Training for work with children
CMS Pioneer ~ BA (Hons) Theology, Ministry and Mission
The BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission on the CMS Pioneer Mission Leadership Training prorgramme can be completed as a full degree (part-time); or a Certificate of Higher Education (six modules completed over one – two years); or the Diploma in Higher Education (12 modules over two (or three) years);
Some modules include practical weekends where you will visit different mission contexts and learn from them.
The certificate is accredited by Durham University through a partnership with Ripon College Cuddesdon.
There are three ways of completing the programme, each of which create a series of modules relevant for pioneer ministry, pioneer youth ministry or pioneer children and family work.
Cranmer Hall Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (focus on Children’s or Youth Ministry)
Our vision for this pathway is training students to enable children and young people to grow in their faith and develop their discipleship.
In this certificate, students will be given the opportunity to deepen their theological understanding and develop their practical skills. The range of modules will not only help students to grow in their own faith and discipleship, but also help them to play a key part in enabling our local churches to grow younger and more diverse. Alongside a solid grounding in theological study, one third of the certificate will be directly exploring ministry with children and young people.
Crosslands Seminary ~ MA Christian Ministry
Our Seminary course is a rounded theological and ministry training curriculum that has been specifically tailored for those involved in Children’s and Youth ministry. It aims to give you a good understanding of key biblical and theological concepts, and their pastoral and missional implications, with a particular application to help you reach and support families, youth and children with the transforming truth of the gospel in all of life. Children’s and Youth ministry (CYM) track will follow a similar pattern of modules as that of the main Crosslands Seminary programme. Every module will include exercises, assignment choices, and tutorials that have been specifically designed for those involved in working with Children and Young People. CYM students will be tutored through the programme by CYM specialists.
We have students enrolled on our Seminary course from all around the UK, across Europe, and beyond. We encourage physical participation as far as possible, but also offer a virtual hub for those students for whom travel to residentials or seminar days in the UK would prohibit them from studying with us. Residentials take place in Ashbourne, the Peak District, and our Winter Conference takes place in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne.
from Crosslands Seminary
Growing Faith ~ Discovering Chaplaincy
This course
• is for those who are considering a vocation in school or college chaplaincy, those brand new to chaplaincy, or those wanting to find out more.
• runs over three months and is online with an in-person celebration event at the end.
• has a unique Growing Faith focus, exploring chaplaincy as a ministry which beautifully links school, church and home.
For those considering school or college chaplaincy, paid or voluntary, in the near or distant future.
Suitable for all settings including state and independent church schools, community schools or colleges.
The programme is delivered over six sessions and content includes:
The World of Education
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Mental Health and Faith
Chaplaincy Excellence
Places for individuals £60 each
CofE Diocesan groups
Cohort A – January to March 2026
Cohort B – April to July 2026
Cohort C – September to November 2026