Authorised Preaching Training happens in the local parish, benefice or worshipping community. An Authorised Preacher is someone who has a particular gift or calling to share the news of Jesus. They feel called to serve their local church context as part of a collaborative ministry team.
What is Authorised Preaching Training?
In the Diocese of Winchester, we offer a theologically robust training course for those looking to become Authorised Preachers, called the Bishop’s Permission to Preach (BPP). This one-year course will allow you to learn alongside those training for Licensed Ministry, as well as studying your own unique module, to equip you to preach in your local church.
Contextual Training
Your training is rooted in your local church where you’ll be expected to preach at least once a term during your training year, gathering feedback from your training minister and the wider congregation.
Alongside this you will become part of a ‘Preaching Development Group’. This is a small group with fellow BPP students in a local area. You will meet regularly with your group leader, an experienced preacher, to support each other and discuss your ongoing development as preachers. We also encourage you to try to hear each other preach in your local churches over the course of the year.
Theological Training
While the idea of theological training may seem daunting, just remember that God has called you to this work. One previous student said:
Stepping back into the world of study was a daunting venture into the unknown and yet, with the guidance of an immensely supportive staff team and the friendship of an eclectic and caring bunch of fellow students, I have found it to be stimulating, enriching and immensely helpful to my church ministry.
Alongside contextual training, we hope to inspire you through high quality learning. Our theological training enables everyone to grow in a friendly and stimulating atmosphere, with helpful, welcoming tutors and an offer of additional support should you need it.
Authorised Preaching training is a one-year pathway leading to a Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission (awarded through Durham University). See an example below:
Our training is delivered using a blended approach of in-person and online study, with two or three Saturdays of tutorials in person each term and most Thursday evenings online in term time.
All students have access to a fully resourced online learning platform with an online library of books and articles to hand, as well as access to books from our library. The new year begins together each September with a weekend residential in Winchester. Worship is at the heart of who we are as a community, and is a key priority in our gatherings – both in-person and online.
You can find more information about this programme on the Bishop’s Permission to Preach page. If you have any questions about authorised preaching training, please contact either Wendy Atkinson (wendy.atkinson@winchester.anglican.org) or Greg Eland (greg.eland@winchester.anglican.org).