Ministry Conferences
Conferences
The Ministry Department organises a range of events including:
Residential Selection Conference
Residential Selection Conferences (RSC) provides a process for discerning suitability for Accredited Ministry when a candidate has not been a student at a recognised Baptist College. Candidates, who must hold a minimum university-validated Diploma in theology or above, or who have a portfolio of approved prior learning, are assessed on their calling and suitability for Baptist Ministry by a team of experienced selectors in a context of worship.
This 3-day conference, which is held two or three times a year, is chaired by the Moderator of the Ministerial Recognition Committee (MRC) and decisions are taken as recommendations to the full National MRC which makes the formal decisions. Flexible arrangements now govern the probationary period for Newly Accredited Ministers who come through RSC, in recognition of the wide range of experience of candidates.
Ministry Refresher Conference
All serving ministers, whether in a pastorate or other roles, are invited every five years from when they were first enrolled to this gathering when 150+ ministers meet for three days of fellowship, refreshment, bible study and plenary addresses.
Forthcoming dates:
24-26 September 2012 (for those enrolled in years ending 2 and 7)
23-25 September 2013 (for those enrolled in years ending 3 and 8)
Pre-retirement Conference
For ministers and spouses. These popular courses run every June at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, and in the Autumn (depending on demand) at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. They are designed to help with the preparation for this major change, and are open to anyone within four years of their planned retirement date. Topics include health, housing, finance, using your time and the spiritual life. Bookings are currently being taken for Swanwick courses from 5-7 November 2012, and for High Leigh courses from 6-8 June 2012 and 4-6 June 2013 and 3-5 June 2014.
Newly Accredited Ministers Conference
One of the requirements for full accreditation is for all Newly Accredited Ministers (including Youth Specialists and Evangelists) to attend this four day summer school for encouragement and reflection and to consider issues arising in ministry. This is held each summer, and those invited usually attend towards the end of their second year of ministry.
Sector Ministry Conferences
Each year conferences are arranged for those in chaplaincy roles, whether full or part time. Normally one per sector (Higher Education, Prison Ministry, Health Chaplaincy and Workplace Ministry), all sectors meet together once every three years.
For information on all these conferences, please phone Ian Millgate on 01235 517705.
Students Day
In mid-November, all those in training at the five Baptist Colleges in the BUGB and those at the Scottish Baptist College are invited to Baptist House to meet the staff for an introductory day (Inside Track). There is also a similar day in the autumn on alternate years (Inside Track Light) for all newly enrolled ministers who have candidated through the Residential Selection Conference and Ministerial Recognition Sub Committee routes.
Specific issues are addressed from time-to-time through day conferences. For more information please contact the Department.
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