Fresh Expressions to train thousands in mission shaped ministry

The highly successful Fresh Expressions missionshaped ministry course starts in nine locations from January 2010.

The course is designed to help Christians reach those not involved in traditional churches.

Courses will run the length and breadth of the country from Essex to West Yorkshire and Dorset to East London.

The new season also includes the first courses to be organised in Scotland, in Glasgow and Inverness.

Two further new msm courses will start in Bromyard and Muswell Hill in April next year.

The one-year, part-time msm course looks at how to start, and sustain, fresh expressions of church. By the end of 2010, an estimated 2,000 people will have taken part in msm courses across the UK.

Locations for courses starting in January are Inverness, Corfe Mullen, Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Shrewsbury, Colchester, Glasgow and Walthamstow.

The 24-unit course is usually presented over three Saturdays, a residential weekend, and six or seven weekday evenings.

For those developing fresh expressions of church, mentoring is offered in between meetings. Although Individuals are welcome to sign up for the course, organisers say the learning is enhanced when people come as part of small groups.

Among other topics, the course looks at the mission of God, vision and values, Gospel and culture, evangelism and discipleship, and how to keep going when things get tough.