| How a Resource Center supports lifelong learning in a diocese: Houses and maintains a diverse collection of resources and offers consultations, workshops, and training sessions that support and enhance learning in congregations. Resource Center staff members annotate resources with particular attention to: pedagogic style, theological background/roots, availability of good support materials, and ease of use. Staff are prepared to make recommendations for implementation and use of programs and to empower connections and networking among groups in congregations and the diocese with similar interests. When a diocese has a Resource Center • Churches can test materials before buying o Browse o Preview o Take advantage of consulting services • Borrow big ticket items and not eat up education budgets in individual churches o Video/DVD series o Curriculum materials only used occasionally o Reference works Resource Centers organize, sponsor, and provide a clearinghouse for learning opportunities • Support and partner with diocesan wide leadership training opportunities • Support specific diocesan initiatives with training and materials • Catalogue and publicize major regional and national seminars and workshops for teacher training and continuing education There is no one model for a Resource Center. Each is a unique ministry that fits the needs of its constituents. • Some are diocese specific. • Some are shared by two or three dioceses. • Some are shared with ecumenical partners. • Some have multiple staff members with specialties in different aspects of the ministry. • Some depend on one primary person. • Some Resource Center staff people travel a great deal to help congregations. • Some are close enough to all their congregations so that people most frequently come to the Resource Center to browse and attend events. Whatever sort of Resource Center best serves your diocese, the National Organization of Episcopal Resource Centers (NOERC) provides a professional network to support your staff and share expertise on a variety of topics. |