This programme has been developed to support the work of parishes and deaneries by equipping lay people for service. We aim to do this by giving participants the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their vocation more effectively, whilst at the same time giving them a bigger vision for how God might use them to bring in his kingdom.
BCM is not an academic training course but a programme of formation. It is strongly relational based. We believe everyone who attends will already have some wisdom and experience to share which the training will draw out and enhance
Those who complete the programme will have greater confidence in what they are doing and will be better equipped to bring a missional focus to bear on their area of ministry and their life. Many people today would not come near a church but will have contact with Christians. Through the BCM programme, we plan to equip people to share the love of Christ with those around them as they exercise their ministry.
BCM Programmes Autumn 2023
We have four BCM programme streams beginning on 16th September 2023:
BCM Creation Care
Creation Care will consider the theology of our calling to care for God’s creation, as well as exploring practical actions we can take to raise awareness and make a difference in our churches and communities. A separate flyer outlining the session content is available on request.
BCM Pastoral
This programme aims to equip you to be pastoral in different contexts in the church and in the community. It is about developing your skills and exploring your vocation to this ministry. Amongst the topic we will explore are listening skills, ageing well and bereavement
BCM Worship
This is for those who have a desire to lead God’s people into God’s presence. The training will cover the core skills required to lead worship in your church/community and on completion carries an authorisation to lead non eucharistic worship more than once a quarter.
BCM Beyond Church Walls
In this programme we explore creative ways take your ministry out of the church building and into the community. It will help you find ways to share the gospel true to your local context and help build confidence to be yourself in mission. We’ll offer a variety of resources to take those exciting but scary first steps..
BCM Taster Evening – 26th July 2023
If you would like to find out more about BCM and the autumn term’s programmes you are warmly invited to join us for a Taster Evening on Zoom on 26th July, 7pm – 8pm. We will be sharing about the content of the programmes and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may have. To reserve a place and receive the zoom link contact: wendy.atkinson@winchester.anglican.org
Why take part in a programme through BCM?
If you are a layperson who is involved in ministry in your local church or perhaps feeling a call from God to become more involved in ministry in your local church then BCM training might be for you. We aim to equip and inspire laypeople to become more confident in their service within their church and community, growing in understanding that you are indeed a valuable part of the mission of God in His world. We offer a range of programmes, which we vary term by term. Those coming next are listed below and you can get in touch with Wendy Atkinson via the form below to find out more details about any that interest you. Once you have completed the training and its requirements, you will be commissioned to that role in your benefice by the Bishop of Winchester at the annual Lay Ministries Service at the Cathedral.
BCM Community
What happens after you complete a BCM Programme?
BCM training is highly relational. We believe those who come on the training already have a wealth of life skills and experience to share before they begin. We believe we learn best from one another, from discussion and from mutual encouragement and support. Post BCM therefore we aim to offer opportunities for those who have been through the programmes to get together for prayer, fellowship and some input on a regular basis. Coming up we have the following event
BCM networking breakfasts
Dates for the autumn will be added soon.
“You See Bones – I see an Army”
Lay Ministry Celebration – 10th June
10am to 4pm. St Paul’s Bursledon
This year our annual BCM Reunion is a joint celebration of Lay Ministry bringing together BCMs, BPPs, LLMs and LLWs. We have a wonderful speaker in H Miller, Chief of Staff of CCX (the Centre for Church Multiplication). Bishop David and other senior staff will be present. It will be an opportunity to come together, to worship, to share our joys and challenges and to pray for one another. The theme for our Reunion this year is taken from Ezekiel 37: 1-12.
“The statistics are sobering. Frustrated church members across England and Europe are leaving their congregations. Why? Many believe that God is realigning the church—that he wants to use people’s frustration to motivate them toward change.”“The kind of change may surprise you. It involves a valley of dry bones ready for use—ready to become an army—but only after they are prophesied over. The dry bones are the poor, the rebellious, the marginalized of society, the young, the uneducated. They carry wounds, have been abused, suffer from mental health, are widows and single parents. They are waiting for someone to believe in them, uphold them in community, and send them out in the service of God.”
A Groundswell is rising! Come be part of a move of God that comes from the ground like a spring of living water and facilitates a movement of disciples and leaders that bring change and transformation from the grassroots.
Please let us know which course you’re interested in by using the contact form below.