Young leaders complete course on Christian Character
Seventeen young leaders in their 20s and 30s have completed a 14 month long ‘Character’ course developed by the Down and Dromore Youth and Children’s Department (DDYC).
The course grew out of a vision to support those young adults who have left youth ministry but not yet found a place of discipleship in their local church.
Working in partnership with The Hub in Belfast, DDYC initiated the ‘Foundations’ project that regularly meets with up to 100 young adults to look at Christian disciplines. The character course was an extension of this and began in January 2014.
Participants attended 7 residential overnights where they studied and discussed how to develop Christian character in an age of image. They worked through a series of readings for each residential and used them as a basis to challenge their growth as disciples. The programme also involved worship, teaching, reflection, prayer and a significant amount of laughter and fellowship. In between these meetings each person was supported on a monthly basis by a mentor assigned to them. These combined elements of teaching, prayer, fellowship, mentoring and commitment have involved a significant investment into a younger adult generation but one that is bearing fruit.
“This is an age–group that can help us lead in areas such as youth and children’s ministry, music, technology and community engagement, yet sadly, it is the most under– represented in church. However, given teaching, encouragement and opportunity they offer the resourcefulness, energy and vision that many churches badly need,” says Diocesan Development Officer, Andrew Brannigan.
At the final residential gathering (pictured) the group spent some time reflecting on the past 14 months and sharing the significance that the Character course has played in their faith.
The course finished on 20 May with a meal for both participants and their mentors in Church House, Belfast (below). Bishop Ken and Helen Clarke, who are patrons of Foundations, encouraged and challenged the group in continuing to develop Christian character.
Hopefully these leaders will be involved in the development of a new course to begin in January 2016.
