Foundations Course
What is the Foundations Course?
Foundations is an interactive and enriching introductory course for everyone in the Diocese of Exeter who is exploring their vocation, wants to go deeper in understanding their faith or grow in their discipleship, or is simply curious. It is the foundational course to train as a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) or for one of the new Commissioned Roles, or if you are discerning a call to ordained ministry. 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.
Foundations covers the basics of Theology, The Bible, Spirituality and Ministry in a supportive and engaging learning environment.
How does the course run?
Foundations is a hybrid course with a mixture of in person and online teaching. It runs in three different locations from autumn to spring: Barnstaple, Plymouth and Exeter. The next start date is 10th October 2026. Please see the full list of dates and location details below.
- Attend 3 Saturdays (from 10am – 4pm) and 4 weekdays (from 7pm-9pm) and be part of a tutor group which meets at every in person teaching session
- Engage in the online learning in between the in-person sessions via our learning platform Moodle (5 – 7 hours for each monthly session)
- You are encouraged to make notes on your online learning platform to support your ongoing learning. Your work is not being marked or graded.
- You will NOT be required to write any essays
What does the course cost?
The course costs £25 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 Director of Mission and Ministry: Email Ian Bussell.
How do I get onto the course?
To book onto the course, follow the link below. There is no interview to get on the course, it is open to everyone – whatever their level of education. We encourage you to speak to your incumbent about your intention to attend the course.
For Plymouth book here
For Barnstaple book here
For Exeter book here
Dates and locations 2026/2027
| Plymouth | Barnstaple | Exeter | |
| St Jude’s Church, Beaumont Road, Plymouth PL4 9BJ |
St. Paul’s Church, Old Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple EX31 2BG |
St Marks Church, Pinhoe Road, Exeter EX4 7HU |
|
| Saturday | 10th Oct | 10th Oct | 10th Oct |
| Midweek | 10th Nov | 11th Nov | 10th Nov |
| Midweek | 8th Dec | 9th Dec | 8th Dec |
| Saturday | 16th Jan | 30th Jan | 16th Jan |
| Midweek | 23rd Feb | 24th Feb | 23rd Feb |
| Midweek | 16th Mar | 17th Mar | 16th Mar |
| Saturday | 17th Apr | 24th Apr | 17th Apr |
For any questions, please email Jenny.
Further information:
