The Discipleship Project

The Discipleship Project began in September 2022 to support the growth and development of the ministry of all of God’s people in local churches and across mission communities. This training is open to anyone and is designed to encourage disciples of Jesus to step into new areas of discovery for mission and ministry. Through the six core sessions run in church house Penrith, with supplementary optional modules running across the county, this course will explore new ways of thinking about ‘calling.’ This course is for those wanting to explore the next season of ministry, interested in developing in areas of lay-ministry, or up for a Jesus-shaped discipleship adventure. Participants are encouraged to pursue a path of vocational discovery, growth, and development.

Participants of The Discipleship Project are invited to discover what spaces in, or outside of the church, God may be calling them in to; Seeking to explore what it means for the whole people of God to be engaged in God’s mission within the world. This training is built upon the assumption that every member of the church has gifts and skills to be used for the good of the kingdom with a focus upon the commission for mission that Jesus offers to all his disciples at baptism. The course will:

  • Build confidence in a self-understanding of personal giftings for ministry
  • Support the journey of radical discipleship
  • Find new prophetic spaces for the church to be at work.
  • Open-up new ministry possibilities

Core Module

Exploring your callwith Nicky Smith and Bob and Mary Hopkins
This module forms a key aspect of the course. It is mandatory for all participants. It sets the context and framework for the other optional modules. It will look at God’s call as manifest within the Scriptures. It explores this concept of ‘vocation,’ allowing the space to reflect upon our personal Christian journey. Using the example that Jesus models in Scripture to grow missionary disciples, it will introduce the themes of missional coaching, apprenticeship, and life-long learning.

In 2023-24 this module will be delivered simultaneously in St Paul’s Church, Barrow, and St Michael’s Church, Dalston, where it will be facilitated by Revd Ben Phillips.

Session 1 – Know who you are!
Wednesday 15th November 2023, 7pm-9pm at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

Session 2 – Know how we Learn
Wednesday 13th December 2023, 7pm-9pm at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

Session 3 – Know your Spiritual Resources
Wednesday 10th January 2024, 7pm-9pm at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

Session 4 – Know Jesus’ Discipling “System” 
Wednesday 21st February 2024 at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

Session 5 – Know your Team + Trade & Tools
Wednesday 13th March 2024, 7pm-9pm at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

Session 6 – Know how to “Fish”
Wednesday 17th April 2024, 7pm-9pm at St Paul’s Church Barrow and St Michael’s Church, Dalston

To book:

To book your place at Barrow visit: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CSDZ

To book your place at Dalston visit: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CSKB

Cost: £15 + ticket fee

Optional Module

Chaplaincy, exploring chaplaincy in the Diocese of Carlisle

Revd Dr Glynn Jones leads a 5-week introduction to the role of chaplaincy, with an overview of some of the opportunities available within the Diocese of Carlisle to support lay chaplaincy.

Dates: Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th February 2024 at Church House Penrith

Church House Penrith, 7pm-9pm,

Cost: £15.00 plus ticket fee

Book here: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/COAT

Revd Dr Glynn Jones