You may well have been working in an administration role within your church for some time, but have you ever been properly trained for it? If not, then UCAN in partnership with St. John's School of Mission, Nottingham have just the distance learning course for you.
The St John’s Work of a Church Administrator course, authored by UCAN founder John Truscott, was launched in 2014. It is designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of Church Administrators of any denomination who are working part-time or full-time in either a paid or voluntary capacity. It can be undertaken at home or in the office in a self-paced way over a period of up to eighteen months.
Whilst some students have had to drop out for a variety of personal or work-related reasons, so far a total of 22 students have completed the whole course. Almost without exception their feedback suggests that they have found the experience hugely valuable. As one of the course’s four tutors I myself have also been greatly blessed and encouraged, mostly by the many positive things which I have heard back from students. It is clear that for many the course has helped them develop both skills and confidence in their (often quite lonely and misunderstood) day-to day- church roles. Here’s something former student Leisa Young, a Methodist Circuit Administrator and UCAN member, had to say as she completed the course:
“The course has encouraged further learning, improved my work environment and communication channels, helped me make some valuable ecumenical contacts and completing it has given me a great sense of accomplishment.”
The module comprises ten units covering a wide range of topics. These include practical areas, e.g. file handling, as well as soft skills such as communication. My personal favourite is a unit which gives a biblical perspective on church administration.
The course fee is just £295, which in most cases your church should be willing to cover. In addition, you will need to buy a course text book. Otherwise everything you will need, including course materials, the marking of your three assessed assignments and tutor support throughout, gets covered by the course fee.
Further details may be found either on the UCAN website, John Truscott's website or at St John's Nottingham. Alternatively, please feel free to put any questions to me or to someone else involved with the course.
Simon Jones
Course Tutor, UCAN member, and Church Manager of St Andrew’s Church, Chorleywood
The other tutors are Tracy Jassal, John Williams and John Truscott.