Bishop's Certificate in Discipleship
What is the Bishop's Certificate in Discipleship (BCD)?
The Bishop's Certificate in Discipleship is a modular course in discipleship for lay people and is designed for anyone who wants to explore their faith further. To download a leaflet with full details about the Bishop's Certificate, please click here. You can also download our FAQ leaflet by clicking here.
The Bishop's Certificate modules are divided up into three 'blocks'. To find out more information about the modules available within each block, please click on the links below, or navigate using the tabs at the top of the page:
Module Cost
The cost of each module is £20 per parish (no matter how many people from that parish attend) and an invoice will be sent to the PCC Treasurer. However, if you would prefer to be invoiced directly, please let us know when you make your booking.
Registration
You do not need to register if you only wish to complete a couple of the modules, but if you would like to register to complete the full certificate (six modules) please click here to download the registration form. Please read the form carefully, and return it to the CME office address, along with the £10 registration fee.
'How to Study' guide
You can download a 'How to Study' booklet by clicking here. It is designed to be printed back-to-back, and then to be folded into an A5 booklet. If you would prefer a paper copy, please email cme@covcofe.org.
This booklet will give you lots of good advice, such as:
- How to learn effectively.
- Where and when to study.
- How to read better.
- How to make better notes.
- How to write an assignment.
BCD PROGRAMME for Spring & Summer 2012
A message from Revd Martin Kirkbride, Diocesan Learning Adviser (Adult Discipleship Development):
Bishops Certificate in Discipleship - January 2012 Update
Christmas now seems long gone but I hope that the incredible reminder of the light coming into the world is continuing to brighten up even the gloomiest days of your January.
Not surprisingly the announcement in our last mail out, that BCD would significantly change format in 2012 (please see section below entitled "BCD from September 2012"), raised some valid questions and comments. I am grateful for your responses and have found them helpful in shaping our thinking in the way we move forward during this time of transition.
One or two things that I can assure you of in response to questions raised are:
- Costs for taking the new BCD - the costs that I am in the process of putting forward for approval are lower than the existing module costs. The costing proposal also includes a concessionary rate to ensure a pricing structure that is accessible.
- We will still be running occasional church or Deanery-based courses that can be accessed by those who may not necessarily want to undertake assignments or gain a BCD, but who appreciate the opportunity to deepen their understanding and discipleship.
- Taking into account the modules that are becoming available between now and August, I do appreciate that this may still leave some people requiring additional modules to complete the accrual of six needed for the existing BCD qualification. Should this be a situation that applies to you then there are a number of flexible options. Please do contact me so that we can discuss the various options and a personalised plan that would best assist you and is workable to your circumstances. Certainly no one in this situation is going to be expected to do the new one year course in order to qualify.
The following courses are now confirmed as being available. They are open to all. For those who choose to complete an accompanying assignment they can be credited as BCD modules.
Everyday Theology
A six week course led by James Warren. Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm, 29 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar & 4 Apr at St. Andrew’s Vicarage, Church Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HQ.
Where Do I Fit?
A six week course led by Susan Mileham and team. Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May & 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 26 Jun. Venue to be confirmed.
Understanding The Old Testament
A six week course led by Martin Green. Commencing post-Easter at Bishop's Itchington. Further details to follow.
Persevering in Faith
A five week discipleship journey based on the Book of Jude. Led by Martin Kirkbride. Commencing Wednesday 18 April 7.30-9.30pm. Venue to be confirmed but will be in the Coventry area. Further details to follow.
In addition the following Lent courses can be utilised as a BCD module subject to completion of a written assignment and additional attendance at a tutorial discussion. Registration on these courses is only required if you are attending as a BCD option.
Bystanders at the Cross
Led by Richard Cooke. Mondays 27 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar & 26 Mar 7.30-9.30pm at Coventry Cathedral.
On Eagle's Wings
John’s Gospel. Led by Richard Cooke. Wednesdays 29 Feb, 7 Mar, 21 Mar & 28 Mar 7.30-9.30pm at Holy Trinity, Hatton (Warwick).
Healthy Church Development
A five week course led by Martin Kirkbride. Commencing Tuesday 21 Feb 7.30-9.30pm at Holy Trinity, Long Itchington (Southam).
If you have any questions or queries, please email me at martin.kirkbride@covcofe.org or telephone 024 7652 1305.
If you would like to register for any of the courses, please email sarah.palmer@covcofe.org or telephone 024 7652 1316.
Regards,
Martin
Revd Martin Kirkbride
Learning Adviser (Discipleship Development)
Cathedral & Diocesan Offices, 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB Martin.Kirkbride@CovCofE.org
02476 521305
07983 852456
BCD from September 2012
From September 2012 the BCD will shift format. It will transition from the present format of selected modules into a one year fixed course and will be locally delivered in tutor groups.
The new BCD course will be a one year, three term course, which will start each September to follow the academic terms. The course design will be worked on by a team, including input from some existing module tutors and practitioners.
The three terms will cover:
Term 1 - Worshiping God (spirituality and prayer - a theology of kingdom being)
Term 2 - Making New Disciples (biblical studies - a theology of kingdom living)
Term 3 - Transforming Community (re-thinking church - a theology of kingdom doing)
The course clearly connects with the diocese mission statement, with the Benedictine ethos of being, living, doing. With this in mind it is likely to be sub-titled ‘A Coventry Way’.
The following courses are now confirmed as being available. They are open to all. For those who choose to complete an accompanying assignment they can be credited as BCD modules.