The Binary Course

The Binary Course, which started in September 2008, is designed for men who already possess a good honours degree in a non-theological subject and who can provide clear evidence of potential gifting for the role of pastor teacher or church planter. It would typically suit those who have come through FIEC’s Prepared for Service or the Cornhill Training Course, those who perhaps attend 9:38 conferences or have completed a church apprenticeship scheme and are wondering what comes next.

We call it ‘The Binary Course’ because it involves 2 years, 2 bases (campus and contracted training church) and 2 degree programmes (Licence in Theology and MA Theology (Contemporary Church Leadership)). It has been devised from the ground up in consultation with pastors and church leaders from across the Reformed evangelical spectrum.

The first year is campus-based and highly intensive, working towards the ‘conversion’ degree of Licence in Theology. The MA Theology (CCL) programme is taken in the second year and involves block teaching at WEST at intervals during the year and, alongside the assessments that flow from the block teaching, a part-time, fully assessed, extended, training-church placement – a kind of ‘super-apprenticeship’.

The Binary Course is intended to impart the ability to think theologically, to encourage a commitment to lifelong learning, and to provide a kick-start into significant church leadership roles. A copy of the leaflet providing detail on the binary course is available here: WEST Binary Leaflet

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for further details.

Application process
If you wish to apply for this course, please download the application form.

Please note that the traditional route into pastoral ministry provided by The Main Course including the three-year BA Hons in Theology followed by the MTh remains the best option for many – particularly those who are younger and have less academic and/or Christian service experience.