Cliff College delivers Foundations units to support the learning and development of Local Lay-Pastors to enable them to meet the competencies required for their roles. Accreditation recognises the gifts, skills and knowledge that an individual has and affirms their ministry in the life of the Methodist Church.
There are six Foundations units that comprise the core learning and development for Local Lay-Pastors; this set of units is known as the Foundations: Mission and Ministry pathway. Through a mix of video content, reading, independent study and online learning, the units help Local Lay-Pastors reflect on and develop their practice. Assessment for each unit requires creative tasks that support the kind of work a Local Lay-Pastor might be expected to do, including presentations and written articles. Each unit leads to the award of undergraduate credit from The University of Manchester.
Units available
Local Lay-Pastors required to complete the full six units for their learning and development follow the Foundations: Mission and Ministry pathway. The six units are offered on a two-year cycle and enable Local Lay-Pastors to complete the units while studying alongside peers. Local Lay-Pastors apply directly to Cliff College for each unit, but must also register as a Local Lay-Pastor with Ministries using the registration form on the Methodist Church’s website. All units are offered as ten-week online units, with some units also offering intensive on-campus teaching at Cliff College
| Unit title | Next online start date |
| Growing in Leadership | January 2026 |
| Christian Spirituality | April 2026 |
| Integrating Theology and Practice | September 2026 |
| Pastoral Practice | January 2027 |
| Ministry in the Methodist Tradition | January 2027 |
| Christian Theology in Outline | September 2027 |
The Methodist Church recognises that some Local Lay-Pastors have previous learning and experience which overlaps with the Foundations units offered on this pathway. Local Lay-Pastors to whom this applies should apply for accreditation of prior learning and experience – the Ministries team will then work with them on a learning pathway tailored to their needs and level of experience. Questions about accreditation should be directed to Gary Hopkins, the Methodist Church officer for Local Lay-Pastors, via hopkinsg@methodistchurch.org.uk.