What is the Bishop's Certificate?
A course designed to help you learn more about worship, scripture and history, and help you to relate your Christian faith to your life and locality. It will also build you up and encourage you in your faith as you work together in a group.

In 2009, there will be a Bishop's Certificate Course running, which is specifically aimed at younger people. Please click for further information

What qualifications do I need?
No academic ones! But you will need enthusiasm, interest and the willingness to commit yourself to attending the course.


What about essays?
There aren't any! You are enouraged to keep a private journal or diary as you go through the course, and towards the end, you will work on a project, either by yourself or with other people. But this needn't be written - you could make a video or a tape recording, or take photographs, or make a piece of pottery or tapestry...


How long does it go on for?
30 weeks, and each session will be 1½ to 2 hours long.


What will I learn?
The subjects covered are:

• Christian Faith and Creeds
• An introduction to the Old Testament and its central themes
• Baptism, Prayer and the Eucharist
• A special study of the letter to the Ephesians
• Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Trinity
• Living as Christians with people of other faiths
• Discipleship

How much reading will I have to do?
As much or as little as you want. There will sometimes be a little homework - perhaps half an hour's reading, and you may want to read through the course notes as preparation for each session. If you want to know more, there will be suggestions for further reading - and the sky's your limit!


How big a group?
The best size is between six and twelve people. If groups are too big, they can inhibit the shyer people, and if they're too small, it may lessen your chances of interesting discussion.


How much does it cost?
Just £20 per person. And you won't have to buy books (unless you want to!), because a Book Box will be provided so you can borrow books from that or from the Diocesan Libraries at the Old Palace, Worcester, and the Robin Woods Library, Stourbridge.


What do I get at the end of all this?
You'll receive a Certificate. There's an annual presentation, complete with reception. If you are exploring a vocation, as a Reader for example, the Bishop's Certificate counts as the first year of training.


I'd like to do the course. What do I do now?
Find out if anyone in your parish or deanery is planning to run a course. If not, you can either try and persuade them to do so, or ring Judy Baker or Stephen Winter on 01905 732812 to find out where the nearest course is.

If you've already got a group together, ring Judy or Stephen to make arrangements - have you got a tutor or leader? We can help find you one if necessary. You'll also need to arrange for someone to come to The Old Palace to collect the course booklets and the Book Box but in the meantime, get people signed up and make the arrangements for when and where you'll be meeting.

If you have any queries not covered here, please don't hesitate to ask Judy or Stephen.