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SPAWEB

An Outline of the Training Programme

INTRODUCTORY MEETINGS
June/July 2005

One to one meetings with course members to talk through the Training Programme, and to begin work on building up a profile of the local area

GOD, OUR MINISTRY AND OURSELVES
September-December 2005

People are at the heart of pastoral care. This module will focus on developing the skills and awareness that will equip us to be sensitive to the needs of people in all their diversity. The module also aims to develop self-understanding. Areas looked at include:

• Working in groups / teams
• The different ways people learn
• The impact culture and our experience has on who we are
• Recognising and responding to emotions in ourselves and others
• Awareness / Listening skills
• Understanding loss / bereavement

The term ends with a weekend away at Wychcroft, the Diocesan retreat and conference centre.

GOD, THE BIBLE AND PASTORAL CARE
January-March 2006

This module will explore how the Bible shapes our vision for pastoral care, and how to approach and use the Bible as a resource for ourselves and others. Areas covered include:

• What is the bible? How are we to understand it?
• The bible as story
• The bible and ethical questions
• The bible and prophecy
• The bible as a resource for pastoral care

OBSERVATION VISITS AND PLACEMENTS
Easter-December 2006 (approx 40 hours)

Observation visits are opportunities to go as a group, or individually to churches or caring agencies involved in different areas of pastoral care. The visits give you the chance to broaden your understanding of pastoral care needs and ways of responding. The Observation visit programme will be introduced before Easter, and you’ll be asked to take part in 5 observation visits in the following months.

Longer individual placements will be arranged from July onwards, and will take place between then and the end of the year at times which suit you and the agency you are visiting. The placement gives you the opportunity to explore an area of pastoral care of your choice in depth by working alongside other volunteers and paid workers.

CARING IN COMMUNITY
May-July 2006

This module takes place at the same time as the observation visits, and offers an opportunity to look in practical terms at ways of assessing and responding to pastoral care needs in our neighbourhoods.

Areas covered include:

• putting caring work in context: developing awareness of our local community and its needs; working with other caring agencies.
• our attitudes towards the people we care for.
• how to assess and respond appropriately to pastoral care needs.
• good pastoral care practice e.g. confidentiality, appropriate boundaries.
• potential roles of SPAs in developing pastoral care in their churches and neighbourhoods.

GROUP PROJECTS
September-November 2006

Trainee SPAs will work in small groups to plan together and make a public presentation on an issue of pastoral concern that matters to them. This is an opportunity to focus in more depth on one chosen pastoral need, and to develop skills in research, team working and communication. The project presentation day will take place on a Saturday in late November.

SECOND RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND
October 2006
MINISTRY IN GOD'S DIVERSE WORLD

Difference is something God-given, yet often misinterpreted as a basis for excluding or oppressing people outside our group. In this weekend we explore:

• God's vision for difference
• How attitudes and structures can value, or devalue, include or exclude.
• The connection between difference and power.
• Practical ways in which as individuals and churches we can work for equal opportunities for all.

SPIRITUALITY IN LIFE AND MINISTRY
January-March 2007

Prayer and discipleship are central to everything we do. These sessions aim to strengthen the link between our life with God and the caring work we are involved in.

Areas explored include:

• How do we become aware of God in daily life?
• Supporting ourselves on our journey with God.
• Praying for others.
• Meeting God in our work.
• Meeting God in suffering, death and resurrection.

SUSTAINING AND DEVELOPING SPA MINISTRY
Easter-June 2007

After Easter 2005, we focus on future ministry in church and neighbourhood. Time is given to finalising SPA Agreements which set out the shape of each SPA's ministry. We explore practical ways of looking after ourselves as carers. We look at ways of recruiting and supporting volunteers and co-ordinating pastoral care teams.

THIRD RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND
June 2007

The pre-Commissioning weekend includes time for prayer and meditation. There's the chance to reflect on what you've gained through the Training Programme. We will also look at the resources available to equip you for your ongoing ministry.

SPAs are entrusted to be representatives
of the Church in its task of building up a
society that is both caring and just.

They are to encourage and develop the
pastoral care offered by the whole
people of God.

(from the SPA Commissioning Service)

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