TEAM Training
Meeting an Urgent Need
The apostle Paul told Timothy to ‘pass on the baton’of the gospel – it was to be entrusted to reliable people who were qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Training for East Anglia Ministry (TEAM) exists to help train these people – whether they teach in the pulpit or the youth group; whether they go into paid ministry or minister alongside their other responsibilities; whether they are young or old. We want to help people in East Anglia proclaim God’s truth, care for his people and build his church.
TEAM Training
TEAM focuses on helping people understand and teach the Bible - be it in an up-front, small group or one-to-one setting. We are unashamed in this focus on interpretation and communication of Scripture so that we can speak God’s word rightly and relevantly today. TEAM also spends time looking at a broad spectrum of Christian ministry including areas like counselling, evangelism, mission and youth work. The course is taught through a mix of lectures, discussions and small group work. We aim that all our content will stretch minds while maintaining a practical focus. TEAM runs on Wednesdays, 10am - 4pm, for three ten-week terms between September and July. It is held in the heart of Cambridge at Eden Baptist Church and is easily accessible from Cambridge bus and train stations.
Course content
1. Biblical and Systematic Theology
TEAM believes that there is a storyline that runs through the whole of the Bible that we need to grasp before we look at individual passages. There is therefore a detailed Bible overview tracing the unifying themes through all of Scripture.
2. Doctrine
We examine key doctrines of the Christian faith such as the person and work of Christ, salvation, the church and eschatology. This provides coherence in what we believe and helps equip us in applying Christian truth to the world.
3. Exposition
Detailed examination of different Biblical books gives worked examples of how to understand a book and teach it today.
4. Practical ministry
Practical areas of ministry give insight into and real life examples of Christian ministry. These includes ministry to groups such as children & youth and overseas students. It also includes practical areas such as counselling, sexual ethics, preaching and evangelism.
5. Hands on practice
The last session of each day takes place in small groups. These groups encourage friendship and mutual support within TEAM as well as providing a low risk environment to try out and improve skills such as giving a short talk or leading a small group Bible Study.
Course Tutors
TEAM is backed by the East Anglia Gospel Partnership (EAGP) – one of a number of such partnerships set up across the country to promote gospel ministry. The course is led by Graham Beynon, with regular input from a number of ministers and church workers in the East Anglian region, with occasional invited speakers from further afield. The steering group includes: Kay Dawson (Stag, Cambridge), Julian Hardyman (Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge); Mike Kendal (St Neots Evangelical Church), Steve Midgely (Christchurch, Cambridge).
What does TEAM offer?
- Opportunity to listen to God’s word carefully together
- An overview of Biblical theology tracing the major themes of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation
- Hands on practice in understanding and teaching God’s word
- Stimulus to develop your own discipleship and spiritual maturity
- Systematic theology of core doctrines
- Insight into various aspects of contemporary Christian ministry
- Fellowship with like-minded people from a variety of backgrounds
What is the cost of the course? The course costs £150 per term, totalling £450 for the year, which is payable at the start of the academic year with three post-dated cheques. Cash or electronic transfer are also accepted if necessary. This covers course handouts, any books that may be used as part of the small group stream and refreshments (but not lunches). TEAM does offer a bursary for students who require it. In order to obtain it TEAM offers a reduction of up to £100 per term in fees and invites the Student's church to consider contributing towards this. In many instances Church's have offered to support the student by splitting the fees three ways, whereby fees are paid one third by the student, one third by the church and one third by TEAM. For any further information about a bursary please contact the TEAM Administrator, Louise Silk.
What are the term dates for 2011-12? Autumn Term 2011 21st Sept - 30th Nov (Half-Term 26th Oct). Spring Term 2012 11th Jan - 21st March (Half-Term 15th Feb). Summer Term 2nd May - 18th July (Half-Term 6th June).
Can I join the course part way through or just do one term? Unfortunately we do not accept applications part way through the course and we encourage students to complete the full TEAM programme over the year as otherwise valuable teaching material will be missed.
Is TEAM for you?
TEAM is open to men and women of all ages from all denominations and church groups. We are looking for people with a desire to learn and to grow in ability in Christian ministry. Students include a wide range of people: some work for churches as apprentices or lay assistants or youth/children’s workers, some are working people who take time off to do the course, others are retired. TEAM costs £150 per term, payable at the start of each term. This covers all course handouts and refreshments (but not lunches). If you would like to enrol for TEAM at the next academic year please download an application form and the TEAM brochure;
Audio & transcripts from TEAM and EAGP events: TEAM/EAGP Media.
For more information
Contact the TEAM administrator Louise Silk:
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01223 833371
TEAM Administrator, Christ Church Cambridge, Christchurch Street, Cambridge CB1 1HT