Foundations Course
Foundations is an introductory theology course designed specifically for lay people exploring or stepping into church leadership.
Foundations is an introductory theology course designed for lay people who are exploring (or already stepping into) local church leadership. It’s for anyone with a heart for ministry who feels under-equipped theologically, and who can’t commit to a full degree or extended programme. Over two terms, you’ll build confidence in reading the Bible, grasping core Christian doctrine, understanding church history, and thinking clearly about mission, always with local church leadership in view. Sessions are accessible (no prior study required), but the course is academically robust and designed to help you grow in clarity, humility, and wisdom.
Learning outcomes
This course will help you:
- Read the Bible with greater confidence, using sound interpretive tools and encourage good theological instincts.
- Summarise the core claims of Christian doctrine (e.g., Trinity, Creation, Spirit) and explain why they matter for discipleship and leadership.
- Trace key moments in church history and identify how the past continues to shape the Church today.
- Think more clearly about mission and evangelism in contemporary culture, with a focus on faithful local practice.
Entry Requirements
Foundations is open to anyone exploring or serving in lay leadership in a local church (including those involved in new worshipping communities). You do not need prior theological study or experience. What you do need is a willingness to learn, to participate in discussion, and to apply what you’re learning to the life of your church community. If you’re unsure whether Foundations is right for you, we’re happy to help you think it through.
Structure & Modules
Foundations will run in local hubs across the North East: sign up below and we’ll connect you with a hub near you! The course is structured around a mix of video teaching input and facilitated group discussion. Here is an overview of what we’ll cover:
Term 1:

Week 1
Intro, Welcome, and What is Theology and Why Study It?
Bible Cluster
Week 2
Becoming a Community of Readers: Contexts and Movements and Reading the Bible
Week 3
Reading the Old Testament, parts 1 & 2
Week 4
Reading the New Testament, parts 1 & 2
Doctrine Cluster
Week 5
How (Not) to be a Heretic: An Intro to Doctrine, parts 1 & 2
Week 6
Who is Our God? His Attributes and The Trinity
Week 7
Creation
Week 8
Jesus Christ and How are We Saved?
Week 9
The Holy Spirit and Where is This Going?

Term 2:
Ecclesiology and Missiology Cluster
Week 10
What is the Church?
Week 11
The Mission of God
Week 12
Mission and the Global Church
Week 13
Theology and Justice
Week 14
Theology and the Public Square
Week 15
Apologetics
Formation and Discipleship Cluster
Week 16
Spirituality, Personal Formation, and Discipleship
Week 17
Theology, Leadership and Ministry
Week 18
Reflecting on Context
Preparing You for What’s Next
The Foundations Programme is directly relevant to future opportunities and next steps. Many participants find that Foundations:
- Strengthens their confidence for lay leadership roles (e.g., small-group leading, preaching/teaching support, pastoral care, youth/children’s ministry, worship leadership, pioneering/new worshipping communities);
- Provides a solid platform for further study (including Common Awards pathways or other theological training);
- Helps clarify whether God may be calling them toward licensed ministry or other forms of recognised leadership.
- Wherever you serve, Foundations equips you to contribute with theological depth and practical wisdom.
