Lay ministry - what's next?

The Peterborough Diocesan Lay Ministry Course: Empowering Everyday Disciples

Do you have a heart for equipping others, sharing the life of faith, and encouraging discipleship in everyday life?

The Peterborough Diocesan Lay Ministry Course exists to empower women and men to grow as confident, faithful lay leaders, rooted in their local churches and communities. It is designed for those sensing a call to go deeper — to serve, to lead, to teach, and to minister in the world.

We believe that lay ministry is a vital part of the Church’s witness and mission, and we are committed to supporting those who step forward with faith and courage to explore this calling. Whether you're drawn to pastoral care, preaching, evangelism, chaplaincy, or simply want to serve more deeply, this course offers a pathway to explore your vocation and be equipped for it.

Accessible, Supportive, and Formational

The course is intentionally designed to be inclusive and supportive, welcoming all, including those:

• Who are new to faith or returning after many years
• Whose previous educational experience may feel distant
• Who are neurodiverse or learn in different ways

We provide academic mentoring for those on the Licensed Lay Ministry pathway and create space for spiritual formation, pastoral support, and practical application throughout the journey. The learning experience is gentle, structured, and formational — not just about gaining knowledge, but about growing in confidence, faith, and ministry.

Flexible and Local

Training is delivered through a blend of online sessions and in-person study days (usually Saturdays), held at accessible venues across the diocese. Students are supported by tutors and placed in small practice groups that meet monthly online for prayer, shared reflection, and mutual encouragement.

The gateway into the course is a one-year Introduction to Theology, which includes:

• 44 hours of study
• Online learning
• Five in-person study days

At the end of this year, students may:

• Exit with a certificate of completion
• Progress to an Authorised Lay Ministry Pathway (in areas such as Pastoral Care, Evangelism, Chaplaincy, or Preaching)
• Continue to the Licensed Lay Ministry Pathway leading to Reader licensing

All learning is shaped by the Reader Formation Framework, with theological reflection embedded throughout.

Vocational

‘The Introduction to Theology’ acts as both a stand-alone course introducing key theological concepts in an accessible manner but also as a gateway course to the Authorised and Licenced Ministry pathways.

Applicants who are interested in progressing onto the Authorised or Licenced Lay Ministry pathways will, on application, be put in touch with a Vocations Adviser for an initial discernment discussion. Discernment discussions will continue at regular intervals throughout the 12 months of the course.

Cost

Participants on the ‘Introduction to Theology’ course can be self-funded or funded through a parish grant.
Students who intend to enter the Authorised and Licenced Ministry pathways must have the permission of their Parochial Church Council (PCC) who will also be required to acknowledge their willingness to fund students’ tuition costs.

Lay Ministry Handbook

For full details of the Lay Ministry Course please see our Lay Ministry Handbook in our training section.

How to Apply

Applications to join the ‘Introduction to Theology’ course can be made at any point of the year, via this online application form.

Introductory session

Once your application has been processed and you have been offered a place on the Lay Ministry Course you will be invited to attend the introductory session which will be held on 29th November at the Diocesan Explore Day.