readjan

home / about / who’s who / reader training / intro

Greetings, I'm Alan Shields and I'm a Trainee Reader at St Mary's, currently in the 1st year proper of my 'Reader Training' begun in September this year. Before this, I was privileged to be able complete the 'Foundation Course in Christian Believing' along with a group of other Christians from various churches in the Diocese. I can recommend this three term course of study to anyone who feels they would like to dig a bit deeper into the Christian faith and enjoys the challenge of expressing themselves through group discussion and assignment writing. It really is amazing what God can do, when he is given the opportunity! It gave me the opportunity to make new friends from other 'traditions' within the Church of England and together share our walk of faith story. It requires no previous educational level or achievement, but simply a desire to learn more about your relationship with God through His word, the Bible.

So just what is a 'Trainee Reader'? well, the official explanation I suppose is something like this;

"Trainees for Reader Ministry are trained to exercise a public ministry of the Word.

This means that training in public speaking skills is central to the course of study.
Trainees are expected, encouraged and assisted to preach in their local church with observation and assessment, as well as speaking at training events.
At least one video of a sermon or presentation will be made during the time of training.

The other central feature of the training, spread throughout the course, is development of bible study skills and in particular interpretation and explanation of scripture. The hope is to give trainees an enthusiasm for the Bible and an ability to deliver its message to congregations, small groups, and in other appropriate ways".

I find it much easier to explain it, to people who ask, in this way -

" I am a Christian who feels called by God to learn and understand more about his word, the Bible. I am keen to explore its relevance and impact to the world today. I continually, through prayer, seek 'God's will for my life and I desire to develop the skills and gifts I believe God has given me, enabling me to exercise my ministry in the community in which God has placed me and in the wider world of my daily life".

I see the role of 'Reader' as much broader than 'preacher and teacher'. I consider it more appropriate to think of the role as that of a 'Lay Minister' or 'Pastoral Leader', but for the time being at least 'Reader' is the accepted and ancient title within the Church of England.

In this first year of training I am busy preparing written work for each of my monthly tutor group sessions looking this term at 'The Old Testament' and this month in particular 'the Covenant'.

Your prayers would be very welcome as I meet the challenge of exploring some parts of the bible I have not visited very often, if at all, in the past. What an exciting God we have! He leads, and I follow, but he does take me into some surprising places!

I am also involved with other members of the leadership team here at St Mary's and share in leading worship in our Sunday ministry when the opportunity presents.

I hope to keep you informed of my progress through the web site and will endeavour to provide a monthly update on what the current area of study is and where your prayer focus should be!!

God Bless and Love in Him

Alan S