Foundations for Ministry

Foundations for Ministry is a programme of learning for anyone who wants to become better equipped to serve God in the world and the church. People join FfM to learn more about a variety of ways to serve God, including:

• Where they are at work, at home, in the community. 

• Roles within the church (children’s work, youth work, music ministry, churchwardens, PCC members; pastoral work, outreach, administrative work and more). 

• Ordained ministry. 

  
  

Our Autumn 2026 teaching block is being replaced by 3 sessions at Church House, Daresbury, as follows:

18 October 2026, 2pm–4pm, led by Bishop Mark

15 November 2026, 2pm–4pm, led by Lynn Everton and Jenny Bridgman

29 November 2026, 2pm–4pm, led by Bishop Sam

On each Sunday, tea and cake will be available from 1.30pm.

Our Spring 2027 teaching block is being replaced by 4 sessions at Church House, Daresbury, 2pm-4pm as follows:

17th Jan, 7th Feb, 14th Mar, 18th Apr

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Email ministry@chester.anglican.org if you would like to get involved.

Click below to see people talking about their experience of doing the Foundations for Ministry course.

What will you learn?

FfM is split into two blocks of learning, which follow the themes of the Diocesan Vision, “Together in Christ, Sharing Hope”. 

The first block explores what it means to be “Together in Christ”, asking what it means to be the church, and to be disciples of Christ within it. We will explore themes such as:

• Forming as a learning community, rooted in Christ;

• Foundations for discipleship;

• Healthy spirituality;

• Ministry in the Church of England;

• Safer, healthier church culture;

• What is vocation?

• Who and how do we serve?

• Growing and sustaining ministry.

The second block focuses on “Sharing Hope”, exploring how we can each play our part in the ministry and mission of the church. Session titles include:

• Who are the 1.5 Million?

• Being Church Differently;

• The Five Marks of Mission;

• Tell: Sharing our Faith;

• Teach: Growing Disciples Sharing our Faith;

• Tend: Responding to Human Need;

• Transform: Challenging Unjust Structures;

• Treasure: Caring for Creation.

What is involved?

Each block lasts for a term. You can do one or both blocks, and if you do both you can do them in any order. There are monthly gatherings (four per block) and informal reflective group time in-between sessions. 

There is also a Saturday gathering of the FfM community to begin each block. Once a year we plan a celebration evening and reunion, where participants can catch up with each other and reflect on their growth in ministry and discipleship.

The reflective group work is the place where people make some firm friends and learn more about themselves and each other in a supportive and prayerful environment.

Come prepared to be involved! One of the gifts of FfM is the opportunity to share and learn together, and have fun. This is a great opportunity to meet with a diverse group of people, and to learn from and encourage each other.  

Course venues and times

Block one runs each autumn term, and block two begins in the new year.

There is no cost to participants or parishes: FfM is free at the point of delivery.

How to apply:

For more information, and a link to the online application form, please contact the Ministry Team using the email address below.

Applicants to FfM will need to have a conversation with their incumbent or equivalent (Church Warden, Rural Dean, or similar in a vacancy) to gain their backing.

If you have been selected to train as a Reader, you will be enrolled on the course as part of the discernment and formation process.  

For more information and to apply, please email ministry@chester.anglican.org