About the course
As part of your Lay Ministry training, you’ll complete the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Theology, Ministry and Mission.
Accredited by Durham University, this course enables you to dive into the exciting world of theological study with a focus on Lay Ministry training.
The programme will provide you with opportunities to establish your skills in theological reflection as you discover and develop your own faith-based perspective on all aspects of daily life.
As a Licensed Lay Ministry student, you will attend four study days per academic year. Depending on the year of study, you will also take part in a placement in which you will join a church that differs in some way to your own typical style of worship.
During these periods, you will engage in modules specific to your training pathway, developing your theoretical knowledge and your skills in Christian ministry and worship.
“Over the course of my lay readership training at St Augustine’s, there was not one single day – not even in the depths of winter – when I woke up thinking ‘I really don’t want to be going into college this morning’.
Alongside a rewarding study experience, I was able to meet people from all walks of life with varying life experience and worship styles. Studying alongside everyone was such a stimulating experience and I made some very good friends during my two years of study.”
Graham
Lay Reader at St Augustine’s College of Theology
Discover what your St Augustine’s student experience might be like.
How and where will I be studying?
This course involves two years of study, completed on a part-time basis. Classes take place both in person and online; you are invited to choose an approach that best suits you.
You can choose from one of these three options:
- Weekly Monday evening classes at our Southwark campus in central London (6:30pm to 9:00pm)
- Fortnightly teaching days at our West Malling campus in Kent (10:30am to 4:00pm)
- Weekly evening classes online via Zoom every Wednesday (6:30pm to 9:00pm).
We understand that life can sometimes get in the way of study. If you’re unable to attend your normal class, you can arrange to attend the class at an alternative teaching centre.
“My placement as a Lay Reader has not only enhanced my learning, it’s also been spiritually uplifting.
I was amazed at how much I managed to cram into my six-week placement, from attending leadership meetings, talking with the pastoral team and leading intercessions, to hearing some very moving testaments from the congregation.
Having attended the same church for the past 17 years, it was a bit of a shock to the system to be worshiping in such a different style. But my placement experience has made me think very differently about what makes a church a vibrant and engaging place to worship God.”
Rona
Lay Reader at St Augustine’s College of Theology
Required learning sessions for Lay Readers
While you can attend classes online throughout your two years of study, all Lay Ministry students will be required to attend the following sessions in person:
First year
In the first year, you will take part in four study days focusing on Lay Ministry and introducing topics such as Theological Reflection and Teamwork & Collaboration. They will take place on:
- Saturday 28th September 2024 at the Southwark campus
- Saturday 9th November 2024 at the West Malling campus
- Saturday 18th January 2025 at the Southwark campus
- Saturday 15th March 2025 at the West Malling campus
Second year
There are also 4 study days in your second year (dates tbc)
“For anyone called by God to preach the good news – I would thoroughly recommend Lay Reader training at St Augustine’s. You meet and learn from the most amazing people. I’m in my second year of training and I am sure that I’m making friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Student at St Augustine’s College of Theology
Frequently asked questions
Next steps
Take the next step on your journey into studying theology.
Need help or have a question? Contact our admissions team for further assistance.
