Foundations Course
What is the Foundations Course?
Foundations is the introductory course for everyone in the Diocese of Exeter who is exploring their vocation (both lay and ordained). The course is designed to help people grow in their discipleship, and flourish as part of the Church. It is the foundational course to train as a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader), for ordination training or to train for one of the new Commissioned roles. It is run by the Diocese of Exeter as part of our commitment to lifelong learning and development for all, and is open to everyone who is a member of a church community.
The topics covered are: Theology, The Bible, Spirituality and Ministry.
Dr Jon Curtis, Lay Discipleship Project Manager, is overseeing the Foundations course
How does the course run?
The Foundations course is a mixture of in person and online teaching. There will be several intakes a year and it will run in different locations to make it as accessible as possible for a wide range of people across Devon. If you apply to do the course in 2024/5, you will be invited to join one of the three regional groups, in the following locations:
- Plymouth (St Jude’s Church) running from October 2024 to March 2025
- Barnstaple (Holy Trinity) running from February to June 2025
- Exeter (The Old Deanery) running from February to June 2025
Full dates on the booking pages below.
You will be placed in a tutor group, so you will be learning as part of a supportive community.
What is the time commitment?
Each course group will run for:
- 3 Saturdays (10am – 4pm)
- 4 evenings (7pm – 9pm)
Will there be homework?
In-between the in person sessions:
- There will be videos to watch
- Topics to find out about
- Reading to do
- What you explore away from the gatherings will be brought back to your tutor group when you meet
- You will NOT be required to write any essays
What does the course cost?
The course costs £28 per person. We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone. We encourage all participants to ask their church to cover the cost, if that is not possible then please contact our Lay Discipleship Project Manager, Dr Jon Curtis: email
How do I get onto the course?
To apply to do the course please fill in an application form. There is no interview to get on the course, it is open to everyone – whatever their level of education.
Book your place:
Click here to book onto the PLYMOUTH course and read the FAQs.
Click here to book onto the BARNSTAPLE course and read the FAQs.
Click here to book onto the EXETER course and read the FAQs.
Further information:
