Foundations Course
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to study theology, and that theological education should be accessible, affordable and possible to fit around everyday life. Foundations is a two-term introductory theology course, meeting one evening a week and designed to fit around your existing commitments.
Foundations is for anyone who wants to grow in theological knowledge and confidence, whether you are beginning to lead in your church, already serving in some capacity, or simply curious and keen to deepen your faith. No previous theological study is required.
Across 18 weekly sessions over two terms, you’ll become more confident in reading the Bible, understanding core Christian beliefs, engaging with church history, and thinking clearly about mission, ministry and discipleship. Foundations is accessible and introductory, but also academically rigorous: it is designed to help you grow not only in knowledge, but also in clarity, humility and wisdom.
Each session combines short video lectures from Cranmer Hall’s excellent teachers and guest academics with guided group discussion at a local hub. The course runs from October to March and meets one evening a week, making serious theological study possible alongside work, family life and other commitments.
Where and When?
For the 2026–27 academic year, you can attend one of three local hubs. Each hub meets weekly from 7:30 to 9:00pm:
Sunderland Hub
St Gabriel’s Church, Sunderland, SR4 7TF
Wednesday evenings
Durham Hub
Cranmer Hall, Durham, DH1 3EE
Tuesday evenings
Darlington Hub
St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, DL1 5QG
Wednesday evenings
Cost
For the 2026–27 academic year, places are fully funded for anyone who belongs to a Church of England church in the Dioceses of Durham or Newcastle, so you can attend for free.
For all other participants, the entire two-term course costs £400. Payment by instalments is available if that would be helpful.
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.
For next academic year only, this course is fully funded for all Church of England students in the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle. For everyone else it's £400 for the whole course, and you can pay in installments if that helps
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.
