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Lay Training & Resources

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'Why are you studying?' Every Lutheran layperson in Australia and New Zealand who's studying full-time, part-time or just doing an evening class now and then will give you a different reason why they are back in the books.

Some want to have a go at studying theology so they can see if they have what it takes for a vocation in Christian ministry. Others want to develop their skills in counselling. And others want to better equip themselves for sharing their faith with family and friends. Some want a degree, some a diploma or certificate, and some just want to turn up to a series of evening classes or small group study on a topic that interests them. There are all sorts of reasons why all sorts of people are continuing to learn and grow. What's yours?

Here are some of your study options within our church:

Australian Lutheran College

2011 evening classes

Do you want to learn more about Christianity but don't want the bother of writing assignments and sitting exams? Then enrol for ALC's evening classes. Each year the ALC teaching staff offer evening classes on topics of broad interest. The classes are held one evening a week for six weeks.

Past evening classes:

  • 2011 spring series
    - Strange and unexplained stories in the book of Acts
    - Luther for the busy person: lively words of grace and wisdom to help you on your journey
    - An unholy trinity? Listening to Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris
  • 2010 autumn series
    - Lifestyles of care: communities that make a difference
    - Moral choices: a guide to Christian ethics
    - The message of Galatians: a letter for the church today
  • 2009 spring series
    - Jacob and Joseph: stories of guile and grace, conflict and peace

 You can find out more about training for lay people from the Australian Lutheran College website.

Grassroots Training

(the Vocational Education Training division of ALC)

Grassroots Training is an ideal way to deepen your faith and learn practical skills for ministry. Grassroots is a division of ALC (ie ALC operating in the VET sector - the same as TAFE colleges), so the emphasis is on practical ministry training. Courses are relevant to the challenges faced by the people of the church today. Grassroots Training is committed to flexible delivery, diverse ecumenical opinions and encouragement to learn through experience and the joy of discovery.

The workshops currently offered by Grassroots Training are:

  • Communication & Relationships
  • Hearing the Voice of God
  • Introduction to Counselling
  • Leading Ministry Teams
  • Mentoring
  • Spiritual Warfare
  • Teamwork & Leadership
  • Time & Project Management
  • Vision & Strategic Planning.

You can find out more from the Grassroots Training website.

Group Study Guides

If you want to study with a small group, the study guides being developed by Grassroots Training are just right for you. This brand-new series of guides us action-reflection learning experiences. The first two - 'Connection' and 'Bible' - are available now, and seven more are in the pipeline.

'Connection'

In 'Connection', which consists of eight Bible study sessions, you'll discover effective and biblical ways to share the gospel in today's culture. 'Connection' is an evangelism course with a difference; it's built on an action-reflection learning experience. In 'Connection' you will explore God’s mission to see all creation reconciled back to him, and how Jesus embodied this and gives us the example for mission to others. Learn where you fit into God’s mission for the world through understanding the culture we live in, identifying where God is already at work, what part your story and the stories of others have to play, and how you are salt and light in the world.

'Bible'

Like 'Connection', 'Bible' uses action-reflection learning experience. In 'Bible' you will explore God's word, be given the opportunity to ask tough questions and share your thoughts and discoveries with others. Discover connections between the different books in the Bible and also the Old and New Testament, and the implications that has for you and your small group. Discover the amazing story of the Bible and the roles we continue to play in that story, the story of God.

 

You can purchase 'Connection' and 'Bible' from our partner in ministry Australian Church Resources.