Foundations Course
Foundations is a 20-week theology course designed specifically for lay people exploring or stepping into church leadership.
Foundations is a 20-week 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 ten-week 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 practical 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 is structured around a mix of teaching input (across two blocks) and discussion in groups. Here is an overview of what we’ll cover:
Term 1:
Bible and Doctrine
Week 1
Intro, Welcome, and What is Theology and Why Study It? and Becoming a Community of Readers
Bible Cluster
Week 2
Becoming a Community of Readers Continued: Becoming Aware of Different 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 and Providence
Week 8
Sin & Evil
Week 9
Jesus Christ and How are We Saved?
Week 10
The Holy Spirit and Where is This Going?
Term 2:
What is the Church and What is Our Mission?
Ecclesiology and Missiology Cluster
Week 11
What is the Church?
Week 12
The Mission of God
Week 13
Mission and the Global Church
Week 14
New Worshipping Communities
Week 15
Theology and Justice
Week 16
Apologetics
Formation and Discipleship Cluster
Week 17
Spirituality, Personal Formation, and Discipleship
Week 18
Theology and Leadership
Week 19
Creating a Sustainable Ministry
Week 20
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.
Talk to us
If you have any questions about our programmes, feel free to reach out to us!