Foundations for Ministry

Applications are now open for the 2025/26 course!

What is Foundations for Ministry?

Foundations for Ministry is an exciting and vibrant course open to anyone active in church life who feels some sense of vocation or calling to Christian Ministry but needs some time and space to unpack what that might mean and look like.

What is the course aim?

The aim of the course is to provide you with a solid foundation so that you can continue to develop and explore your calling both to Christian ministry and to the life-long adventure of being a disciple of Jesus.

What does the course offer?

The course runs over three terms, October to May, and includes an induction evening, 23 core sessions and 3 additional Saturday course days. Sessions include a mixture of interactive talks, group work and personal reflection and are all designed to help you:

• Make connections between who you are, what you believe and how you can apply your faith to the everyday stuff of life.

• Understand more about Christian ministry, your spiritual gifts and how you can identify your ministry SHAPE. 

• Discover your call to mission, where God wants to use you and how you can remain fruitful in your ministry. 

Where is the course going to run?

This year’s course is going to run on a Wednesday evenings, 6.45 pm-9.15 pm at St Werburgh’s Church Hall, 386 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0UH.

For more information and course dates, please see the FFM Course Leaflet 2025

Who can apply?

The FFM course is open to all lay people in the Diocese of Manchester but it should be noted that it is not a Christian basics/discipleship course or a beginner’s introduction to theology. FFM is a course specifically designed for those active in church life who have already been rooted and established in their Christian faith; to help them further explore their gifts, vocation and calling to Christian ministry. We encourage anyone considering applying to discuss this first with their vicar or supporting minister. This is to ensure that the course is suitable and that any applicants will be fully supported during the course.

Are there any assignments, tests or written work?

There are no assignments, tests or essay-type written work on the course. The main focus for learning is based around interactive presentations, group work, open discussions and lots of opportunities for personal reflection. We do encourage those who want to go deeper to keep a simple learning journal and to engage with some short linkwork exercises between sessions. However, this is optional and for personal use only. We don’t ask for any work to be submitted or require anything to be marked or graded. Along the way, we will suggest some good books and further resources, but everyone is supported to engage with the course at the level that works best for them.

How much does the course cost?

All the costs of FFM training are met by the diocese, but parishes are encouraged (where possible) to support their candidates if help is required with basic costs such as travel expenses. Where finances are a barrier to participation, parishes are encouraged to get in touch.