acorn training prospectus 2017 acorn christian healing foundation

acorn training prospectus 2017 acorn christian healing foundation

Contents 1 A message from Acorn s Director page 3 2 Healing Modules page 4 Christian Healing 101 Generational Healing Health and Wholeness Authentic Living 3 Reconciliation Modules page 5 Finding Reconciliation and Growth Focus on Forgiveness 4 Listening Modules page 6 Effective Listening Practice Module 1 Applied Listening Practice Module 2 Professional Listening Practice Module 3 Staying in Touch for those impacted by the early stages of dementia Give Sorrow Words equipping churches and individuals for bereavement ministry 5 Tailored Programmes for Churches & Christian Organisations page 8 Conflict in the Church: A Lunchtime Conversation Prayer Ministry 6 Regional Events Programme page 9 7 Resources page 9 8 Fees page 10 9 How to Book page 10 10 About Us page 11 11 Our Team page 12 12 How to Support Acorn page 13 2

A Message from Acorn s Director It really is a genuine pleasure to write a brief welcome and introduction to Acorn s 2017 Training Prospectus. I trust that you will find something here that will inspire and interest your church or community, as well as something which will provide cause for personal reflection and encouragement. Over the last year Acorn courses have been delivered in many and varied contexts both around the UK and at our training base in Hampshire. We have been privileged to work across the Christian denominations, including the Black Majority Church, with churches seeking to make a significant difference in their communities. Acorn s vision of establishing beacons of healing and wholeness stands at the very heart of all that we do, and equipping others to serve their church and community is one of our chief tasks. We would so value the opportunity to serve you and your church in this way, as we aim to provide a solid theological foundation, along with a credible methodology for Christian MInistry. You will see that we are offering a fresh process to our Listening Training. Three modules which will equip and inspire you to listen well in life as well as in ministry. To be truly heard is to be truly loved. The Healing Course will give you a more settled confidence when praying for those who are in need in body, mind or spirit. The Prayer MInistry course will give you a clearer understanding of the complexities involved when praying for others, but also a way of discovering the simplicity of Christ s ministry to those asking for prayer. Reconciliation has expanded this year in both delivering the course and in facilitating and supporting churches who need to navigate their way through the challenges presented by conflict. It is an increasing area of demand, alas. One unique option is the Conflict Conversation for church leaders. The event we pioneered with the Guildford Diocese was oversubscribed by three times, but each event proved significant in the life and ministry of leaders and churches alike. In addition to our familiar courses - and who does not need a refresher now and then - we have added some fresh options for developing personal wholeness through themed retreat days, around topics such as Resilience, Contentment or Embracing the gift of Time. There is much to encourage and inspire in this new Prospectus. Acorn Training is interactive so there is much doing as well as teaching, and because we recognise that we all learn differently I am confident that there will be something for everyone taking part. We look forward immensely to the opportunity to work with you. Please do get in touch if we can serve you or if you want any further information. Wes Sutton (Director) 3

HEALING MODULES Christian Healing 101 Christian Healing 101 (CH101) is learning how to exercise a credible and Christ centred healing ministry. It can also serve as a church s first engagement with Christian Healing. CH101 focuses on providing a robust theological and practical framework to the Christian Healing Ministry. This module examines the nature of Christian Ministry itself and explores the different arenas in which it is exercised. It considers the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, and throughout early and contemporary church history. It confronts some of the difficult questions inherent in the Christian Healing ministry and provides a framework for understanding and operating in the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit, in a competent and compassionate way. CH101 lays out clear practical steps for exercising a Christian Healing ministry and provides opportunity for delegates to participate in prayer for Christian healing. Generational Healing During this specialist module you will be exploring a Biblical perspective on generational healing and you will learn how to put together a genogram or family tree. There will be time to reflect privately, and in God s presence, on the wounds and pains that we experience from people in our family who have hurt us or loved ones we might have lost. It is an opportunity to consider what has shaped us from the past and find peace for the pains picked up on life s journey. You will be encouraged in the safe place that this module provides to talk to God about your wounds and allow Him to heal your heart, your emotions and broken relationships with other family members. At the end of the day you will be invited to participate in Holy Communion laying before God your dreams and desires about your family. Health and Wholeness: Authentic Living A day covering what it means to be made in the image of God and how in life s difficulties God can restore people to wholeness. This event containing worship, teaching and prayer and will help your congregation to find wholeness themselves. It will explore how to pray effectively and how to support others in their journey towards physical and spiritual wholeness. 4

RECONCILIATION MODULES Facing conflict to find reconciliation and growth Many Christians regard conflict as intrinsically unspiritual and to be avoided at all costs with the result we either hide from it or handle it badly. This module is led by specially trained Acorn trainers and will explore the process by which individuals and church communities can understand what is happening in times of conflict, and teach them how to find the appropriate and biblical mechanisms of handling difference before it become destructive. This interactive module provides both a biblical and theoretical framework for engaging with conflict and approaches to transforming the relationships involved. Focus on Forgiveness This module considers what happens when we forgive and what happens when we do not. It examines how the church can become a community of forgiveness and what does that looks like in real life. It will help a church take a fresh look at what Jesus meant when he taught his disciples within the Lord s Prayer, forgive us...as we forgive. The day looks at the theological and ethical issues surrounding forgiveness and how Jesus teaching ran contrary to the norms of his day - as it does ours. We will consider what the impact of forgiveness has on us and others and how the church can model the forgiving heart of God to the world. 5

LISTENING MODULES We live in a busy world. Social media screams headlines; conversations extend to the length of a tweet; or the time it takes to drink a cappuccino. We tire quickly, and long for space to breathe, talk, be heard. Acorn s Listening Modules respond to this longing because Listening is a vital part of the healing process. Effective Listening Practice Module 1 This module introduces the ministry of listening as a foundational element of the wholeness ministry. On this day delegates will learn active reflective listening skills. Applied Listening Practice Module 2 On this module delegates are invited to explore more deeply the places in which God may call people to listen. Building on the skills in module 1 the full acorn paradigm of listening is introduced and developed fully. Professional Volunteer Practice Module 3 This next step in the listening pathway equips delegates to listening safely in a formal one to one setting. We consider what is good and safe practice shaped through biblical understanding. The full Acorn paradigm will be revisited with an assessment undertaken by Acorn providing the assurance of authorized listener accreditation. 6

Staying in Touch Equipping churches to support all those affected by the impact of the early stages of dementia. This module is specifically designed to equip those supporting individuals affected by dementia with the listening and communicating tools they need to reduce isolation and relate better to those with dementia. It also offers opportunities to meet others in a similar situation and to feel refreshed and energized. The module develops a clear understanding of the dynamics accompanying dementia and identifies creative ways in which to respond to those impacted by it, and focuses on equipping your church or community to reduce the isolation people experience. This two part module is run by specially trained and experienced trainers and provides an appreciation of the impact of the early stages of dementia. Part one examines the difficult issues facing those caring for people living with the early stages of dementia and how we might give appropriate support to family members and carers. Part two focuses on the importance of how we can effectively listen to and communicate with a person living with the condition. Give Sorrow Words Equipping churches and individuals for bereavement. Give sorrow words is a specially designed to equip churches and individuals navigate the journey of loss and bereavement in a healthy and supportive way. The day will provide practical and biblical insight to help you to serve within this vital ministry. 7

TAILORED PROGRAMMES FOR CHURCHES AND CHRISTIAN ORGANISATIONS Our experienced training team are well qualified to listen to the needs of your church or organization and help to design and deliver a training solution which will help you to achieve your objectives. Our Trainers will discuss your aims and using our approved materials, the event will be designed to achieve mutually agreed objectives. In addition to tailoring any of our existing programmes, we are experienced in: Helping teams to create a clear Mission, Vision and Strategy Building effective teams Providing one to one coaching and development Other tailored events include: Prayer Ministry This module provides a clear conceptual framework for the development and practice of a competent and compassionate prayer ministry in a church and community setting. It examines the biblical foundations of drawing others into the presence of God through prayer ministry, and explores the essential nature of being made Imago Dei. Setting this essential ministry within the overall life of the church, this module establishes a clear understanding of personal and ministry boundaries, and devotes time to working in small groups and to assessing real life ministry scenarios. There is opportunity to put learning into practice and the day concludes with a brief service of dedication. Conflict in the Church: A Lunchtime Conversation An event tailored specifically for groups of leaders within Diocese, fraternal and church networks. Facilitated by Acorn Director, Revd Wes Sutton, for groups of upto twelve leaders over a buffet lunch, you will have opportunity to explore the common roots of conflict within the church, and the spiritual and practical dynamics at play. With practical options on how to manage conflict, you will have the chance to relate it to your own situation and find hope and a way forward. Prices for tailored programmes are based on the needs of each individual project, 8

REGIONAL EVENTS This year we will be running a series of regional events in response to churches who have members wanting to experience our training, but do not have enough participants to host an event in their church. We will be promoting these events widely and individuals or groups can book a place. Please see our website for up to date details of venue and booking information. REGION TOPIC DATE Exeter Reconciliation To be confirmed Northwest Liverpool/Manchester Effective Listening Practice May (date to be confirmed) York Reconciliation July (date to be confirmed) London Effective Listening Practice September (date to be confirmed) Birmingham Effective Listening Practice November (date to be confirmed) RESOURCES Growing a Healing Ministry Growing a Healing Ministry is a five session introduction to the Christian healing ministry. Designed for a small group context it gives an excellent introduction to the ministry of healing and provides helpful and practical advice for encouraging those seeking to establish a safe and effective healing ministry in and through the local church. The complete pack includes Leaders notes, PowerPoint Presentation and a copy of the participant s handbook. Each participant attending Growing a Healing Ministry will need their own handbook to enable them to benefit fully from this interactive learning experience. It is a course that anyone can share in - delegate. Growing a Healing Ministry Pack ~ 20 + 5.00 p&p Handbooks ~ 6 including p&p ( 50.00 for set of 10 inc. p&p) Just Listen! Many of us today have discovered for ourselves the difference it makes when someone really listens to us. Being well listened to can be a life-changing experience, and yet sadly also one which is comparatively rare in our busy world. This introductory DVD and self guided, module offers foundational teaching on the value of listening to others, to God and to ourselves. Just Listen! DVD ~ 20 Module Books ~ 5 each (inc. p&p) - per delegate 9

FEES Workshop Fees for Individual Churches and Organisations Each one day is priced at 300 per church for up to 24 participants, including 10 workbooks. (Additional workbooks 3 or 25 for 10 inc p&p). All workshops can be delivered to larger groups, depending on the flexibility of the venue, but an additional fee may be charged according to numbers. Prices include tea and coffee but not lunch. Regional Workshop Fees Our regional workshops will be open to individuals for a fee of 35 per person, not including lunch. For group bookings of eight or more people, the individual fee will be 30 pp. HOW TO BOOK To make a booking please go to our website www.acornchristian.org or ring Jo, our Events Co-Ordinator, 01420 478121 and she will talk you through the process 10

ABOUT US Acorn Christian Healing Foundation delivers Healing and Wholeness to individuals and communities. Established in 1985 by Bishop Morris Maddocks, Acorn has been at the forefront of providing people, regardless of their circumstances, background or life choices, with the opportunity to experience the shalom a life-encompassing peace that is at the heart of the Christian message. Shalom impacts every area of a person s life - relationships, physical and spiritual wellbeing and emotional wholeness. Acorn remains engaged in, and committed to being a transformative agent in today s multifaceted society. Our training events are divided in to three main pathways of learning: Our Training Team All our training is delivered by two of our experienced team of Acorn Trainers. Each of our trainers has attended a rigorous development programme and we offer a number of Calling Days for those who might want to explore God s Calling for our work. Many of our trainers have been with us for a number of years, and we also have a number of new additions to the team each year. Our team our spread throughout the UK and work closely with our Director of Training, Jennie Fytche. If you would like to know more about how to become one of the Acorn Training Team, please contact Jennie at Jfytche@acornchristian.org Our Methodology Working in Partnership with You The training is led so that delegates will develop new knowledge and understanding of the subject and leave the day inspired to use newly their acquired skills. Our training is therefore: Offering foundational teaching with sound biblical values, which shape ministry Interactive in training approach Reflective with space to listen to God, and to others within the group Challenging as delegates gain skills required to enable others to find wholeness Exciting as delegates develop their God given potential as a disciple of Christ. 11

OUR TEAM Revd Wes Sutton Acorn s Director Wes Sutton has been in Christian Ministry some 30 years. Wes trained as a teacher, he started fulltime ministry with Youth for Christ in N.E. London in 1982 as a worship leader, songwriter, and evangelist. After 6 productive years with YFC, he moved to Loughton to lead a small church of 20, which over the next 19 years grew to over 400. On leaving Vineyard Church, Loughton, Wes led the Oasis Church Network for three years, initiating a church planting strategy to establish churches in challenging communities, and immediately prior to joining Acorn as Director, ran a consultancy helping churches and leaders understand and define their calling. Revd Elizabeth Knifton Acorn s Chaplain Elizabeth has been Chaplain of Acorn since 2005. She was previously a nurse and a hospital chaplain. Elizabeth was ordained in the Church of England in 1997 and has an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Studies. She is the Bishop of Guildford s adviser on healing. Her passion is to bring the healing love of Christ to a broken world through Listening, Healing and Reconciliation. Jennie Fytche Acorn s Director of Training Jennie Fytche is our Director of Training. Originally trained a nurse and then later studying theology, Jennie has been actively serving God in the healing and wholeness ministry in many contexts. In recent years along-side active engagement in pastoral care ministry, Jennie has focused upon training and mentoring individuals, churches and communities to fulfil their God given potential to serve in the healing and wholeness ministry. 12

HOW TO SUPPORT US NAME:... ADDRESS:...... POST CODE:... EMAIL ADDRESS:... Yes, I would like to support Acorn s ministry in building a community of healing and wholeness. I therefore (please choose one of the following): A Give a one-off gift of... for the development of the West Wing Community B Give a one-off gift of... for the general development of Acorn s Ministry C Become a member of the virtual community (for details please see our website www. acornchristian.org). Regular voluntary donations are appreciated, please consider if you can give: 50 per month 25 per month 5 per month A standing order form can be found overleaf for your use. D I am unable to help financially at this time but will include Acorn in my prayers. Payment Options Please make cheques payable to Acorn Christian Foundation Payment can also be made directly to our CAF Bank account with the following details: - Sort Code: 40-52-40 - Account No: 00007115 - Account Name: Acorn Christian Foundation Payment via our website: www.acornchristian.org Payment by Standing Order (Please see Form A overleaf) Card Payments (Please see Form B overleaf) 13

Acorn Christian Healing Foundation - Donation Form FORM A - To set up a regular standing order, please send US this mandate. (Please do not send to your bank) To (insert name and full address of your bank or building society). Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS Please make the following payments by standing order to: Bank: CAF Bank Ltd, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Account Name: Acorn Christian Foundation Sort Code: 40-52-40 Account No: 00007115 Amount:... Amount in words:... Date of First Payment:... Frequency of Payment: Monthly/Quarterly (delete as applicable) until further notice. Title:... Name:... Name of Account if different:... Sort Code:... Account No:... Home Address:... Postcode:... Telephone No:... Email Address:... Signature:... Date:... This is a new instruction. Please cancel any previous standing order in favour of the above beneficiary. Please return this form to Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Whitehill Chase, High Street, Bordon, GU35 0AP. If you would like an acknowledgement of your donation, please tick this box FORM B - Payment by Debit/Credit Card Title:... Name:... Telephone No:... Home Address:... Postcode:... Please charge my Credit/Debit Card... Visa MasterCard Maestro Card Number: Name on Card:... Start Date: / Expiry Date: / Issue No: (Maestro only) Cardholder s Signature:... Date:... If you would like an acknowledgement of your donation, please tick this box Charities can reclaim tax paid on donations made by individual taxpayers under the Gift Aid scheme. The donor must pay an amount of Income Tax for a tax year (06 April to 05 April) at least equal to the tax repayment on their donations by all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC s) to whom the donor donates in that tax year. Other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I am a UK taxpayer intending tax to be reclaimed on the enclosed donation under the Gift Aid scheme. I have read and understood the Gift Aid guidance above: 14

@AcornChristian Acorn Christian Healing Foundation Whitehill Chase High Street Bordon Hampshire GU35 0AP UK Tel: +44 (0 ) 1420 478121 Registered Name: Acorn Christian Foundation (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Company No: 3851139 Registered Charity No: 1080011 (England and Wales) SC042491 (Scotland) Acorn Christian Foundation e-mail: info@acornchristian.org web: www.acornchristian.org