Foundations: Pioneer Ministry
Pioneer Ministry is an online unit taken over ten weeks, using Cliff College's online learning platform. The unit will be led by staff from Cliff College and the Evangelism and Growth Team of the Methodist Church in Great Britain.
A pioneer is someone able to imagine what a new Christian community could be and turn it into reality.
Perhaps you are a pioneering minister, or you are supporting the work of a pioneer, or perhaps you are exploring this kind of ministry – if that is you then we are really pleased to invite you to share in this Foundations unit.
Throughout the unit, we will not simply be asking, 'What is pioneering ministry?' but also, 'What might pioneering look like here?' Whether you are already pioneering, supporting pioneers, or beginning to explore where God might be calling you, our hope is that this unit will give you the theological foundations, practical tools and confidence to take the next step.
Pioneer Ministry is taught in ten sessions over ten weeks, with a further five weeks to prepare and submit your assessment. More detail of the unit structure is available under 'Dates and cost'.
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Senior Lecturer in Hebrew Bible and GenderDr Kirsi Cobb
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Dean of Missional Engagement, Cliff Year Lead & Lecturer in Evangelism and A Methodist Way of Life
Rev Dr Graham Edwards
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Research Fellow in New Places for New People (NPNP), Evangelism & Growth & Lecturer in Mission and Practical Theology
Dr Heather Major
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Senior Lecturer in Theology
Dr Ben Pugh
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Course Tutor
Matt Finch
I can’t recommend Cliff College too highly. My time as a student changed my life. Not just academically transforming - it was spiritually renewing and ministry re-equipping.
This unit will be available from January 2027 and is taught in ten sessions over ten weeks, with a further five weeks to prepare and submit your assessment. The first and last sessions are live seminars which you will need to attend online; the dates and times for these sessions will be confirmed closer to the time.
The other eight sessions are designed for independent study and are made up of video content, reading, written tasks and other creative activities to help consolidate your learning. These can be done at any time in the week that suits you. We recommend that you allow two hours of learning for each session, plus time for reading and assessment preparation.
Throughout the unit you will have opportunities through scheduled online meetings to check in with Cliff College staff, discuss your learning and experience of the unit, seek guidance on assessments and ask any questions you have.
This unit costs £410, including access to all teaching materials and tutorial support throughout your learning.
Applications for this unit are now open - apply here! The deadline for applications for a January 2025 start is Monday 14 December. If you have any questions about the unit or application process, please contact enquiries@cliffcollege.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
A Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level) or equivalent.
It is recognised that standard procedures for assessing applications may not always provide an accurate understanding of an applicant's suitability. In such cases where a Level 3 qualification is not held, qualification it is still possible to apply, and these applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with our non-standard entry process.
English language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English shall have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in an equivalent recognised test. This must have been achieved no longer than two years before the date of enrolment on the unit.