CAPTION: Alison Irens says she has made good friends on the FICM course and learned more about being a Christian
Foundations in Christian Ministry Course Brings Faith to Life
Alison Irens, from Ashburton, is studying on the Diocese of Exeter’s one-year Foundations in Christian Ministry Course, which is run by the South West Ministry Training Course.
The course is designed to be a first-step foundation for people to develop their gifts for ministry in the local Church, deepen their discipleship and explore God’s plan for their lives. It covers teaching on the Bible, Spirituality, Theology and Pastoral Care and takes place over seven Saturday study days in Exeter and Plymouth.
Here are Alison’s reflections about the course so far:
I heard about the course from my vicar at St Andrew’s Church in Ashburton. I wasn’t sure about the course and what it meant, just that it would give me the possibility to explore my faith more deeply. I felt encouraged to attend because friends were also going. Most importantly, I felt God’s guidance that I should go. This sense was accompanied by the thought that I would meet like-minded people there.
The course has fulfilled my expectations so far, I have met with other people who I feel a closeness to: people from all walks of life and some with whom I feel a real bond of faith.
The course includes teaching about the Bible and theology as well as encouraging participants to think about their vocation
I have learnt so much from our sessions: talks that teach about the Bible, history and theology; talks about our ‘calling’ and how to recognize and respond to God’s calling; sessions about Pastoral Care and what this means and more!
“I no longer hesitate to affirm my faith. I no longer feel that I am a bit of an outsider, not really up to the mark to be a Christian.”
During the year, we have had chances to contribute to the day by, for example, leading a short service or supplying cake!
I do feel that my faith has deepened. The course is giving me a firm basis on which to experience prayer and how I experience Communion.
If you are at all curious about your Christian faith, if you have any questions left unanswered by your Church life, then this is the course for you.
You don’t have to be well versed in the Bible, and you can be a bit of a novice, like me, about what Christian ministry means. Some participants are much more knowledgeable than I am, but it really doesn’t matter. All levels are most welcome.
A lot of areas are covered, and some may not be right for you, but just as surely some aspect will definitely both intrigue and inform in a wonderful way.
The course has given me a very different perspective on my life. I no longer hesitate to affirm my faith. I no longer feel that I am a bit of an outsider, not really up to the mark to be a Christian.
After only three sessions, I feel accepted and welcomed to share with others my faith, my doubts and my questions.
After returning from the last session, I felt so happy and at peace with myself and with the world around me. Just writing this interview has brought those feelings flooding back.
I’m still learning and exploring what being a Christian means for me. There are a few more sessions to attend and I’m looking forward to what I learn over the next months. I am curious to find the next steps, but I can’t hurry over them. Suffice to say that I trust that I will know the way, all in good time.
You can find out more about the FICM course here, by contacting SWMTC on 01392 272544 or by speaking to your church leader. The deadline to apply for the autumn 2022 course is 17 April.
