What will I learn?
There are four modules that make up the Grow Course: Vocation, Formation, Mission and Multiplication. Each module is made up of several topics which you will study as an individual and in a group from your church. At the end of each module, we gather together as a cohort to recap a couple of topics and hear from each other.
Vocation
In this module you will learn how churches grow. There will be an opportunity to ask how we know our church is growing and develop clear vision and values that will help us get there. We discuss culture and look at some of the barriers we may need to overcome along the way as well.
Formation
The formation module is all about how we go deeper in our own relationship with God and others. We will ask ‘What is discipleship?’ and start to explore some of the ways we can do this as individuals and corporately, both with adults and children. In this module we will start to identify leaders and encourage them using the leadership square.
Mission
If formation is about how we go deeper in our relationship with God and others, mission is about how we invite others into this relationship. In the mission module, we focus on identifying new people to invite into our communities and how to integrate them once they arrive.
Multiplication
The last module is about replicating things at every level. By looking at the multiplication model and leadership pipeline, we will see how it is possible to start new things to reach new people.
How is the course delivered?
The Grow Course is delivered in three ways: selfguided learning, coaching for the church leader and Learning Communities.
Individual and team learning
Using this book, work through the topics for each module. Book in some time as a church team to review what you have learned and write down any questions and actions. Share these your coach or the learning community.
Coaching for the church leader
Each church is appointed a coach who will help you to identify goals and reach them. There will be eight online sessions included with the course.
Learning Communities
These are gatherings for the whole cohort to review learnings and share with each other. There are five in total: onboarding, and one after each module.
How do I get the most out of the Grow Course?
Trust the process
The most important way to get the most out of the course is to trust the process. Our teaching style is not to tell you the top five things to do, but to guide you through some topics to think about and apply to your context. Sometimes you will feel you have more questions than answers and we would encourage you to bring these to a Learning Community, your coach or the CCX team who will help you.
Don’t keep it a secret
By the end of the Grow Course, there may be some changes in how your church or churches operate. Change is not always welcome and can unsettle some people. Although we cannot guarantee that everyone will journey together, communication always helps. We often talk about ‘baby steps’ rather than big changes, and including reports back to the church and PCC about what you have been learning goes a long way. Please feel free to use any of the material or videos with your church if you think they are appropriate.
Invest your time
By signing up to the Grow Course, you have already committed some of your resources. To make the most of this, we suggest putting dates in the diary now and planning out the next nine months. Plan an hour each week to read this manual, two hours a month to meet with your church team and half a day for each Learning Community – these run every two to three months. Use the table on the next page to help you.