A self-paced course in 37 sessions for church members, volunteer coordinators, small-group leaders, ministry team leaders and governance volunteers.
Welcome to Formed to Serve. Christian ministry is not simply a matter of being capable, confident or willing. It calls for character, sound judgement, care for people and responsibility for the consequences of our actions. This course offers biblical foundations and practical exercises to help you serve faithfully in churches, teams and communities. You do not need a personality assessment. You may work at your own pace, and you will never be asked to disclose sensitive experiences to complete the course.
How the course works
- Each session has five short steps: begin with the Bible, understand the teaching, make a ministry decision, apply a practical tool, and reflect and apply.
- Allow 40 to 65 minutes per session, plus optional practice in the week that follows. The full course takes about 25 to 40 hours.
- Work through the sessions in order. Your reflections are private: you will never be asked to share them or to disclose personal experiences.
- If you are not currently in a ministry role, apply each session to its fictional case.
Six pathways
- I. Christian belonging and relationships (sessions 1 to 6)
- II. The inner life of a servant (sessions 7 to 11)
- III. Wisdom, evidence and discernment (sessions 12 to 18)
- IV. Faithfulness in practical action (sessions 19 to 26)
- V. Authority, justice and team culture (sessions 27 to 31)
- VI. Formation, mission and succession (sessions 32 to 37)
Reading Scripture
Scripture is given by reference. Read each passage, and the verses around it, in your own Bible. The references are invitations to study the passage in its context, not proof-texts.
Safeguarding and care
The cases in this course are fictional and are for learning. The course is not counselling, pastoral supervision or safeguarding training. If you are aware of abuse, danger or misconduct, follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures and contact the appropriate services.
Related courses
Each session links to an optional reading from the Pattern Library. These readings describe natural patterns for self-reflection only; they are not personality labels, and nothing in this course depends on them. Learners who want to explore their own patterns more fully can take From Natural Strengths to Mature Character and Stewarding Natural Strengths.