PASTORAL LISTENING WITH PRAYER MINISTRY COURSE

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Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for all those who find themselves working in a context where they accompany a diverse range of people and would like to develop their listening skills, grow their understanding of discernment and become more confident in offering prayer ministry.
​If you would like to apply, please complete and submit the form at the bottom of this page.

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Course times, dates, venue and cost

The course will run for 6 sessions:  ​9.30am-2.30pm from 5th September to 12th October 2017.
​It will take place at the Wycombe Homeless Connection offices, 8 Castle Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6RF.
​The total cost of the course is £75.

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The aims of the course are to:

• explore the nature of pastoral listening and prayer ministry, drawing on a wealth of Christian tradition, scripture and our own lived experiences
• develop skills, understanding and resources for accompanying others to encourage their personal growth
• nurture a growing awareness, competence and confidence in your own sense of vocation
• offer guidelines for good practice and setting boundaries

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The outcomes of the course are to:

• be equipped to listen better to others, helping them to know they have been heard and valued, and be more confident when offering prayer ministry
• be able to encourage others to process the issues they face at a more meaningful level, thereby, helping them to become more reflective
• be more aware of how to enable others to explore choices and the decision making process, including the different influences which may be affecting them
• become more discerning of the action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others
• become more self-aware and better able to reflect upon one’s own experiences
• understand the importance of good practice and boundaries

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Content of the course

The course will involve teaching on different topics each week during the morning, with supervised practice of listening skills and/or prayer ministry in the afternoon. Attendees are invited to come with a generous spirit to share their experience, wisdom and questions, to enable the group to learn from and support one another’s growth.

​Tuesday 5th September
Introductions & Group Formation • Being Present to the Whole Person • Listening exercise
Tuesday 12th September
Basic Active Listening Skills • Boundary Issues • Practice in triads 
Tuesday 19th September
The Numinous – Recognising Experiences of God in Ourselves and Others • Practice in triads
Thursday 28th September
Deepening the Conversation • Recognising and Working with Resistance • Practice in triads
Tuesday 3rd October
Spiritual Discernment • Making Better Choices • Longer practice in pairs
Thursday 12 October
Prayer Ministry - Good Practice • Self-Supervision • Practice in triads • Course ending

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Commitment to the course

Attendees will be required to:
• be open to working with their own experience within the group context
​• maintain confidentiality boundaries as agreed by the group on Day 1
• be committed to attending all sessions

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Course facilitator

Revd Joanna Gallant is an Anglican priest who has served in a number of parishes as well as in the broader context of Christian spirituality as a teacher, facilitator, supervisor and spiritual director. She leads retreats, teaches spiritual direction and provides training in prayer ministry.
Jo is founder and Executive Director of Pelagos Christian Spirituality and Retreat Centre in Bucks and is also currently studying for a Masters in Christian Spirituality at Heythrop College, London.

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