“There are many reasons I learnt so much during my two years of Lay Pioneer training at St Augustine’s – from the great tutors and modules to the friendships and connections I made.
I loved being able to travel to West Malling every other Friday for class. The site is beautiful and peaceful, allowing me to really focus on my studies. It meant I could also take part in worship and get to know the people I was studying with.
This course has given me a good theological grounding and, at the same time, enabled me to consider how to approach Pioneer ministry and mission.”
Philippa Parry
Lay Pioneer at St Augustine’s College of Theology
About the course
This exciting course combines practical, formational and academic aspects of training, allowing Lay Pioneers to innovate and minister in our changing and diverse world.
You will learn from experienced and engaging module teachers with course material embedded within a pioneering context, allowing learning and practice feed into one another.
As part of your Lay Pioneer 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 Lay Pioneer focus.
Alongside this, regular tutorial support from an experienced Lay Pioneer will ensure your own formation and development as a minister remains at the heart of your training. You will also attend four Saturday study days per academic year.
“Studying at St Augustine’s was a precious and very special time in my Christian life. Because my mission is focused on Japanese non-Christians, my time spent at St Augustine’s was a way to focus and reflect on God and faith.
I enjoyed all the modules and found I could readily apply the knowledge to my mission. The Lay Pioneer pathway has given me a greater appreciation of the impact of culture on faith.”
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.
What will I be studying?
As part of Lay Pioneer training, you’ll study alongside students on other pathways, exploring subjects like Biblical studies, ethics, and spirituality.
You will have assignment questions for each of these modules, which orientate the classroom learning to the practicalities and experiences of pioneer ministry.
Lay Pioneer specific learning
As well as tutorial support throughout training and your own placement experience grounding all learning in practice, in the first year you will be taking the Introduction to Missional Entrepreneurship module.
Teaching for this module will take place over five consecutive Mondays in January and February 2025, via in-person classes at our Southwark campus. Attendance for these learning session is expected, however, an alternative could be found if this proves especially challenging.
In your second year, you will study Mission and Evangelism, which will be taught via Saturday study days.
“The Lay Pioneer pathway has enabled me to integrate my Pioneer practice with much greater theological understanding.
The Pioneer modules have given me the confidence to grow and mature fresh expressions of church. I now feel equipped to listen and respond to how the Holy Spirit may be calling others.
I particularly enjoyed working and collaborating with other Lay Ministry students and exploring how we can work together in the future.”
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.
