CFEO trains 40 at St. Augustine's Queensgate

The day after the Prison Ministry Conference, the CFEO team provided training for churches who are, or are interested in, supporting ex-offenders in their congregations.
     We had delegates from London and the South East regions, but also some from further afield who made the most out of their visit to London for the conference, including some international guests! A number came because they have ex-offenders already in their churches and wanted to know how better to support them, and others attended who wanted to be on the CFEO network and wished to be fully equipped should they accept an ex-offender to mentor.

      This training day was an overview of the recommended structure for Caring for Ex-Offenders, and so the people who came will become the CFEO co-ordinators for their church. The content of the day covered the impetus to be involved, how to get involved initially in this sort of ministry, how to build a team, how to welcome ex-offenders into your church and other more minute practicalities. The day was split between teaching from the team, along with sharing of experience between those who have worked with ex-offenders before, small group time looking at case studies, and a time for questions. The potential CFEO co-ordinators have now returned excited to motivate others and build a team. The feedback indicates that people feel more ready to support this kind of individual. Those who attended also found it very beneficial to meet other churches doing this ministry.

      We are holding more training on 27th November, for those who will be or are mentoring of an ex-offender.