The Board of Youth and Children’s Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, in partnership with Union College, Belfast, offers a Certificate in Children’s Ministry.  This course is tailor-made to meet the needs of children’s ministry leaders.  Children’s leaders who are involved in Sunday School, Children’s Church, Kids Clubs or any other form of children’s ministry will benefit significantly from the children’s course.  The course is an excellent opportunity for networking with others involved in children’s ministry, while being resourced and envisioned, trained and refreshed.

The course will be held at Union Theological College on Thursday evenings and will incorporate a 10 week teaching programme (10 weeks from 18 September).  There is a weekly class-time commitment of 2 hours (7.30 pm – 9.30 pm). 

A team of experienced lecturers will deliver a mix of practical and informative sessions which will lead to the award of a Certificate in Children’s Ministry.  In additional to attending the weekly lectures the certificate will be awarded to those who successfully complete the coursework assignments.  There are no academic entrance requirements for these courses; however, it is expected that candidates will be engaged in church-based children’s ministry.

The Moderator will present the Certificates to those who successfully complete the Course at a special Ceremony in May.

The lectures will address the following aspects of children's ministry:

- Importance of Children’s Ministry.
- The World of the Child. 
- Engaging with the Bible. 
- Lost Generation 
- Storytelling 
- Faith Development
- Ideas Factory 1
- Ideas Factory 2
- Reaching Out 
- Where next?

Cost: 

 

£80.00 for the 10 weeks inclusive of deposit, all materials and tea/coffee.  Balance to be paid to the Youth and Children’s Office (payable to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland) by 25th September 2008. It is hoped that congregations will sponsor those who are willing to make the considerable commitment to the Course.  Telephone bookings will not be accepted.  A place will only be secured on the payment of a £30.00 deposit (or the full fee if desired).

Places are restricted and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  The closing date for applications is 11th September 2008.