Foundations in Theology – widening access to theology and ministry

The one-year Foundations in Theology course with ERMC offers a bridge between diocesan discipleship courses and training for licensed and ordained ministries, offering students (with and without formal qualifications) a high-quality introduction to theology, ministry and mission which also provides the foundations for academic study. This course can be used by individuals or groups who want to grow in their Christian learning and gain confidence for further study.

The course runs over one year and can be accessed fully online in the student’s own time. An online tutor provides support and moderates the discussion forums.

Foundations in Theology has been designed to lead into the next stages of lay and ordained ministry training but can also be used for learning about the Chrisitan faith and as a stepping stone for personal discipleship. It has been completed by 150 students with strong positive feedback. It is now available for individual students across the church.

Who is the course for?

  • Anyone who wants to grow in their Christian learning.
  • Anyone called to leadership (lay or ordained) who needs a little more confidence in their academic abilities.
  • Anyone in lay ministries involving teaching, preaching or chaplaincy who needs a theological foundation.

Structure and content of Foundations in Theology

The course focuses on the Bible, Christian beliefs and ministry. There are three modules, one module per term, using the lens of crisis to explores how God has been, and still is, present with his people in times of crisis. Each module is assessed by an assignment at the end of each module, which offer a wide range of assessment tasks.

Module 1: the basics of Biblical studies, exploring texts from Isaiah 40-55 and Matthew’s gospel;

Module 2: the development of Christian beliefs in the early church and then modern doctrine, covering key ideas and debates to help students understand their beliefs more fully and articulate them to others;

Module 3: exploring issues of mission that affect individuals, churches, local communities and society. Students apply their learning to case studies each week, which stimulates discussion in the online forum.

“In the diocese of St Albans, we have found the course has deepened people’s discipleship and equipped them for lay ministry in their local context. For some it has also been an invaluable resource in preparing them for further training towards licensed ministry.”
                                                                  The Revd Phil Bryson, former Lay Ministry Training Officer, Diocese of St Albans

Why study Foundations in Theology?

  • You are encouraged to explore your faith at a deeper level as you consider your call to be part of God’s mission in the world.
  • The course is online and studied at your own pace, so you can study from any location and study flexibly to fit around work or caring commitments.
  • There are online forums for module discussion and to provide support and encouragement from your peers and the module tutor. Many students have formed lasting supportive friendships.
  • You will receive an informal qualification at Level 3 and the experience of academic study so you are ready to take the next step.
  • Study materials include videos, podcasts, artworks and reading to benefit students who learn in different ways.
  • Tutors take a thoughtful and encouraging approach to assignments and grades to boost confidence. You are offered support with their assignments, so you are never dropped in at the deep end with written work.
  • At the start of the Foundations in Theology there’s a valuable Introduction to Academic Studies to help you if you have been out of formal education for a number of years.
  • Just three hours of study each week is recommended, so the time commitment is not onerous.
  • The course will broaden your horizons by looking at a very wide range of theologies. You will have the opportunity to discover areas of theology or ministry which resonate with you.

“The course has helped me to learn more about my call and how I can be a part of the church to spread the good news, show God’s love, compassion and joy to the people in the local community. I highly recommend this course to all who want to discern their vocation in ministry to play their part in the growth of the Church.”

A student in the 2021/22 cohort

What does it cost?

For individual students the fee is £250 per module.

To discuss Foundations in Theology in more detail, please contact The Revd Canon Alex Jensen on principal@ermc.cam.ac.uk or telephone 01223 760444.