There is a clear need in the UK today for ministers who are trained and ordained to plant and lead churches which express and embody the faith in a fresh way.

We provide programmes of study to train people for pioneer ministry. Our pioneer ethos and practice is distinctive. We recognise the need for fresh expressions of church and for these fresh expressions to dig deep into the roots of our faith, uncovering the riches of the Christian tradition and bringing them to life in a new way.

We recognise too the need of pioneer ministers to have the support and recognition of their colleagues in inherited models of church, and to this end our programmes involve courses and placements where pioneer and traditional ministers learn together and from each other – as well as specialist courses for pioneers.

Course Structure

Training for ordained pioneer ministry involves a mixture of modules through evening classes, residential training and placement-based modules. Our academic year is divided into three terms and normally you will study evening class modules during two terms each year and one placement-based module in the other term.

Typically, each year you will study a module in each of the following three strands of our curriculum: Biblical Studies, Christian Doctrine and Ethics, and Church in Practice. The placement-based modules involve intensive placements in leading fresh expressions of church with an experienced placement supervisor and tutorials with our tutor for pioneer ministry. The evening classes (6.30pm – 9.00pm) run weekly during term times on either a Tuesday in Southwark or Wednesday in Medway.

You are also expected to read, and complete normally two assignments per module. Training also involves participation in our residential programme which consists of seven residential weekends per year and an eight day residential school at Easter. There are no examinations and assessment uses a variety of methods from the traditional essay through to presentations and reflective practice reports.

Programmes to Meet Your Needs
Pioneer ministerial students study with us part-time for three years and are awarded a foundation degree. However, students with some previous theological study may qualify for advanced status and study for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

We also offer shortened programmes of two years part-time study for students who have studied theology and ministry in depth previously and these are arranged individually, building on what has already been learned and ensuring that students leave us with a fully rounded appreciation of theology for practical ministry at a high academic level. The qualifications for which such students are registered depends on the extent of previous study.

For more information
For further details of how we might tailor a programme for you, please contact the administrator. If you would like to train for ordained pioneer ministry at SEITE, you will need to complete an application form for ministerial students. Click here for an application form.

If you would like further information on the course or have any further questions about it, please contact us.