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The Course in Christian Studies is an opportunity to explore the Christian faith with others. The course runs over two years, is open to anyone over the age of 16 and is based on weekly meetings in local groups. There are Taster Evenings at various centres in the Diocese during July - more from the Diocesan website
In the 1970s, the Church of England encouraged a 'Lay Apostolate' which was a course of study encouraging Christians to take seriously the proclamation of the Christian faith based on knowledge of the Gospels, other scriptures, prayer and church teaching. It aimed to make 'Apostles' (those 'sent out' by Jesus Christ) to serve him in the world. Those who wrote the course said that far too many Christians walked around with the faith of a 12 year old, in other words, they stopped any Christian learning once they were confirmed.
In more recent times, Dioceses have developed Christian Learning Programmes designed to help Christians develop an excitement and enthusiasm for Christian learning. Most are aimed at educating peopel to be more effective in their personal witness to Jesus Christ and are, in effect, the 'leaven in the lump' of society and the world. Others use such courses as the foundation for further learning and for specific Christian service - Reader, Evangelist, Pastoral Assistant, Ordination candidate. Our Diocese uses the Course in Christian Studies for both purposes.
As a church we are dedicated to helping people grow in the faith in order to fulfil their potential as Christians and humans. At St John's we seek to enthuse, educate, equip and encourage all of you to share the great advanture of being followers of Jesus Christ and proclaim him in your lives.
We do this in different ways. We have a flourishing Nurture Group; we have Lent study courses; we have on-going learning opportunities, including the 'Meeting Jesus in the Gospels' series as part o Sundays at Six, E100 Bible Programme, Beer & Bible, and much more. The PCC have set up a Christian Education Group to help us all find the right adventure of learning for our own particular needs. Teh group may offer courses, but its main task is to develop a climate of learning in St John's which reflects the wide needs and offerings of us all. If we are to continue ot serve God faithfully, then we need to encourage a thirst for knowing Jesus rather than knowing 'about' Jesus. We need to open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit as God shapes and grows our Christian community. CCS is part of this. If you are interested, find out more.
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