Sure Foundations
Course Details
Johan Wolfgang von Goethe wrote that, ‘they who cannot draw on three thousand years of history is living from hand to mouth’. Sure Foundations is an introduction to Church, and Salvation Army history which aims to help students to draw on The Salvation Army’s past, to be better equipped to participate in its ministry in the present and into the future.
During the week, the following topics will be covered:
- A brief introduction to the history of the Christian Church, with particular reference to the protestant, evangelical and Wesleyan traditions.
- An exploration of key events in the formation of The Salvation Army, including field trips.
- Evaluation of key distinctives of Salvationist identity in historical and contemporary perspectives (such as social action, holiness, female ministry and internationalism).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week, delegates should be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of key events and trends in the development of the Christian Church.
- Trace the historical journey of The Salvation Army in its Welseyan, evangelical context.
- Identify, and reflect upon, distinctive aspects of Salvationist practice (such as female ministry, holiness and ecclesiology) and consider the implications of these for their own ministry.
Practical Information
The Sure Foundations Course will run from 9:00 am on Monday 10th November and concludes at 12:30 on Friday 14th November 2025.
Days will usually be scheduled to finish at 5:00pm. The course is delivered via a variety of teaching and learning activities including lectures, field trips, group work, discussions and practical activities.
A small amount of pre-reading may be required for this week. There is no formal assessment as part of the week, or any compulsory follow-up assignments.
Who Should Apply?
This course is aimed at anyone involved in Spiritual Leadership or ministry as part of their role. This could include Employed Spiritual Leaders, Pioneers, Community Managers, Territorial Envoys. Whilst there are no entry requirements for this week, and no prior study is required, potential delegates should be aware that the content is mapped to Level 4 of the National Framework of Qualifications.
Course Facilitators: Callum McKenna and Stephen Oliver
To apply for this course, please complete application form 1 and send to [email protected]
For further information contact Callum McKenna or Karen Rivers.
Cost
£390
Note: Costs for Learning and Development course programme are covered by departmental employee/officer levy payments. However, should an employee/officer book a place on a course but then subsequently fail to attend or complete the course, repayment of cost of the course will be charged to the department/appointment concerned (recoverable from the individual) (Policy CS04 Sect 6.5). Please note a separate process for funding approval exists for accredited programmes.
