I9
Initial training
Anyone selected as a candidate for Readership joins the St. Albans Diocesan Reader Training Scheme (RTS). This provides a student-centred approach to training.
Candidates are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. They can tailor their training to the time they have available for it, to their financial needs, and to their preferred methods of working. They can also set (within reasonable limits) the length of time that is required to complete the training. Proper account is taken of students' past qualifications and experience, so that they can benefit from a training programme adapted to their particular needs.
Students are enabled to develop their working knowledge of the Bible, reflect on the doctrines, traditions and history of the Church, and explore the theology of worship. At the same time they reflect critically on the contemporary context in which their ministry is exercised, and are encouraged to develop the necessary skills and competencies required of someone exercising the ministry of a Reader.
Students are helped to develop skills in theological reflection and throughout initial training the student’s own spirituality is nurtured and their sense of being called by God to share in the mission of the Church in specific ways is kept under constant review.
Wherever possible, people and groups within the home parish assist their students in different aspects of training. In this way learning becomes a shared experience, and a proper balance can be maintained between individual and group activities.
In this Diocese students have access to an enormous range of learning opportunities - college and centre-based courses; distance learning; short courses, weekend and day activities provided by diocesan and secular agencies; books, radio, television, DVDs and learning resources on the internet. They are encouraged to make use of as wide a variety as possible during training so that, in exercising their Reader ministry, they will be familiar with resources that will both sustain them in their own continuing ministerial education, and also be open to other people who wish to pursue their own Christian learning.
The RTS maintains links between all students, whichever programmes of learning they might be following, and provides or sponsors a number of group learning activities.
Each student has a personal tutor to help them acquire their academic learning and a pastoral supervisor to help with the development of skills and competencies.
The RTS is subject to regular inspection by moderators appointed by the Ministry Division of the Archbishops’ Council. On successful completion of the training scheme students gain the Church of England Readers' Certificate, the national accreditation for Readers.
Continual Ministerial Education for Readers
CME 1-4 is provided for all newly admitted and licensed Readers. In addition, the Diocesan Readers' Association arranges a Study Day in the Spring and a Quiet Day in the Autumn each year open to all Readers and trainees. The Central Readers' Council sponsors training events each year, one of which is a week long summer course held at Selwyn College, Cambridge. The Diocesan CME Office is able to offer some funding to assist Readers with CME and the Diocesan Readers Association also has some limited funds which may be available for this purpose.
March 2006
