Foundations for Ministry is a 1-year non-accredited course delivered by the Eastern Region Ministry Course (ERMC).

	Course Code	GWY3003
	Academic Level	3
	Invitation-only Course	You need to be approved by the Diocese to be funded for this course
	Gateway Course	Completing this course opens up other training
	Blended Learning	This course is delivered with a mix of online and in-person learning
	The learning resources for this course are hosted by ERMC. You must be enrolled to access them.

This course is both for those already exercising, or looking to exercise, a leadership role in an area of ministry in their local church, such as leading Bible study or prayer groups or children’s ministry. It is also a good option for those exploring a vocation to licensed lay or ordained ministry in the Church of England. It serves as a good preparation for further training and (re-)introduction to the academic side of ministry training. The course will enable participants to develop their biblical and theological understanding and consider this in relation to issues and situations that affect individuals and communities.

The Course

There are 3 modules, 1 module per term. Each with a specific focus:

• Module 1 Bible – exploring set texts from Isaiah 40-55 and Matthew’s gospel;
• Module 2 Doctrine – development of Christian beliefs in the early church looking particularly at Augustine of Hippo, and then the church in modern decades;
• Module 3 Ethics – exploring issues that affect individuals, groups, churches, local communities and the wider world and how we shine the light and hope of Christ into these situations.

Whilst these are specific areas of focus, the course keeps the Bible, Christian beliefs and ministry in view throughout.

Details

Foundations for Ministry is designed so that it can be run entirely online, meaning that the course is much easier to fit around your other commitments. Each week during term time, ERMC shares the learning material using their online learning platform (Moodle). The weekly study will be made up of a combination of videos and reading, as well as participation in the online study forum with other students to discuss topics raised in the sessions. This should take about 3 hours per week and can be done at a time to suit you and does not have to be completed in one go.

While the Foundations for Ministry course is non-accredited, each module ends with a written assignment, which is a great way for you to interact with tutors and to understand the course material more deeply. If you are looking at completing this course on your journey to further training for licensed (lay or ordained) ministry, the assignments are ideal for preparing you for further study.

Study Groups

There will be an opportunity to join a study group for support and reflection on the course. While these are optional, it can be a great way of enhancing your learning experience and getting to know other people exploring ministry across the Diocese of Ely.