What is NetWork?

"Getting it right and getting it across" are the two main objectives of the NetWork Ministry Training Course.

In July 2004 the NetWork Ministry Training Course ran its first very successful year. Over 35 students from South Wales and the West met every Tuesday for three ten-week terms of study.

NetWork is a regional initiative based on the model of the Cornhill Training course in London with visits during the year from Revd. David Jackman, the Director of the Cornhill Course. Revd. Peter Baker, the minister of Highfields Church is a regular contributor teaching on the Bible Exposition track. Other visiting lecturers this year included Lindsay Brown (General Secretary IFES), Richard Cunningham (UCCF UK Director), Rosemary Aldis (OMF), Jonathan Stephen and John Kendall (WEST).

The NetWork course has four main components:

• An in-depth study of different books of the Bible
• An introduction to central themes of Biblical Theology
• A study of core ministry issues
• Practical workshops in communication and presentation skills, including insights into cross cultural ministry

The course is open to men and women with evangelical convictions of all ages and from all Christian denominations. All those who have a desire to understand the Bible better in order to teach it more effectively within their own ministry contexts are welcome.

The course provides ideal training for church lay assistants, lay leaders and para-church workers. Some participants are moving towards Christian ministry, some are taking a "gap" year to explore God's call on their lives, some already have a regular teaching role within their church.

The NetWork course provides a great opportunity for those who want an introduction to Bible training with a practical emphasis. It gives the opportunity to:

• Listen to God's Word carefully and study several books of the Bible in depth
• Get a grasp of Biblical Theology through a Bible overview
• Have a better understanding of major themes of the Bible
• Stimulate one's own discipleship and spiritual pilgrimage
• Develop communication skills in practical workshops
• Engage with contemporary thought and cultural trends
• Enjoy interaction with people motivated by the same aims and purposes
• Benefit from visiting lecturers with wide experience of ministry in many contexts

Revd. Phil Jenkins, who served for twelve years with Africa Inland Mission in Namibia in a Bible teaching and leadership training ministry, is the NetWork course director.

The Tuesday programme begins at 9.30 am and ends at 1.00 pm.

The current course started on 23rd September 2008.

If you would like further information about the NetWork course you can contact the course director by writing to network@highfieldschurch.org.uk
or call the office on 029 2065 0740