Elders’ training

Elders are a valued ministry in the United Reformed Church.

The Synod offers a range of training options to inspire and equip elders to understand their role and fulfil it more effectively. 

A free training and resource pack “Exploring Eldership” has been developed by the URC.

NEW Training Available!

Synod Ministries Deployment Sub Committee has developed a new training programme focusing on the elders’ role in spiritual leadership of local churches. This enables groups of elders to learn, reflect and discuss their roles with a skilled facilitator.  It is being rolled out across the Synod in Spring 2025 so look out for the flyers  and dates in your area.  If you cannot make the local dates the sessions are usually open to elders from other churches but booking is required.

The provisional dates are;

  • Sat 18th Jan 10-2.30pm St Andrew’s URC Balham  SW12  – What an excellent day!
  • Sun 2 Feb – 2-6.30pm- East Croydon URC CR0 – Great feedback!
  • Sat 15 Feb  – 10- 2.30pm at Rusthall URC – Went well
  •  Sat 22 Feb – 10-2.30pm Trinity URC Wimbledon SW19  – Excellent attendance!
  • Sat 1st March –  10-2.30pm  Bromley URC – Useful session
  • Sun 2 March – 2.30-6pm Christ Church Tonbridge – Learned something new
  • Sun 23 March – 2-5.30pm at Rochester, The Vine church – Thanks Mark, went well
  • Sat 29 March 10-2.30pm at St Andrew’s Canterbury – Great to mix with other elders!

For more information see the SSSA Elder Training Flyer – 2025

Safeguarding 

All elders must undertake safeguarding foundation level training, and there is optional training specifically for their trustee role

If you are curious about the role or considering becoming an elder please see this URC pamphlet.

 

 

page last updated 24th March 2025