The Chad Foundations is a nine-month programme of study designed to give people the opportunity to explore what it means to be called to serve God and others, through recognised lay ministry.
Lay ministers are leaders and enablers in their local church communities, who have identified God’s grace and call on their lives, whose gifts have been affirmed by their church and who have been equipped to exercise that ministry. Chad Foundations aims to encourage and prepare those who wish to explore a lay calling, including those considering Reader ministry. The programme is designed to be flexible, accessible, and inclusive for those who have busy lives.
What will I learn?
You will learn more about the foundations of the Christian faith and discover more deeply what it means to be a follower of Christ, Monday to Sunday, wherever you find yourself, as well as exploring your own gifts and where and how God might be calling you to serve.
Each one of us brings different gifts, skills and passions which can be used in the mission and ministry of God’s church. Those involved in recognised lay ministry are leaders and enablers in their local church communities, who have identified God’s grace and call on their lives, and whose gifts have been affirmed by their local church.
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. 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.
The Chad Foundations Programme is the base year for those discerning a call to Licensed Lay Ministry as a Reader and discernment takes place during the year; but is suitable for people exploring a range of different ministries. It is not a first discipleship course.
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
Chad Foundations does not lead to a formal qualification. Those who have a discerned vocation to Reader ministry during the Chad year will continue with two further years of theological study and ministerial formation. (One further year prior to licensing and one year of Continuing Ministerial Development post licensing).
Costs and requirements
Each Foundations applicant needs 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 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. (There will be additional costs in the subsequent years for those who progress to Reader training.)
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 this is not the case, we will be delighted to offer some practical support to get you to the right level of necessary skills.
Please note the Bishop’s upper age limit for Reader licensing is 70. Participants of all ages are welcome, but if you are considering Reader ministry you should aim to begin training by 67.
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 27th June 2025. Please note the next course begins in September 2025
Helen Scheven will be able to advise you with any queries about the application process, please contact her here.