dec 2025
Unit 3: Praying
- Saturday 17 January in person
- Wednesdays on zoom. 21 Jan, 28 Jan, 4 Feb, 11 Feb 2026
Unit 4: Shaping the Christian Life
- Saturday 28 February in person
- Wednesdays on zoom. 4 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar 2026.
Unit 5: Sharing in God’s Mission
- Saturday 18 April in person
- Wednesdays on zoom. 22 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 13 May 2026.
To apply for a place, please email: BishopsCertificate@cathedral.org.uk