What kinds of people join the Course?

In short, a mixed bunch; in every way you can think of!

Some have been lifelong members of the same community; others are those whose work has moved them around the country. Some have very demanding secular jobs in industry, commerce, teaching, health and social services; some are under- or un-employed and seeking new directions; some enjoy being homemakers.

Some are already experienced Christian leaders Readers/Local Preachers, wardens, elders; for others, the first sermon is a major hurdle yet to come.

A few Course members hold church posts during their training for instance, as paid Lay Workers, diocesan officers or Methodist probationer ministers.

Some are still young in faith and commitment, others have long experience, increasingly, in more than one denomination or tradition.

Most kinds of church tradition are represented: conservative, liberal, radical; high church, low church; charismatic, contemplative, sacramentalist.

These and other differences ensure that the Course is never monochrome, or a partisan experience; all its members bring a depth and variety of experience to share with others. Drawing on this is enriching, though it can also be painful!

Some people change their view as a result of it. Others come to understand their own tradition more, and to set it in the context of the whole Christian church.