Pioneer Ministry

At ERMC, we support students who are training for pioneer ministry. We know the joys, the inspiration, the frustrations and the hard work that is involved in pioneer ministry and we are delighted to have incorporated our experience into our pioneer ministry pathway. Whether you are discerning a vocation to break new ground as a pioneer minister, there is a pathway for you to walk as you follow this call.

We offer full-time and part-time pathways for lay and ordained pioneer ministers, based on your local context and grounded in pioneering ministerial practice. Your DDO will be a key person in helping discern the most suitable local context for your training. For your academic studies, you will follow the same core modules as your cohort with modules in Biblical Studies, Church History, Doctrine and Pastoral Theology. In addition, you will undertake specialist modules focused on creating new Christian communities giving you the opportunity to develop projects in your local pioneering context.

For pioneer ordinands, weekend residential intensives will give you the space to gain skills in leading worship, preaching, theological reflection, leadership, evangelism and mission. We offer full-time and part-time pathways for pioneer ministers, based on your local context and grounded in pioneering ministerial practice. Your DDO will be a key person in helping discern the most suitable local context for your training. For your academic studies, you will follow the same core modules as your cohort with modules in Biblical Studies, Church History, Doctrine and Pastoral Theology. In addition, you will undertake specialist modules focused on creating new Christian communities giving you the opportunity to develop projects in your local pioneering context. For pioneer ordinands, weekend residential intensives will give you the space to gain skills in leading worship, preaching, theological reflection, leadership, evangelism and mission.

‘Pioneers are people called by God who are the first to see and creatively respond to the Holy Spirit’s initiatives with those outside the church; gathering others around them as they seek to establish new contextual Christian community.’
Church of England

For full-time pioneer students, your work will involve working half-time in a pioneering context and studying half-time. This will include developing your own missional project with significant impact which is to be delivered in your pioneering context. You will be supported by pioneer mentors to help you reflect as you grow in your vocation. There will be placements in Christian gatherings quite different to your own and community projects which will help expand your horizons. You will be training alongside those preparing for lay and ordained ministries in established church communities. The pioneer pathway is designed to encourage both your creative innovation and your integration with the wider church. For more information on pioneer ministry, please see visit the Church of England website.

You will be part of the vibrant learning community of full-time students who gather for study days in Cambridge under the guidance of the Director of Contextual Education / Tutor in Mission & Evangelism to focus on mission in both local and global contexts.

Lee Marsden, former Lay Pioneer student
“Creating New Christian Communities is an inspirational module in terms of the teaching and content. Live input from practitioners brings everything to life. One of the most challenging and rewarding modules available.”

Full Time Study

By choosing our full-time context-based training route, you can combine part-time work in your local Primary Training Context (PTC) with your academic and formational work.

Part Time Study

Our part time programme is designed to fit in with your busy life. Most of our part time students have significant work and family commitments. And, yes, it requires a bit of juggling and good time management, but it is possible.

ERMC is an Associate Member of the Cambridge Theological Federation and our accredited programmes are validated by Durham University through the Common Awards scheme.

Routes Into Study

ERMC offers ecumenical part-time and full-time non-residential training for those preparing for lay and ordained ministry with a friendly, hospitable and a rich community life.

Full Time Study

Part Time Study

Routes Into Study

Reader/ LLM Training

Pioneer Ministry

Independent Study

Foundation Award

Undergraduate Studies

Postgraduate Studies