authorised lay ministry · the alm training course is broken down in to 3 parts that run each year...

AUTHORISED LAY

MINISTRY

manchester.anglican.org

Course Prospectus

2019

I’ve been involved in ALM schemes of one sort or another since my own days as a

parish priest in Rotherham in the 1990s. The take-off of interest in such schemes

in more recent years here in the Manchester diocese has been a marvellous sign

of how the Holy Spirit is equipping men and women for service and ministry in

the Church.

I can promise anyone interested in this scheme that any such training will be

demanding and stretching but that it will inevitably draw you deeper into Christ.

You will learn from each other as well as from those charged with leading the

course. You will grow in knowledge, in experience and in confidence.

To put it more bluntly you’ll be growing more closely into the likeness of Christ

for which you and all of us are destined.

Yours ever,

David

INTRODUCTION

Bishop David

Course Information

General Information 1-2

Core Module 3-4

Development Days 5

Elective Information

Introduction 6

Children’s Ministry 7-9

Community 10-12

Ecology & Creation 13-14

Mission 15-17

Parish Administration 18-20

Pastoral Care 21-23

Prayer & Spirituality 24-26

Worship 27-30

Youth Ministry 31-32

Contact Details & How to Apply 33

Frequently Asked Questions 34-36

COURSE PROSPECTUS

Contents

ALM COURSE General Information

1

What is an Authorised Lay Minister?

Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) are lay people active in church life, who have been

identified by their parish as having a particular gifting, vocation or calling to share in the

team ministry of the local church. ALMs are nominated by their incumbent and PCC to be

trained, nurtured and equipped, in preparation for being ‘commissioned’ by the Bishop,

to carry out a mutually agreed ministry role back within the local parish context. ALMs

are expected to work collaboratively as part of the wider parish ministry team in serving,

resourcing and encouraging all God’s people to carry out the vision and mission of God’s

Church.

Course Aim

To enable participants to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to

thrive in a wide variety of ministries in the local church and the wider community and to

deepen their discipleship journey.

What does the course involve? The ALM training course is broken down in to 3 parts that run each year from January to

September:

Part 1: Induction & Core Module

Between January and Easter all candidates are inducted

before then undertaking an exciting and practical 8-

week course together that explores, what ALM ministry

is, what it means to be called to serve the local church

and how we can develop the skills required to make

sure our ministries remain fruitful. During this time

there will also be 2 additional training days focusing on

the areas of safeguarding and collaborative ministry.

Part 2: Ministry Electives

From Easter to June candidates will do 8-12 weeks’

specialist training in their selected area of ministry.

There are currently 9 ministry electives available

including the new addition of Ecology & Creation.

Part 3: Commissioning

From July to September candidates are encouraged to

engage with ongoing reflective practice whilst working

alongside their incumbent to finalise a role description

that can be supported and approved by their PCC. In

preparation for the September commissioning service

there will also be a pre-commissioning quiet day.

ALM ELECTIVES

Mission

Community

Children’s Ministry

Pastoral Ministry

Worship

Prayer & Spirituality

Youth Ministry

Parish Admin

NEW- Ecology & Creation

COURSE GOALS

To provide an opportunity to meet with and learn from other Christians from a variety

of different church traditions and backgrounds.

To equip participants with the tools they need to thrive in their ministry and the skills

they need to apply their faith to everyday life.

To help participants develop collaborative skills and the knowledge they need to work

effectively as part of wider ministry teams.

To resource and inspire participants in the development of their own ongoing learning

journey, both as lay leaders and disciples.

To prepare participants for the realities of parish life so that their ministry can remain

fruitful and sustainable.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Attendance

To be considered for commissioning all participants must maintain a minimum attendance

rate of 75% during both the Core Module and their Ministry Elective. This is to ensure that

a base level of training has been met and that the participant is fully equipped and ready

for authorisation.

Linkwork

To help participants get the most out of the Core Module they will be given linkwork to

complete between each of the sessions. The linkwork will usually include a few simple

questions to think about or some basic preparation work for the next session. Each

linkwork is designed to take no longer than 20-25 minutes.

Learning Journal

During the course we encourage all participants to keep some form of learning record or

reflective journal. This is intended to take no longer than 15-20 minutes after each session

and is part of developing the skills of reflective practice. Participants will be given further

support and guidance on this and will not be asked to share or submit their journals.

Further Reading

There is no expectation for course participants to do a lot of extra reading. However, for

those wanting to delve a little deeper there will be suggested resources and recommended

reading lists provided on both the Core Module and Ministry Electives. Participants will also

be given full access to the ALM borrowing library at Church House.

Presentation / Book Review

As part of the Ministry Elective training all participants will be given the opportunity to

prepare and present a short 5 minute review on a book or resource of their choosing.

Guidance and support for this will be provided.

Parish Visitation(s)

As part of reflective practice and personal development we ask that all participants

arrange at least one parish visitation during their training period to a parish that is

different from their own in terms of tradition and practices. Guidance and support on this

will be provided.

2

CORE MODULE Information

3

Session 1: Setting God’s People Free

A chance to meet others on the course and to gain a wider understand of Authorised Lay

Ministry both locally and nationally.

Session 2: Church for a Different World

How is the world different and what challenges do our churches face? How can we as

ALMs be part of making sure the church of today becomes the church for tomorrow?

Session 3: Understanding Our Calling An opportunity to share how God has led us to this point and to explore what it means to

be called to serve as an ALM.

Session 4: Leadership Skills

What does it mean to be called in to lay leadership? And how can we develop the

leadership skills and confidence we require?

Session 5: Getting Fit for Mission

What is the mission of the Church? How can we get our churches fit for mission? What

resources and support do we have available?

Session 6: Dealing with Change

What happens when we experience change? How can we develop a better understand of

the change process? How can we learn to embrace change in order to grow?

Session 7: Collaborative Ministry

What is collaborative ministry and why is it so important? How can we better manage

group dynamics and improve the ways we work together?

Session 8: Sustaining & Growing

How can we make sure our ALM ministry remains healthy and fruitful? What support and

resources are available beyond the course?

Venues, Dates & Tutors The Core Module will run between January and Easter with 4 venue options available,

including the new addition of a weekend intensive. Applicants will be asked to choose their

venue of choice upon application.

St Nicholas, Burnage, Withington, M19 1PL

Wednesdays, 6.45-8.45

Jan 23,30 Feb 06,13,27 Mar 13,20,27

Tutors: Revd Stephen Edwards & Guests from the

Withngton Deanery Team

St Peters Parish Centre, Bolton, BL1 5RR

Tuesdays, 6.45-8.45

Jan 22,29 Feb 05,12,26 Mar 05,12,19,(26)

Tutors: Revd Paul Hardingham & Revd Jo Smith

St Georges, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9NJ

Tuesdays, 6.45-8.45

Jan 22,29 Feb 05,12,26 Mar 05,12,19,(26)

Tutors: Revd Gill Barnet & Guests

The Saviour, Collyhurst, North Manchester, M40 7RN

Weekend Intensive– Saturdays, 10-4

Feb 09, Mar 09 & 23

Tutors: Jamie Mackenzie (Local Ministry Officer) & Guests

4

In addition to the Core Module and Ministry Electives there are a number of other key

development and training days that form an essential part of the course.

Course Induction Saturday 19th January, 10-1 @ All Saints (Elton) & Francis House, Hepburn

Drive, Bury, BL8 1ED

A chance for applicants and their supporting ministers to meet others on the course,

including your core module tutors, elective tutors and course support staff.

Safeguard Training

Saturday 30 March, 10-1 @ Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH

This compulsory day will focus on our common responsibility to safeguard children,

young people and vulnerable adults. It will also explore the ways in which ALMs are part

of creating safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and

protected; and where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason,

are able to worship and pursue their faith journey in safety.

Collaborative Ministry Day Saturday 13 July, 10-2.30 @ Bolton Road Methodist, Bolton Road, Bury, BL8 2EH

An opportunity for training ALMs and their supporting ministers to gather and focus on

our relationships, and how as individuals, congregations and parishes, we can all work

better together in how we share our resources, gifts and abilities, so that we can more

faithfully and fruitfully carry out God’s call to mission and discipleship.

Quiet Day Saturday 07 September, 10-2.30 @ Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester

In preparation for commissioning we invite all training ALMs to a led time of quiet and

contemplative reflection. During this day we use a number of fun and interactive

workshops to explore different spiritual traditions and practices that can help us to

engage and find intimacy with God. Prayer support is available throughout the day and

there will also be shared times of worship and communion.

Commissioning Service Sunday 22 September , 2.30-4 @ Manchester Cathedral

This service is led by the Bishop of Manchester and following a time of worship, prayer

and committal, culminates in the final commissioning of the ALM to their elected

ministry. This is a wonderful time of celebration and a fantastic opportunity to invite

close friends, family and those you have shared the journey with.

5

DEVELOPMENT DAYS

Information & Dates

All ministry electives will run between April—June at a variety of venues around the

diocese. We do our best to make training accessible to all but if there are not enough

candidates to run selected venues then further travel may be required.

There are currently 9 ministry electives available including the new addition of Ecology &

Creation. For more information on each elective please see the following outlines.

Please be aware that your elective venue and meeting day will most likely be

different from your Core Module arrangements.

6

MINISTRY ELECTIVES

Information & Outlines

ALM Electives


Community

New- Ecology & Creation

Mission

Parish Administration

Pastoral Care


Worship

Youth Ministry

Aims

To go deeper in our understanding of children’s ministry and how we can enable

children to explore their own path of discipleship

To help develop individual reflective practice

To highlight some practical considerations in children’s ministry and leadership

Structure

The elective will be a mixture of practical and taught sessions. Each session will contain

group work and there will be an assignment following each module (not necessarily

written). You will also be expected to undertake three placement visits to a church

different from your own in order to broaden your experience of children’s ministry, to

develop your practical skills and to provide observation opportunities for your reflective

learning. Guidance and support will be provided in setting up appropriate placement

visits. Individual tutorial style meetings will also be available throughout the training

period.

Venues, Dates & Timings

Sessions will run over 3 Saturdays with final venues and timings to be decided by mutual

consultation once all applications are in. Alternatively, candidates may be able to

undertake the residential Amplify training course offered jointly with Blackburn and

Chester Dioceses. Please contact your Children’s Officer for more details.

Sessions

Session 1: Understanding Childhood

Saturday 09th Feb

Looking at child development and the implications of this for children’s ministry and the

participation of children in the Church.

Session 2: The Bible and Children

Saturday 13th April

Helping you understand more about the Bible and how to integrate your understanding

with your insights on child development, along with practical ideas for using the Bible

with children.

7

MINISTRY ELECTIVE


Session 3: Children and Worship

Sat 15th June

Helping you to understand more about the significance of worship as part of Christian

discipleship and how we can engage more effectively with children as co-worshippers.

Tutor

For more information on this children’s elective please contact:

Karen Beal

Diocesan Children’s Officer

E: [email protected]

P: 0161 828 1433

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the standard ALM Application Pack, all applicants for

Children’s Ministry will be invited in for an informal interview prior to being offered a place

on the course.

8

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Vicky’s ALM Story

Why I did the course

I did the course because I had been working with children in our church for a few years

and various people within my church family recognised my skills. It was our Church

Warden who at the time was also an ALM (now a Licensed Reader) who prayed a lot with

me and encouraged me to consider the course. I definitely felt God was calling me to do

more with the children in our church but at the time was unsure exactly what so I spent

some time chatting with my incumbent and she also suggested ALM.

How I found the course

The biggest thing I gained from the course was an increase in confidence. I have made

some good friends and the course helped better equip me for my ministry with children.

The course also strengthened my faith and gave me the confidence to discuss my faith

with others. I have also learnt to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try new

things.

What I’m doing now

I regularly lead and talk at all age worship services like our crib service at Christmas,

Mothering Sunday and special services related to our Rainbow Unit (7th Walkden St. John

the Baptist). I also run our weekly under 5’s group on a Sunday morning and lead the time

of celebration when we do Messy Church. I have recently become a member of the PCC

and will soon be running our Polar Explorers Summer holiday bible club for children in our

parish. I never stop, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way!

My advice to those considering the course

Do it! It has taught me so much and I have grown in so many areas. Make use of your

support network and enjoy it.

Vicky Mooney

Children’s Ministry ALM @ St John the Baptist, Little Hulton

Commissioned 2017

9

Aims The overall purpose of the elective will be to endeavour to equip people:

To be confident that God calls his people to be salt and yeast in their community

To be better equipped to discern the real needs of their community and how they

might be addressed

To be better equipped to ensure that the projects and events laid on by and from

the church are well-organised and effective

To be better able to work with others in a way which enables, encourages and

empowers

Structure

This elective will run over 10 sessions that are split in to 3 distinctive areas: Core theory,

visitations, reflection & resourcing. There will be a mixture of practical and taught

sessions led by the main tutor and special guests.


All sessions will be on a Wednesday with final venues and timings to be confirmed in

mutual consultation once all applications are in.

Sessions

PART 1: CORE THEORY (Joint w ith Mission Elective)

All core sessions will be held on Wednesdays, 7-9pm @ Eccles Parish Church

Session 1: The 5 Marks of Mission

Weds 01 May

Session 2: Local Context & Partnerships

Weds 08 May

Session 3: Growing, Nurturing, Serving & Belonging

Weds 15 May

10

MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Community

PART 2: VISITATIONS

Session 4: St Brides & St Johns, Old Trafford (Joint w ith Mission Elective)

Weds 22 May, 6.45-9pm

Sessions 5 & 6

These visitations will be arranged in consultation with tutors and elective applicants so that

the appropriate community projects can be identified. In this way, we hope to make the

elective responsive to different needs, but also to spark new areas of interest.

PART 3: REFLECTION, FEEDBACK & PREPARATION

All final sessions will be held on Wednesdays, 7-9pm @ Church House, Manchester

Session 7: Unpacking Visitations

Weds 11 June

Session 8: Working in Partnership

Weds 18 June

Session 9: Resourcing & Role Description Preparation

Weds 25 June

Session 10: Final Session

Weds 03 July

Tutor

For more information on this elective please contact:

Canon Alison Peacock

Diocesan Mission Planning Officer


P: 0161 828 1447

11

COMMUNITY

Jackie’s ALM Story


My name is Jackie Mansey and I attend All Saints & Martyrs Church, Langley Middleton. I

have just taken semi retirement after almost 40 years working as a nurse in the NHS

where I gained lots of experience working with people in the community. Now I have some

more time on my hands it was agreed by my parish that the ALM community elective

would be a great option to build on my previous experience and to best equip me with the

skills needed to serve the parish and the wider community. This also coincided with my

becoming a Director of the Burnside Centre on the Langley estate which is a local

community centre with close links to the church.


Expect to meet a really good mixture of new fellow Christians on the core module and be

prepared to be challenged (in a good way!) During the elective I loved the visits to the

different church community projects around the diocese as we got to meet and learn from

some really inspiring people. It was great to hear their stories and to explore the examples

of how they went about creatively engaging with the wider parish community as well as

their own church congregations. The course has equipped me with lots of new ideas, plans

and resources but also with the skills to be able to better research and understand the

different needs within the parish. I definitely feel more confident for doing the course but

am also acutely aware that I need to try and listen more to what God wants me to do

rather than just jumping in to everything with two feet!!


I will be on the management board of the Burnside Community Centre where I will be

helping with the leadership and governance of the centre. As a member of the Service

Development Sub Group I will also be involved with the planning and delivering of

community events. Following the teaching and resourcing on the elective I will also be

focusing on how we can continue to improve and develop the existing links between the

community centre and the church.


Make sure you read the travel instructions properly and follow the directions to the

different church visits carefully. A good Sat Nav system is essential!!!!

Jackie Mansey

Community ALM @ All Saints & Martyrs Church, Langley

To be commissioned 2018

12

Aims This elective is for people who would like to learn how to:

Do more in their parish, and with their church, in caring for God’s creation

Articulate more clearly why and how care of God’s creation is important

Express and promote the 5th mark of mission to Churches in every parish

Encourage their own church to become an eco-church

Structure

This elective has been adapted to draw on the five themes of the eco church survey:

Worship and Teaching / Buildings / Land / Local and global community / Lifestyle. We’ll

explore where you and your church sit at the moment and where, with encouragement,

you might be heading. We’ll draw on local expertise within the diocese to address areas

of interest to you including teaching from guest speakers. As a rough guide, the sessions

in the elective will marry the five strands with the chosen site visits.


All sessions, venues and timings will be decided by mutual consultation once all

applications are in.

Sessions

Session 1: Ecology and God’s economy

How better to understand the importance of the prefix ‘eco’, in relation to both the local

and global in the church’s mission.

Session 2: Creation

We look at different Doctrines of Creation to see how they might help us theologically

ground our understanding of our roles.

Session 3: Worship

How are both passion and mission for parish and planet reflected in our daily prayers, in

church on Sunday, in Word and Sacrament?

13

NEW ELECTIVE

Ecology & Creation

Sessions 4: Justice

Drawing on the work of faith based aid agencies such as Tear Fund / Christian Aid /

CAFOD / Traidcraft, this session looks at the moral imperatives for action and how

churches by ‘thinking globally and acting locally’ can play a part in addressing the impact

of environmental injustice in our backyard in support of the global south.

Session 5-8: Visitations & Field Trips

The second half of the course has a practical focus with 4 church visits and the use of the

eco-church audit to identify opportunities at parish level for sharing a passion for our

common home. As far as possible, as well as tying in the visits to your areas of interest,

we’ll try and make these easy for you to travel to and from. The visits will be confirmed by

the third week of the elective to give participants chance to share their passions and

concerns. In this way, we hope to make the elective responsive to different needs, but

also to spark new areas of interest.

Parish and Planet 9: Final Session- Presentations & Feedback

The final session sees participants sharing three priorities / opportunities for themselves

and their parish in the field of ecology and care of creation.

Elective Tutor


Revd John Hughes

Diocesan Environmental Officer


P: 0161 872 0500

14

Aims Have a better understanding of how and why people come to faith in postmodern

Britain

Be better equipped to help those searching for or enquiring about faith matters

Greater knowledge in what is needed in setting up and establishing a new

congregation / service aimed at new-comers and those currently outside the

existing fellowship

Understand trends in culture and how they may be variously embraced or

challenged in mission

Understand more the interplay between mission, worship, community and culture in

shaping church

Deconstruct our familiar images and ideas about church and begin to imagine new

forms of church that may more effectively reach people in today’s varying cultures

Structure

This elective will run over 10 sessions that are split in to 3 distinctive areas: Core theory,

visitations, reflection & resourcing. These will be a mixture of practical and taught

sessions led by the main tutor and special guests.


All sessions will be on a Wednesday with final venues and timings to be confirmed in

mutual consultation once all applications are in.

Sessions

PART 1: CORE THEORY (Joint w ith Community Elective)

All core sessions will be held 7-9pm @ Eccles Parish Church

Session 1: The 5 Marks of Mission

Weds 01 May

Session 2: Local Context & Partnerships

Weds 08 May

Session 3: Growing, Nurturing, Serving & Belonging

Weds 15 May

15

MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Mission

PART 2: VISITATIONS

Session 4: St Brides & St Johns, Old Trafford (Joint w ith Community Elective)

Weds 22 May, 6.45-9pm

Sessions 5 & 6: Arrange visitations via tutor to the follow ing

Oldham’s Church: Church plant in an urban estate

Barlow Park Centre, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL17NT

Attend a Sunday Service, 3pm on 12,19 or 26 May, 2 or 9 June

Contact: [email protected]

Soul Food: Multi-Cultural Bible Study Group

Alexandra Library, 247 Wilmslow Road, M14 5LW

Attend a weekly Wednesday session 29 May or 5 June

Contact: [email protected]

PART 3: REFLECTION, FEEDBACK & PREPARATION

All final sessions will be held 7-9 @ Eccles Rectory, 12b Westminster Road, Eccles, M30

9EB

Session 7: Unpacking Visitations & Fresh Expressions of Church

Weds 11 June

Session 8: Living & Communicating the Gospel

Weds 18 June

Session 9: How can my church become a Missional Community?

Weds 25 June

Session 10: Book Reviews, Role descriptions, Q & A

Weds 03 July

Tutor


Revd Ross Garner

Team Rector Eccles Benefice


P: 0784 623 0355 / 0161 661 6861

16

MISSION

Paul’s ALM Story


Having taken early retirement I came to Bolton with my wife, Angie, about four and a half

years ago. I had previously served with the London City Mission for 21 years but the

church felt that although I had a lot of experience in mission, the right thing to do if I

wanted to be part of the wider church ministry team was to get some solid training and

experience based around what was currently going on in the diocese. So it was suggested

that the ALM course and mission elective would be the best grounding for this and the PCC

were happy to support me and put me forwards in light of recognising my ministry role

and giftings.


The course provided a great deal of variety and experience. Visits were made to various

mission projects, including the Men’s Shed (Fallowfield) and Church for Muslims

(Rusholme). Reading was recommended and this included Mission Shaped Church. The

concept of doing church in different ways was very helpful. Overall I feel I gained a great

deal from the course and also felt that I was able to mutually encourage others with my

own experiences in mission.


My ALM Role Description has a focus on a number of areas including the work amongst

Asylum Seekers that forms a significant part of the ministry at St Luke’s. Amongst other

things I now attend and help to run the ESOL classes. Following the course I have also

been doing some research into the needs within the immediate parish surrounding the

church so that we can explore how we can better reach out and use our buildings more

effectively for mission and outreach.


My top bit of advice for somebody considering doing the ALM in Mission is to go for it and

to see it as something you can both learn from as well as something you can contribute to

with your own experiences.

Paul Winter

Mission ALM @ St Luke’s, West Bolton Team

Commissioned 2017

17

Aims

Administration can be thought of as mundane, dull but necessary, and often unrewarding

and un-noticed. However, it’s no accident that the apostle Paul described administration

as a definite spiritual gift (1 Cor 12:28) and in today’s church it is crucial that those with

an eye (and a heart) for detail and correctness are able to exercise their gift – not to nit-

pick, but to inform, advise and encourage.

Structure

This practical elective taught by a mixture of guest tutors has 6 sessions in total and

aims to be inspirational as it seeks to equip and value those with the gift of

administration.

Venue, Dates & Timings

All sessions will be at Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH. The sessions

will run for two hours, between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, with the evening to be confirmed by

mutual consultation once all applications are in

Sessions Please note that final dates and topics may change and will be confirmed nearer the time

Session 1: The ministry of making it all work (w/c 22 April)

What is administration and why does it make a difference?

Session speaker: James Emmerson (Diocesan Stewardship Officer)

Session 2: Church Governance & Human Resources (w/c 29 April)

Looking at the make-up, roles and structures of the Church of England

Session speaker: Alex Peet (Governance and HR Support Officer)

Session 3: Dealing with Births, Deaths & Marriages (w/c 06 May)

The statutory requirements for the administration of the main three special services

conducted by the Church of England.

Session speaker: Ms Anthea Darlington (Reader, St.Paul’s, Kersal Moor)

Session 4: Being the Established Church (w/c 13 May)

A look at Church Law, Faculties & Pastoral Reorganisation

Session speaker: Revd Alan Simpson (DMPC & DAC Secretary)

18

MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Parish Administration

Session 5: Mission Planning & Statistics (w/c 20 May)

How statistics can aid and assist our understanding of the context of our mission, and with

grant applications.

Session speaker: Canon Alison Peacock (Mission Planning Office)

Session 6: Exercising Our Ministry (w/c 03 June)

Rounding up the module, how effective communication makes all the difference in

activating what has been learned.

Session speaker: James Emmerson (Diocesan Stewardship Officer)

Tutor


James Emmerson

Diocesan Stewardship Officer


P: 0161 828 1474

19

PARISH ADMINISTRATION

Michael’s ALM Story


I became a back- pew attendee at St Mark’s with Christ Church when my mother moved

into a nearby care home. I eventually became a bell ringer and contributor to the parish

magazine before being invited to stand for the PCC and Deputy Church Warden. I was put

forward for the Parish Administration elective to give me an insight into how a parish is

run, and to help me understand how to best contribute. It was also hoped that the elective

would help me survive my wary step into the very public world of the front pew!


I thoroughly enjoyed the elective sessions, which were very practical but also biblically

based- mainly as a useful reference point for good practice in working with both the

diocese and our own parishes. I found the parish statistics session and resource pack

particularly useful in planning everything from mission to fundraising. Getting familiar with

the Church Representatives Rule Book, and the very down to earth training on procedures

for dealing with marriages, births and deaths was also really good. My co-administration

learners were an enthusiastic and stimulating group and overall I would say that the

elective sessions gave me a wealth of information and resources which I can now tap into

for future guidance and reference.


Since completing the course I have become Church Warden, Safeguarding Officer and

Health and Safety Officer. As our parish will soon be entering into a united benefice I and

my fellow team members will be sure to have our hands full in the next few months. I will

certainly be having to fall back on what I have picked up and learnt from the ALM course!

There is always something new to learn in the role and what is always there is the back-up

and support available from the course tutors to call on when required.


My Advice for anyone undertaking this elective is to look to the future and absorb all you

can from the tutors and handouts- and don’t be afraid to ask questions on any aspect of

parish work for time passes quickly. As in my case, what you have learnt on a course can

be put to use sooner than you think!

Michael Higgins

Parish Admin ALM @ St Marks with Christ Church, Glodwick

Commissioned 2017

20

Aims

To enable participants to develop their understanding of pastoral care from a

Christian perspective

To enable participants to be more effective in relating to and caring for the people

and communities around them

To equip the course members with the skills they need to be able to offer pastoral

care ministry in their parishes

Structure

The elective is 11 sessions long and begins with a focus on the importance of listening

based upon the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation Course. The remaining sessions have

a practical focus and seek to equip participants with the tools and skills required for a

variety of pastoral settings. The elective also includes an intensive study day. Throughout

the elective participants will be expected to keep a personal learning journal and also

complete a short book review towards the end of the course.


This year’s elective will be running in 2 venues:

Thursdays, 7-9pm @ St George’s, Hollins Lane, Unsworth, Bury, BL9 8JJ

Tutor: Revd John Rosedale

Mondays, 7.30-9.30pm @ St Wilfrid’s Church, Ford Lane, Northenden, M22 4NQ

Tutor: Revd Andrew Bradley

Sessions

Session 1: Listening – A Biblical Perspective

Monday 29 April / Thursday 25 April

Session 2: The Importance of Listening (1)

Monday 13 May / Thursday 02 May


Monday 20 May / Thursday 09 May


Monday 03 June / Thursday 16 May

21

MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Pastoral Care

STUDY DAY– Both groups together

Hatch, Match, Dispatch & Hospital Visiting

Saturday 18 May, 10-3 @ Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M32GH

Session 5: Grave Talk

Monday 10 June / Thursday 23 May

Session 6: Listening in Bereavement

Monday 17 June / Thursday 06 June

Session 7: Dementia Awareness

Monday 24 June / Thursday 13 June

Session 8: Safe Practice & Role Descriptions

Monday 01 July / Thursday 20 June

Tutors


Revd John Rosedale

ALM Chaplain & Team Vicar for Saddleworth Benefice


P: 01457 874209

Revd Andrew Bradley

Priest in Charge @ Northenden Benefice


P: 0161 998 2615

22

PASTORAL CARE

Louise’s ALM Story


I had been a member of the Pastoral Care Team at my church for some years but had felt

a little out of my depth. When the ALM course was suggested I gave it some serious and

prayerful thought. The Pastoral Care Elective seemed perfect to achieve some self-

confidence with regard to helping others, and overcoming some of my feelings of

inadequacy.


You should expect to feel challenged, but nurtured, by the whole course. The Core module

made me think about what I have been called to be – and to do. I was pretty nervous

about what I was taking on, but the tutors all made us feel welcomed and valued. The

Elective Module has confirmed that I am doing the ministry I am called to do. It was said

at the start of the elective that ‘Pastoral Care is listening – not counselling. But listening is

healing, so Pastoral Care is a Healing Ministry”. This has resonated with me and I strive to

listen to others now above all else.


My role hasn’t change hugely but my authorisation and ALM Role Description has really

helped to cement and formalise my place and role as a valued member of our very active

and thriving Pastoral Care Team. I now feel much more confident in playing my part

pastorally visiting those unable to come to church, assisting with home communions, and

visiting our local Car Homes.


My top advice for someone considering doing the course would be – Go for it! It has been

one of the most fulfilling things I have done. I have felt supported, encouraged and

nurtured. I have met new friends who I expect to stay in contact with for a long time to

come. The Elective Module has done exactly what I hoped it would do as I do now feel far

more confident in my role.

Louise Wall

Pastoral ALM @ St Paul’s, Astley Bridge

Commissioned 2017

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Aims

The deepening of our personal spiritual practices and routines of prayer

The resourcing of the devotional life of our congregations

The development of an understanding of how prayer & spirituality can be tools for

community outreach

Structure

This is a very practical elective. Course members must be willing to engage with their

own personal spiritual development, be committed to trying new approaches, and have a

desire to think outside the box of the immediate needs of their church and congregation

to the wider community.


This year’s elective will be running in 2 venues, both on a Wednesday 7-9pm.

Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH

Tutor: Revd Liz Devall

St Bartholomew, Whitworth Square, Whitworth, Rochdale, OL12 8XJ

Tutor: Revd Lynn Woodall

Sessions

Session 1: Introductions to Prayer

Wednesday 24 April

Session 2: Spiritual Journey

Wednesday 01 May

Session 3: Prayer & (Dis)Ability– Joint with both groups

Wednesday 08 May @ Church House, Manchester

Session 4: Prayer & Spirituality with Children– Joint with both groups

Wednesday 15 May @ Church House, Manchester

24

MINISTRY ELECTIVE



Session 5: Overcoming Barriers to Prayer

Session 6: The Use of Imagery & Imagination

Saturday 18 May, 10am-4pm @ Venue tbc

Session 7: Prayer & Personality

Wednesday 22 May

Session 8: Prayer & Our Local Church Congregation

Wednesday 05 June

Session 9: The Ministry of Healing/ Prayer for Healing

Wednesday 12 June

Session 10: One to One Working & Listening to Each Other

Wednesday 19 June

Session 11: Conclusions, Questions & Future Plans

Wednesday 26 June

Tutors


Revd Liz Devall

Incumbent @ Hurst, St John the Evangelist (Benefice)


P: 0161 330 1935

Revd Lyn Woodall

Incumbent (STI) @ Whitworth, St Bartholomew and Facit, St John

the Evangelist (Benefice)


P: 01706 853 931

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PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY

Ruth’s ALM Story


Over the past 5 years I have become increasingly drawn to having more involvement

within my church. Since retiring as a District Nurse I found that life gave me the

opportunity to explore more fully my sense of calling to spiritual and pastoral care. It was

felt by the parish that the elective would help to enrich my existing roles, particularly in

the development of the churches prayer life and in the co-ordination of the parishes'

Pastoral Care Team.


The opportunity to be part of the course was amazing. The course started with the Core

Module which gave me an understanding of how the church is moving forwards and how

we can all work better together. This was really encouraging and has prepared me to more

fully support the mission of the wider church. From the very first session of the elective I

remember feeling I was part of a wonderful group of like minded people, all of whom

encouraged and supported each other. It’s hard to explain but from then onwards I had no

doubt that I was doing what God wanted of me. I felt I had come home and was being

given the tools I needed to develop my ministry to serve others.


In collaboration with a new incumbent and our Lay Reader, I am developing and co-

ordinating a Pastoral Care Team that will attend to needs as they arise within the

congregation and the wider parish community. In deepening my own spiritual knowledge

and practice, I have also been assisting in the resourcing of the churches prayer and

devotional life. Amongst other things this has involved developing a quiet area, prayer

space, prayer stations and prayer leaflets.


Listen to those around you, talk to those who have done the course, pray for guidance and

then embrace the experience to serve. The connections I have made during the course

have certainly broadened my knowledge and widened my experience.

Ruth Hughes

Prayer & Spirituality ALM @ Christ Church, Healey


26

Aims

To explore the breadth and depth of Christian worship, from its biblical roots

through to modern day expressions

To gain knowledge around different styles of worship - liturgical, pastoral,

evangelistic, contemplative, all age etc

To build the confidence and ability in understanding, creating and leading

appropriate acts of worship within a variety of church and community contexts

Structure

This elective will combine a mixture of theology and practice over 12 sessions using a

range of resources, materials and guest speakers.


This year’s elective will be running in 2 venues, both on a Wednesday 7-9pm.

Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH

Tutor: Revd Christine Threlfall

St Andrew’s Vicarage, St Andrew’s View, Radcliffe, M26 4HE (venue may change)

Tutor: Revd Jo nMckee

Sessions Please note that some sessions may be changed around but that the basic structure will

remain the same.

Session 1: Worship & Biblical Context- Part 1 (Old Testament)

Wed 24 April

Session 2: Worship & Biblical Context- Part 2 (New Testament)

Wed 01 May

Session 3: The Anglican Past & Development of Liturgy

Weds 08 May

Session 4: Ministry of the Word Services

Wed 15 May

27

MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Worship


Saturday 18 May, 10-3 @ Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH

Session 5: Leading Worship – Can’s & Cant’s & Do’s & Don’t’s

Session 6: The Use of Scripture in Worship

Session 7: Preparing & Delivering a Talk

Session 8: All Age Worship Wed 22 May

Session 9: Creating & Using Worship Space

Wed 05 June

Session 10: Contemplative Worship

Wed 12 June

Session 11: The Use of Music in Worship

Wed 19 June

Session 12: Reflections, Questions & Next Steps (Poss both groups together)

Wed 26 June @ Venue tbc

Tutors


Revd Christine Threlfall

Priest-in-Charge @ Broughton (Benefice)


P: 0161 792 1208

Revd Jo McKee

Incumbent @ Radcliffe, St Andrew (Benefice)


P: 01204 304119

28

Worship Elective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Worship ALM allowed to lead a whole service?

A Worship ALM may lead all or part of an act of worship under the authority and

supervision of an incumbent. They are not licensed to preach. Where no licensed minister

is present (whether because the parish is in vacancy or for other reasons), the wardens

are those responsible for ensuring that the service is held and conducted properly, and a

Worship ALM – in agreement with the wardens may lead Morning or Evening Prayer or a

Service of the Word. However good practice means that the responsibility for leading such

a service should be shared.

Can a Worship ALM assist at Holy Communion?

Normally Worship ALMs should also be part of the team of Eucharistic Assistants in a

parish: this is a recognition that ministry and worship are not separate things. The

deployment of ALMs should not exclude others from having a ministry as a Eucharistic

Assistant, and it is for the incumbent and PCC to agree who should be assisting at the

Eucharist. There is a further ministry that some Eucharistic Assistants have, with due

training and resourcing, namely the taking of Communion to the sick and the housebound.

This ministry is not restricted to ALMs, but ALMs with a pastoral or worship leading focus

might well be those involved in this wider ministry, and this would then be reflected in

their ALM role description.

What is the difference between a Worship ALM and a Licensed Reader?

The Office of Reader is a lay ministry in the Church of England nationally accredited,

episcopally licensed and governed by Canon Law. Readers have undergone more

substantial training and are licensed by the Bishop to preach and teach as key elements of

their ministry. A Reader has the authority to conduct acts of worship: ALMs are authorised

to assist in leading worship.

Can Worship ALM’s wear robes when assisting in leading services?

In most cases, ALMs do not wear robes when leading worship, just as those who read from

the Bible, who assist administering the Eucharist, or who lead intercessions do not robe.

ALMs who are leading or helping lead non-Eucharistic services do not normally robe.

In some churches, where a number of people involved in the service robe – e.g. acolytes,

crucifer, deacon – it may be appropriate for an ALM who is assisting leading worship in the

service to robe, either in a cassock or a cassock alb.

Where an ALM assists at a funeral it may well be helpful for the ALM to robe in a cassock

or cassock alb, when the minister taking the service is also robed.

When an ALM does robe, they should also wear the ALM badge signifying their role.

It is for the incumbent to make any decision on whether s/he would expect or suggest that

an ALM should robe, but this should then be agreed by the PCC also, and the agreement

noted in the Minutes of that meeting.

It is for the incumbent to check before changing practice or patterns of worship in the

parish and this includes questions of who robes.

29

WORSHIP

Barbara’s ALM Story


The parish decided that the ALM course would help me to further explore my ministry

giftings in the area of worship. They recognised from the work I was already involved in

that I really wanted to serve God more and that the course would provide me with the

opportunity to better understand the nature of worship within the Anglican Church.


The course was well organised, with a strong team of tutors and guest speakers who

supported and shared their expertise with us each week. The atmosphere was relaxed and

we covered a wide variety of practical and theoretical topics, from the history of the

Anglican canon to various ways of planning different types of worship services. I found the

practical sessions very useful and also learnt a lot from my fellow students as we shared

our different and varied experiences of church worship. The course has helped me to

develop my leadership and communication skills and as well as making some very good

friendships I have also grown in confidence.


My agreed ALM Role Description has a specific focus on leading children’s worship. I

always try to be creative and use what I learnt on the course to help children recognise

the goodness of God in their everyday lives. I am also part of the wider church worship

team that leads adult morning services where I serve alongside some very talented and

able leaders who continue to nurture and invest in my ministry and gifts.


I would advise anyone thinking about being put forwards as a worship ALM to go for it!

Finally, I would say be yourself and be open to whatever God wants to teach you through

the course. Like me you may learn completely new things from others on the course that

will equip you to go out and touch lives for Christ.

Barbara Adeuja

Worship ALM @ Christ Church, Harpurhey

Commissioned 2017

30

Aims

An understanding of youth leadership with reference to its theory and practice

An understanding of your own leadership style and how this impacts your work with

young people

An understanding of relationships involved in youth work with reference to theory

An understanding of building and sustaining relationships including an awareness of

boundaries in those relationships

Structure

The youth elective will have a new format and structure for 2019. For more information

on this including dates and requirements please contact Susie Mapledoram using the

details below.

Tutor


Susie Mapledoram

Diocesan Youth Work Officer


P: 0161 828 1435

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the standard ALM Application Pack, all applicants

for Youth Ministry will be invited in for an informal interview prior to being offered a place

on the course.

31

MINISTRY ELECTIVE Youth Ministry

YOUTH MINISTRY

Paul’s ALM Story


I had been involved as a volunteer youth worker at St Aidens for a while but as my faith

grew I wanted to get more officially involved in the life of the church. Over the past few

years my life has gone through some significant changes, all good, including completing

the diocesan Foundations for Ministry course. After the course key people in the parish

began to help me discern my vocation and explore possibilities for the future. It was

eventually agreed that the Youth Ministry elective would best prepare me to be able to

play more of a key role in the development and delivery of the parishes youth work and

outreach programmes.


If you go in with your eyes open there is so much you can learn on this course. There are

so many different ways that churches can do youth work and I got so many new ideas,

tips and resources to take back and try at my church. I also met some really nice people

to share ideas with so that we can learn together and encourage each other in the work

that we are all doing. Doing the elective has really helped me grow in confidence and I

now feel much more skilled and equipped to go back in to the parish and try new things.


As an ALM and new member of the PCC I now have a leading responsibility in the parish to

work alongside others in developing our youth programmes and outreach. The parish is

currently at a crucial point with this having just been awarded a 3 year grant from the

Council for Social Aid. I am already involved with co-ordinating Sunday School, Messy

Church and the churches' Monday Club which is a youth club for primary aged kids in the

area. Moving forwards I will also be playing a key role in the Lower Kersal Young People &

Community Group that operates out of the church. This will include running allotment

projects, drama projects, substance awareness programmes, first aid courses and all sorts

of other new and exciting things...I can’t wait!!!


Go in open to learning new things and enjoy it all as much as you can because it goes fast!

I have grown in so many ways through doing the elective and you will too!!

Paul Tombling

Youth Ministry ALM @ St Aidans, Lower Kersal


32

33

HOW CAN WE APPLY? Information & Contacts

What’s the selection process?

To serve as an ALM you will need to be nominated by your incumbent and PCC. Candidates

will only be accepted for training if it is clear that their proposed ministry will be to work col-

laboratively within an existing team or that such a team will be developed during the course

of training. Ideally a parish will be accredited for collaborative ministry before candidates

are nominated. If the parish is not accredited it should seek accreditation while the candi-

date is in training. We also expect that all applicants can evidence having completed some

form of basic foundational Christian education or training, e.g. Foundations for Ministry, Al-

pha, Christianity Explored, etc.

How much does it cost? All the costs of ALM training are met by the diocese. Parishes are asked to support their

candidates if help is required with travel expenses or training materials.

Where can I get an application pack? Further information and details on how to apply are available on the diocesan website: www.manchester.anglican.org/lay-ministries/ALM/

Who can I contact for more information? You are welcome to talk to your Local Ministry Officer, Jamie Mackenzie, about the teaching

content of the course. He is also happy to discuss pastoral matters and any questions you

may have about your future vocation and ministry.

Jamie Mackenzie Local Ministry Officer

Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GH

Office: 0161 828 1430

Mobile: 07553 374 130

Email: [email protected]

When is the application closing date? The final date for course applications is 31 October, 2018

mailto:[email protected]

What is an Authorised Lay Minister?

Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) are lay people active in church life,

who have been identified by their parish as having a particular

gifting, vocation or calling to share in the team ministry of the local

church. ALMs are nominated by their incumbent and PCC to be

trained, nurtured and equipped in preparation for being

‘commissioned’ by the Bishop to carry out a mutually agreed

ministry role back within the local parish context.

ALMs are expected to work collaboratively as part of the wider parish ministry team in

serving, resourcing and encouraging all God’s people to carry out the vision and mission of

God’s Church.

How can I be selected?

Authorised Lay Ministry is not solely about any one person’s desire to serve and minister, so

any nomination must be the expressed desire of the wider parish as the PCC, incumbent and

individual discern and respond to God’s call together. In this way ALM is unlike any other

form of ‘licensed’ ministry in that ALM’s are nominated so that they can work collaboratively

as part of the wider parish ministry team where need is greatest, where their gifts can be

well-used, and within the wider vision/mission of the parish.

For a full list of nomination requirements and expectation please see the ALM Application

Guidelines which can be found on the diocesan website or upon request.

Are there any assignments or written work on the course?

The ALM course is open to people from all educational backgrounds. As such, there is a

limited amount of written work with the focus being more around open conversations and

practical application. However, for those desiring to go a little deeper there will be

opportunities for further reading and development.

How much does the course cost?

All the costs of ALM training are met by the diocese. Parishes are asked to support their

candidates if help is required with travel expenses or training materials.

Is there an age limit to be an ALM?

There is no upper age limit for ALM. If the incumbent and parish support their ministry and

they are able to do it, that is what matters! There is a lower age limit, which is set because

of legal issues, so an ALM needs to be over 18 at the time of commissioning.

34

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

Do ALMs have to be confirmed?

Generally, confirmation has been understood to be the gateway to Anglican ministry. In

recent years, the admission of children to Communion before Confirmation, and the

receiving into membership of those who were baptised and brought up in another

denomination has meant that there is less clarity on the place of confirmation in the

Church of England. In this context, those being nominated for ALM should generally

either be confirmed, or in the process of being confirmed.

Does a Parish have to be accredited for Collaborative Ministry?

Ideally a parish will be accredited for Collaborative Ministry before candidates are

nominated. If the parish is not accredited it should seek accreditation while the

candidate is in training so that it is accredited by the time of commissioning. This helps

ensure that there will be a supportive and collaborative ethos in the parish such that the

ALM will fit with the wider ministry team in the parish, and be supported.

For more information on Collaborative Ministry Accreditation and how to apply please see

the diocesan website: https://www.manchester.anglican.org/ministry-training/

collaborative/

How long does ALM authorisation last for?

Once commissioned, ALMs are authorised for a period of 3 years. After this time the

parish must apply for the ALM to be re-commissioned for a further 3 years. This then

continues on a 3 year rolling basis.

How many ministry electives can an ALM do?

ALMs are recommended to do one elective at a time and to hold no more than 2 ministry

electives at any one point in their ministry.

Can a parish nominate a candidate during a vacancy?

A parish in vacancy may nominate a candidate as long as it can be shown that the parish

context is stable and that it will have the sufficient support and ministerial oversight in

place to be able to oversee the applicant during their training period and in the

integration of their proposed ministry role post authorisation.

What happens to ALMs during a Vacancy?

In a vacancy (of incumbent), the ministry of ALMs may continue as normal, under the

authority of the Church Wardens, PCC and with the support of the Area Dean.

What happens to ALMs when a new incumbent arrives?

On the arrival of a new incumbent all ALM’s must meet with them to review their ALM

role description. It may be that this agreement needs updating or amending.

35

What happens if an ALM is unable to continue in their ministry?

If it has been mutually agreed that an ALM cannot continue in their ministry, then a Resignation Form must be completed and signed off by the PCC. If the ALM is only unable to continue their ministry in the short term due to illness or personal circumstances, then a Pending Form may be completed.

Can an ALM transfer parish?

If someone has been an ALM and moves parish they can apply to transfer their

authorisation. However, they must first have become settled as a worshipping member

of the new church for at least six months before seeking transfer. All transfer requests

must be supported by the new incumbent and PCC with a reference provided from the

previous parish.

What support do ALMs get?

Once commissioned, ALMs get support from their ALM Archdeaconry Chaplain who is

there to provide pastoral support, advice and further training opportunities. ALMs also

get support from the wider ALM community and the Diocesan Local Ministry Officer.

Where can I find more information?

Further information and details on how to apply are available on the diocesan website: www.manchester.anglican.org/lay-ministries/ALM/ Alternatively you can contact: Jamie Mackenzie Local Ministry Officer A: Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GH E: [email protected] P: 0161 828 1430 / 07553 374 130

36

Our Vision

To be a worshiping, growing and transforming Christian presence at the

heart of every community.

authorised lay ministry · the alm training course is broken down in to 3 parts that run each year...

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