A new course is set to help encourage people explore what lay ministry they may be being called to across Cumbria.

The Discipleship Project is an ecumenical course and will begin in September, with six core sessions to be run over a year from the Diocese of Carlisle’s Church House offices in Penrith and other supplementary modules to be run across the county.

It aims to support those people who want to explore what ministry they may be being called to, in or outside of a church context.

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The Rev Nicky Smith, Director of Ministry Development for the Diocese of Carlisle and who has developed the course, said: “What we’re offering is something that’s really exciting; it’s the chance for churches, parishes and mission communities to draw alongside the course to help people explore their calling.

As well as the core module - which costs £15 per person plus ticket fee – those who sign up will also have opportunity to sign up for optional modules including theology, chaplaincy, mental health first aid and pioneer ministry. Again, these modules will cost from £15 plus ticket fee.

Rev Nicky Smith added: “The course has been very much developed around the sense of vocation, regardless of what context people may find themselves in.”