Pilgrim Launch and Orientation

Mark the 25th of October in diaries now. That afternoon will be the date of the launch of the Pilgrim course in the diocese. Bishop Cameron Venables will do the launching as we embark on a great journey together. Noted in the Archbishop’s address to Synod this year, the Pilgrim course is a great resource for new or experienced Christians in small groups. The course, created by The Church of England, has flexibility and is easy to run; there are leader’s and participant books, weekly video clips and liturgical resources for every session. It’s middle of the road theologically; any parish could use it!

 Come along to find out more about the program, check out the books and other resources and receive some initial training for the small group work. UK theologian, Paula Gooder, one of the authors of the program will stop by via some specially shot videos!

The Details

1-4 pm 25th of October

Lecturer Room 1

St Francis Theological College

Cost: nil

Who is it for? Anyone who wants to know more about Pilgrim: a Course for the Christian Journey.  You might be a prospective leader of the program in your parish, or just want to know more about how it works. You might be thinking about starting some new groups and looking for material, or maybe you've been running a group for a long time.  You're all welcome!

Book a BIBLE360 event today!

Have you thought about booking a BIBLE360 event for your parish?  Or talking to the people in your parish who might make that happen?  Contact Jonathan Sargeant to make it happen.

There are two options for your consideration:

First, the Introduction to the Bible workshop

This is a one-day introduction to the Bible for people of all ages and backgrounds.

It offers a place to start the adventure of reading the Bible or to pick up the journey again if it has been a while. The seminar provides:

•     An opportunity to engage with others
•     An understanding of the history of the Bible
•     The basic information needed to read the Bible with confidence
•     A brief overview of the Old Testament and New Testament
•     Practical tips on choosing a Bible and other resources
•     Help to get started with a personal Bible reading plan.

You can download a brochure about the program here to find out more

On the other hand you might benefit from the Small Group Facilitation Workshop

This is a practical workshop on the purpose and process of Small Group Bible Studies for experienced and new leaders alike.

This all-day workshop (9.00am-4.30pm) helps equip current and new Small Group leaders with the practical skills and knowledge needed to facilitate a successful Small Group Bible Study. It is interactive in approach and covers the following areas:

•     Why Small Groups?
•     The Five Key Purposes of Small Groups
•     Understanding the Shape of Your Existing or New Group
•     The Five Key Process Areas of Small Group Facilitation
•     Evaluating and Improving Your Facilitation Skills
•     Improving Listening and Questioning Skills
•     Further Resources

Participants are encouraged to actively engage and apply key concepts to their local setting. Whilst the workshop focuses on Small Groups themselves, some approaches to growing a parish Small Group ministry is also covered.

To download the brochure for this program, click here.

Okay, has that caught your interest?  If you have a question or would like to book an event use this form and we'll get back to you.

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Expressions of Interest for BIBLE360 Seminars in 2014

It's a great cause for celebration that close to 1500 people have been involved with BIBLE360 events over the last 18 months. Whilst most of these have been involved with the 'Introduction to the Bible Workshop', there has also been great participation in the Small Group Seminar and other special teaching days. With planning now underway for 2014, we are now accepting expressions of interest from parishes, schools, and other agencies who would like to host a BIBLE360 event (either the 'Introduction to the Bible' or 'Small Group Facilitation' workshop) in 2014. If you are interested in hosting either of these seminars, please email adam@bible360.org.au with your contact details, a brief description of the facilities available, and three preferred dates.

Sep 14: Accordance Bible Software Training Seminar

St Francis Theological College is hosting a free training seminar for Accordance Bible software on Saturday, 14 September. The seminar will be presented by Dr Ken Simpson, the Australian demonstrator for Accordance. The seminar will include an introduction to Accordance for new users, training on more advanced features, and a parallel session in the afternoon for people interested in using this powerful software for their personal Bible study, or for parish education programs. There is no cost to attend this seminar, but participants are asked to register online at least one week before at: seminar@accordancebible.com.

Feedback from Initial Small Group Facilitation Workshops

The feedback from the initial Small Group Facilitation Workshops has been overwhelmingly positive. Both workshops were booked out (60 participants in Brisbane on May 11; 65 participants in Toowoomba on June 29) and a total of 41 people indicated an intention to start at least one new Small Group in their parish. Part of the day involves a brainstorming and problem-solving activity in which the various groups (Small Group Coordinators, Small Group Leaders, New Small Group Leaders, and Potential Small Group Leaders) identify the key challenges they face in their role, and some possible ways of addressing them. If you would like to read a copy of the material generated so far, please download it here. If you would like to come along to one of these workshops, please check the dates and locations.