For the first time ever, the Diocese of Hereford has produced a study course for its parishioners. 'Something to Talk About' has been produced as a DVD and training for leaders has already started.

"It's the first time we have attempted anything as ambitious as this," said Peter Massey, Lay Training Officer for the Diocese of Hereford. "New technology has obviously helped us, and we have all the written materials on the DVD alongside drama, interviews and explanatory sequences."

'Something To talk About' is a five-week course aimed at groups of churchgoers coming together and thinking about the way they do and do not talk about their Christian faith.

"The concept of 'Something to Talk About' grew out of a discussion on the Diocesan Committee for Evangelism prompted by our Bishops' initiative to encourage more people from our churches to become confident in sharing their faith with others.

"The course is progressive over the five sessions and starts with learning listening skills, helping people to look at their own lives with its highs and lows, and from this looking at the life of Jesus, " said Massey. "By week 4 they are considering the hard questions which challenge faith."

Nearly 60 people have already attended training sessions on how to lead a group using the material provided on the DVD. It is hoped that every group of parishes in Herefordshire, South Shropshire and the parts of Wales and Worcestershire in the Diocese will establish at least one study group.