Foundations for Ministry

Foundations for Ministry is a course of learning for anyone who wants to become better equipped to serve God in the world and the church. This is a new, shorter and more accessible version of the Foundations course and works in two blocks of 10 sessions: Together in Christ and Sharing Hope. One of the big changes to Foundations for Ministry is that there’s no longer any requirement to do assessed work to progress from Foundations into any further training or ministry.

You don’t have to have done Block 1 to start Block 2. 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.

Foundations for Ministry is a course 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, in the family, 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.

• Licensed lay ministry (Pastoral Workers, Readers, Church Army Evangelists and more).

Foundations for Ministry leaflet 25-26

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. Session titles include:

·        Gathering Day: Making Connections

·        Being the Church

·        Church and Kingdom

·        Being the Church… of England

·        Everyday Faith: 24-7 Discipleship

·        Being rooted: Bible and Prayer

·        Stop, Think and Pray – Faith and Action

·        Safer Healthier Church Culture

·        The What and Why of Ministry

·        Finding Your Way: Calling, Vocation and Guidance

·        Better Together

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:

·        Gathering Day: Gifts and Unwrapping Yours

·        Growing and Sustaining Ministry 

·        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

·        Agape Meal

What is involved?

Each block lasts for around 10 weeks. You can do one or both blocks, and if you do both you can do them in any order.

There is also a Saturday gathering of the FfM community to begin each block, joining together people from all the weeknight venues.

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 evening sessions are usually split into two parts. They begin with opening worship, and a presentation on the theme for the week. The second part of the evening consists of small group time, involving conversation, reflection, practical exercises, personal sharing and prayer. 

The small 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.

There is also the option of around an hour of ‘linkwork’ between sessions. You don’t have to do this, but you will get more out of the group discussions if you do.

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, times and cost

Block one runs each autumn term, and block two begins in the New Year. We usually aim to run the course in a number of venues, on different evenings of the week. In 2025/2026 this will be:

Monday evenings                 Ellesmere Port

Wednesday evenings            Bramhall

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 Pastoral Worker or 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