CSTM covers a range of topics at an introductory undergraduate level to people who want to deepen their Christian discipleship, increase their knowledge of the Bible, church history and theology, or who might be exploring a sense of calling to ordained or licenced ministry.
The course is a three-year rolling programme so that you can start at the beginning of any term and sign-up term-by-term. Teaching takes place fortnightly on five Thursday evenings and one Saturday study day in each term. Students have the opportunity to engage with the life of Cuddesdon’s vibrant College community and make use of its considerable resources.
Those who wish to do so can submit written work for the Cuddesdon Certificate in Theology and Ministry or accreditation with the Durham University Common Awards programme, either of which can then be used as a basis for further study. Not all students do this, however – many choose simply to attend lectures for their own personal interest and development.
Whether for interest only, or to earn the Cuddesdon Certificate, CSTM offers an opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith, to ask questions and to develop one’s own skills for discipleship, all within a friendly, prayerful and supportive environment.
| Year One | |
| Term 1 |
The New Testament Church The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles 14 October, 28 October, 11 November, 18 November, 2 December 2021 Study Day: The Bible and the Church Today 6 November 2021 |
| Term 2 |
Introduction to Christian doctrine The development of doctrine in the early Church and its application today 20 January, 3 February, 17 February, 3 March, 10 March 2022 Study Day: Christian Ethics 26 February 2022 Optional: Study skills workshop 29 January 2022 |
| Term 3 |
Christian spiritualities Experiences of prayer and God's calling in the Bible, and how Christians express their relationship with God 28 April, 5 May, 19 May, 9 June, 16 June 2022 Study Day: The practice of prayer 30 April 2022 |
| Year Two | |
| Term 4 |
Old Testament The texts and theology of the Old Testament 13 October, 27 October, 10 November, 17 November, 1 December 2022 Study Day: Visions of God in the Old Testament 29 October 2022 |
| Term 5 |
Mission in contemporary society Approaches to mission in scripture and history, and the mission of today's church 19 January, 2 February, 16 February, 2 March, 16 March 2023 Study Day: The Church in the community 25 February 2023 Optional: Study skills workshop 21 January 2023 (half-day) |
| Term 6 |
Practical skills for ministry Different areas of ministry in the life of the Church 27 April, 11 May, 25 May, 1 June, 15 June 2023 Study Day: Theological reflection 10 June 2023 |
| Year Three | |
| Term 7 |
Jesus and the Gospels The ministry of Jesus in the Gospel narratives, how we understand the Gospels, and how they inform the life of the Church today. Study Day: Johannine literature |
| Term 8 |
The Church through history Some key stages in the history of the Church. Study Day: Anglican ecclesiology Optional: Study skills workshop |
| Term 9 |
Introduction to Christian Worship The history of Christian worship, and the different modes of worship used in churches today. Study Day: The psychology of faith and worship |
Cost: £275 per term
This course will close at the end of this academic year in June 2023.
If you have any queries. please contact the CSTM Course Administrator, at [email protected] or 01865 874404.