Eastern Region Ministry Course

It is recognised by the Church of England and the United Reformed Church as a preparation for ordination.

In both its gathered and dispersed life, it is a fellowship of people who believe they have been called to minister in the church and for the world. They take part in the course as a means of testing and training for this ministry and bring with them the experience of life and discipleship in the world.

Students come to the course with a great variety of background experience. They range in age from thirty to post-retirement. Some are trained for a ministry focused in the local Church and community, others to be primarily ministers in the work place. Clergy train for both stipendiary or self supporting ordained ministry.

The programme is a two or three-year course for most students, combining academic study, activities in local Church contexts and a programme of residential weekends and, for ordinands, a Summer School.

As well as St Albans, the course is for the Dioceses of Ely, Norwich, the Diocese in Europe and also the United Reformed Churches. ERMC is a member of the Cambridge Theological Federation and has extensive links with other Church training institutions in the region. Teaching and training are delivered through evening meetings at St Albans (Tuesdays in term time) or through a dispersed learning programme, where students work in an online Adobe classroom with a Tutor. Most students are studying for a Certificate or Diploma in Theology for Ministry, validated through the Common Awards programme at the University of Durham. On Tuesday evenings, and throughout the residential programme, learning is set within a context of prayer and corporate worship.

The core staff are assisted by other colleagues from within the Cambridge Theological Federation and diocesan staff and clergy.