The Chad Foundations is a programme of study designed to give people the opportunity to explore what it means to be called to serve God and others.The programme is designed to be flexible, accessible, and inclusive for those who have busy lives.
Course Overview
Chad Foundations is designed to inspire and encourage you to understand more about how God calls people to serve in their church communities and the world, discovering more deeply what it means to be a follower of Christ. It does not lead to a formal qualification but you will have space to reflect on your own church context, the wider Church of England, and where and how God might be calling you to serve.
Chad Foundations is a hybrid programme, delivered in modules, through a mix of teaching and learning styles and consists of:
- Seven four-week modules
- Six Study Days (Saturdays), including a day at Queen’s Foundation
- Monthly discussion groups on Zoom
- Use of Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- Self study, videos, reading and participation in online discussions
- Building a portfolio of reflections
- One to one support from a Personal Tutor
- A nominated Parish Mentor
- A Quiet Day of Vocational Reflection
Modules cover the following areas of study:
- Discipleship & Theological Reflection
- Pastoral Theology & Care
- Mission and Evangelism
- Foundations of Christian Faith
- Worship in the Church of England
- Biblical Studies
- Vocation & Public Ministry
Costs and requirements
- Applicants need to be a practicing member of the Church of England based within Lichfield Diocese
- Have the written support of their local PCC and Incumbent (or Church Wardens and Rural Dean if in vacancy).
- The Chad Foundations Programme currently costs £100 (which also needs written support from their local PCC and Incumbent, or Churchwarden), which is paid by the local church as a sign of their commitment to the person they are putting forward. This fee covers all aspects of the course including refreshments, but not travelling costs. If this cost is prohibitive, please raise it on the application form.
- All participants will need access to a computer and Wi-Fi, and have basic IT skills (i.e. word processing, emailing and accessing web material). If these poses a problem please get in contact with Ruthi Lancaster here
Next steps
The first stage is to fill in an application form, which needs references of support from your PCC and Incumbent. This is an online application form available here. NB: The closing date for applications is 27 June 2026. Please note the next course begins in September 2026
Ruthi Lancaster will be able to advise you with any queries about the application process, please contact her here.