The Diocese of Lichfield is in partnership with the Queen’s Foundation for the provision of their Reader training. Readers (also called Licensed Lay Ministers) are selected according to diocesan procedures and interested enquirers should refer to the diocesan website for further information.
The Reader programme is designed to meet the learning outcomes established by the Church of England. It deepens students’ engagement with the Christian tradition through study of the Bible and Christian theology; it prepares students to exercise a public ministry which includes preaching, leading worship and providing theologically informed lay leadership in the Church’s mission; it integrates classroom based learning with practice in the local church as well as giving opportunity to engage more widely with mission and ministry through a placement.
- Modes of learning
- Learning as formation
The programme is taught part-time over two years and consists of modules delivered in two different modes:
- Some are taught in evening classes in online gathered mode on a Tuesday evening.
- Some modules that are taught during residential weekends, which take place at the Queen’s campus in Edgbaston.
Learning is assessed by a wide range of methods, but there are no written examinations. Readers are supported in their learning and formation by their Director of Training, by Queen’s tutors who teach many of the evening classes, by a personal tutor, and by their parish supervisor. All Readers also have full access to the library at Queen’s to support their learning.
The academic programme is overseen by the Queen’s Academic Management Group, but more general oversight of the programme is exercised by a Reader Advisory Group. This group is responsible for ensuring that annual reports are prepared and agreed in order to inform the Bishop of a candidate’s progress and their continued suitability for the ministry to which they have been called.
Once selected, a Reader will be enrolled on a programme of study and formation under the academic oversight of the Queen’s Foundation. This is normally a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission (120 credits) within the Common Awards programmes validated by Durham University. Any variations or exceptions will be determined by the Director of Reader training in liaison with the Queen’s Foundation.
Illustrative pathway
This illustrative pathway combines the expectations of the Academic programme with requirements of the Church of England for those training for Reader ministry. Please note that programmes can differ from year to year, and some modifications are some times possible in relation to individual programmes.
Illustrative Pathway - Readers
Year 1 of 2 60 credits
Introduction to the Bible 20 credits
Introduction to Christian Worship 10 credits
Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context (Long) 20 credits
Introduction to Preaching * 10 credits
Year 2 of 2 60 credits
Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine 10 credits
Brief Introduction to Church History 10 credits
Christian Discipleship 20 credits
Engaging with Leadership and Theology for Ministry and Mission* 20 credits
* Taught over three residential weekends
The Queen’s Foundation has a Validation Contract with Durham University for the validation of approved Common Awards academic programmes and pathways at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, Queen’s offers postgraduate awards validated by Newman University and a doctoral programme in partnership with VU University, Amsterdam.
Further information is available about our academic programmes and our admissions policies. For further enquiries about admissions, please contact admissions@queens.ac.uk.
