We believe that people of any and every age are called to be disciples of Jesus, and that well trained ministers are an essential part of revitalising our parishes for mission. Indeed, the Church of England has the ambitious goal of doubling the numbers of children and young people who are active disciples of Jesus by 2030. For that to happen, we need more ministers who are called, equipped, and released to work with young people, to engage with youth culture and context, and to bring the good news of Jesus to a new generation.
From September 2024 we are offering an exciting new opportunity to train for CYPF ministry at Emmanuel Theological College. We want to play our part in the Church’s 2030 vision, and to form youth ministers through sustainable rhythms of prayer and spirituality rooted in faithful theological understanding. At Emmanuel we nurture these things in community around a core curriculum involving three distinct but interwoven strands.
The three strands of our core curriculum for CYPF Ministry Students
- a focused Children, Young People and Families Ministry Formation Programme delivered over a mixture of residential weekends, formation days, and one residential week each year. The CYPF MFP focuses on key themes in leadership and pastoral care, spirituality and prayer, and best practice.
- a Contextual Ministry Placement for the duration of formation and training. This involves working with an experienced leader (placement supervisor) to learn the way of life and the ministry skills that are essential to your vocation. The College is responsible for all placements (though you may, of course, remain in situ where you’re currently engaged in youth ministry) to ensure you’re placed in a supportive context where you can grow and develop the qualities needed for youth ministry. All Contextual Ministry Placement last for the duration of training.
- a robust and faith-filled Theological Studies Programme. We offer both full-time and part-time modes of study, on both validated and non-validated programmes. All theological studies programmes are taught by Emmanuel’s staff team or one of our partners at one of our five teaching centres. Theological studies programmes are usually delivered mid-week on Mondays for fulltime students, and Tuesday evenings for part-time students, but we strive for flexibility so do talk with us if some combination would work better for you.
There are 3 ten-week terms in each academic year, and our team are careful to make clear and concrete links to ministry and praxis in all our teaching.
If you are anxious about study, then our Study Skills Tutor, Dr Stephanie Day is here to support you every step of the way.
Full-time students are based at our Liverpool teaching centre on Mondays, 9.30-4.30pm, during term-time and we recommend two other days in the week for study, tutorials, and other theological work. They are involved with their contextual placement up to three days in the week and attend aspects of the Ministerial Formation Programme.
Part-time students are based at our Blackburn Teaching Centre on Tuesday evenings, 6.30-9.15pm. They are involved with their contextual placement for fewer hours in the week, depending on the time available around other commitments, and attend all aspects of the Ministerial Formation Programme.
We currently offer various programmes in Theology, Ministry, and Mission with a CYPF focus:
| Level | Award | Total credits | Duration |
| 4 | Certificate | 120 | Fulltime = 1 year / Parttime = 2 years |
| 5 | Diploma | 240 | Fulltime = 2 years / Parttime = 3-4 years |
| 6 | BA | 360 | Fulltime = 3 years / Parttime = 5 years |
What will I study?
Certificate (120 credits):
Foundations for Theology and Reflective Practice (20 credits)
Basic Youth Work Skills and Practice (20 credits)
Introduction to Theology and Human Development in Childhood and Adolescence (20 credits)
Introduction to New Testament (20 credits)
Values, Policy, and Practice in Youth Work (10 credits)
Christian Discipleship (20 credits)
Creating New Christian Communities (10 credits)
Diploma (240 credits)
You will complete the modules for the Certificate, plus:
Leadership and Theology for Ministry and Mission (20 credits)
Theology, Social Context and Diversity in Youth and Children’s Ministry (20 credits)
Developing Ministry and Mission in Context (20 credits)
Theology and Discrimination (20 credits)
Growing Faith: Children and Young People (10 credits)
Christianity and Interfaith Engagement (10 credits)
Growing Together in Christ: Worship and Spirituality (20 credits)
BA (360 credits)
You will complete the modules for the Diploma, plus:
Sacramental Theology and Ministry (20 credits)
Independent Learning Project (20 credits)
Reflective Practice: Ministry and Mission with Children and Families (20 credits)
Missional Ecclesiology (20 credits)
New Testament Text Study in Context (10 credits)
Issues in Pastoral Ministry with Children and Young People (10 credits)
Church Planting in Perspective (20 credits)
Interested in studying with us? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!
