The new year often begins for many people with resolutions on how we can improve our lifestyle or learn something new in the coming year. These aspirations often focus on health and physical fitness goals, but it’s also a good time to review our mental and spiritual wellbeing – maybe reflecting on questions such as, what interests me, what can I offer, what’s my role, how could I serve my congregation and community? These are questions we would call ‘vocation’ questions.
We’ve had a popular introductory course for thinking about vocation in Lichfield Diocese for many years, and after a short break the Pathways course is back! The Vocations and Training team have reimagined Pathways to make it more flexible and accessible and we’d love you to come and join us.
Pathways has three modules that run throughout the year. The modules are designed to prompt people to explore vocational questions through different books of the New Testament (The Gospel of Mark, 1 Corinthians and the Book of Acts). People can complete one, two or all three modules. Each module is design to be completed during an academic term, around 12 weeks in total. Each module is structured as below:
- Introduction – 1 hour Zoom gathering.
- 4 weeks of online content (one section per week, around 1 hour)
- A mid-way 1 hour Zoom gathering.
- 3/4 weeks of online content (one section per week, around 1 hour)
- Final 1 hour Zoom gathering.
There are points throughout the online content where we will ask you to leave a comment on an online discussion board (forum) as part of the course. And there is the option at the end of a module to provide a final reflection.
Our ‘Exploring Vocation through Mark’s Gospel’ module begins on Wednesday 24th January, 7.30 – 8.30pm with an online Zoom together. Costs should not be a barrier, but we ask for £10 from your parish, per module. Please contact us if this is an issue.
Applications need to be submitted through our online booking form which can be accessed from the website (search for Pathways). You will need your Incumbent/Vicar’s agreement to join this course as well as access to a laptop/computer. Any questions please contact Helen (helen.scheven@lichfield.anglican.org)
There is also the option for deaneries to facilitate an in-person Pathways module(s) locally should you have the numbers for this – please contact Helen for further information about this option.
Helen Scheven is the Training Coordinator for the diocese’s Vocations and Training department with a particular oversight of the Pathways course.
For further information and application form, please see
lichfield.anglican.org/vocations-and-training/pathways-to-ministry