This email contains opportunities for training and development in the Diocese of Gloucester. The majority of these opportunities are for everyone, whether ordained or not.
All of our training can now be found in one place, so you can browse and book online, any time.
All our courses will require you to complete a simple booking form. Links to booking forms can be found on the specific course page on the Diocesan Website. Links in this document will take you to those pages.
Once a booking form is complete please ensure you click SUBMIT - or your booking will not be recorded.
The department of Mission and Ministry have a range of flyers and booklets covering Christenings and Funerals. If you would like to see the range available please click here.
Drop in Café session for Children, Family and Youth Ministry 8 March 2023 12:30pm - 2:30pm
The Bank Café, Dursley
No topic or questions about Children, Families and Youth Ministry are out of bounds so please bring any questions you might have for the team.
Under fives and flourishing - Engaging with our youngest children 18 March 2023 9:30am - 4pm
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Rd, Gloucester GL3 2JH
£10/person which includes lunch (max £30/group)
This day brings together a variety of experienced practitioners who understand the needs of our youngest children and the adults who care for them and can offer insight and inspiration about this important age group and stage of family life.
Growing Leadership Development with Young People Afternoon Training with Onelife Leadership
22 March 2023 12:00noon - 2:30pm
Gloucester City Centre - Venue TBC
Join the Youth Connect Team and the team from Onelife for a special afternoon workshop around the principles of Onelife and leadership development with young people.
Growing Young Leaders 22 March 2023 7pm - 9pm St Mary DeCrypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester Developing young people (11-18) into effective leaders not only benefits the church, it transforms the world. In this workshop we’ll look at how we recruit, encourage and grow young people as leaders – and how we need to create a church culture of standing aside to let them have a go!.
Ecochurch coffee shop chats:
These are regular opportunities to gather for informal conversation with others, sharing ideas with one another, asking questions about any area where your church is feeling stuck, and exploring what could be done together. Cate Williams is organising gathering dates in coffee shops at roughly monthly intervals, in various locations across the Diocese. Keep an eye on advertised dates, or feel free to drop Cate a line on cwilliams@glosdioc.org.uk to request a gathering near you.
Ecochurch ‘Getting Started’ training is available on request for any group of 5+ participants, which may be an individual church or benefice, a deanery, or centred on a particular town. It is usually on zoom but may be possible in person, particularly for larger group sizes. For more information please contact cwilliams@glosdioc.org.uk
Funeral & Bereavement Ministry Training
Commencing 5 June 2023 7:30pm - 9pm
This is a course for lay church members seeking to be licensed for funeral ministry. It is also suitable for Readers or ordained funeral ministers wishing to refresh their funeral ministry.
Bereavement Visitor Training
Commencing 18 September 2023 7:30pm - 9pm
This course is suitable for lay church members wishing to be locally commissioned for bereavement ministry. It is also suitable for Readers or ordained funeral ministers wishing to refresh their knowledge about bereavement ministry.
Mental Health First Aid Courses
Two courses are available on a variety of dates:
Mental Health First Aider (2 days)
Designed for someone who would like to take on a role after the course of promoting a positive mental health culture and being a point of contact if someone is experiencing mental ill health. Particularly useful for those who have a pastoral care role.
Mental Health First Aid Champion (1 day)
Aimed at line managers and people supporting others and is designed to equip people with the skills and confidence to spot when someone on their team or in their community is struggling and to know how to offer support.
For more information and available dates please click here
Kingdom Vision Retreat
2 - 4 May 2023 Residential
Annual Retreat that focuses on vision and calling. A chance to stop, to pray and to reflect. Open to Clergy, Readers and Licensed Lay Workers
Cost: £175
Encouraging God's Gifts
Young Adults' Group
Every 2nd Monday of the month 7pm - 8:30pm
Encouraging God’s Gifts is an online gathering for young adults from across the diocese. To register your interest click the heading or scan the QR code:
Working Well with Volunteers
14 March 2023, 10:30 - 12:45
For all those with responsibility for 'volunteers' in churches across the West Midlands. This
online event is designed for all who (seek to) recruit, retain, and oversee people in voluntary
roles in C of E churches.
The event will include:
• Keynote input from the Revd Richard Steel
• Breakout room workshops (a choice of 2 from the list below)
• Conversation and discussion
Places available on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment. To book please click here.
Church of England - Project yourself
If you have any responsibility for managing a reasonably complex project and could do with honing your Project Management skills, you might be interested in a new on-demand e-learning training course. The course covers Project Awareness, Project Management, and Project Governance and Oversight and is available now to the Church of England staff and clergy.
If you're interested in developing your project management skills, this training course can be accessed free via the CofE portal
If you don’t already have an account with CofE portal, then register hereand go through the email verification process. Once you have an account you can use a direct link to go to the area by clicking here
Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries
How can a church become a sanctuary—a place where individuals living with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging? The Sanctuary Course was created to inspire and equip communities of faith that are asking this important question. Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study guide explores key mental health topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote wellbeing.
Free Resources
The department of Mission and Ministry have a range of flyers and booklets covering Christenings and Funerals. If you would like to see the range available please 
Children and Families
