Who is it for?
The Crosslands ‘Vocational & Lay Leadership’ (VLL) Seminary track is for believers working in any area of life who long for deeper theological education and personal formation that will equip them to be godly, influential disciples and leaders both in their field of work and in their local church. It offers a rounded, in-depth theological formation but with the specific perspectives, challenges and opportunities of living and leading as a Christian in a workplace or other vocational context in mind. It provides students with the opportunity to explore the cultural, ethical and professional issues they encounter from a gospel perspective, in the context of a peer group and under the leadership of a specialist tutor.
What will the course cover?
The ‘Vocational & Lay Leadership’ (VLL) track will follow a similar pattern of modules as the main Crosslands Seminary programme. However for every module there will be reading and assignment choices that have been specifically designed for those who want to be theologically equipped for godly leadership, cultural exegesis and apologetic engagement in whatever vocation and context they find themselves. VLL students will also have one or two unique modules focused more directly on their specific needs and interests. The VLL students will have access to specialist input from faculty members with experience of public theology and cultural engagement.
Year A (2023 – 24) |
Year B (2024 – 25) |
Year C (2025 – 26) |
Final Year (Year D) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biblical | New Testament Introduction* | Old Testament Introduction* | Introduction to Biblical Theology* | Advanced Biblical Studies |
Pastoral | Pastoral Ministry** | Dynamics of Spiritual Growth* | Bible Exposition* | Biblical Counselling (SEBTS) |
Doctrine | God, Humanity & Christ* | Salvation, the Church & Eschatology* | Doctrine in Historical Perspective* | Christian Leadership (with specialist electives)*** |
Mission | Evangelism & Apologetics** | Culture & Context** | VLL specialist module*** | Great Commission Studies (SEBTS) |
* Minor: VLL applications through reading, exercise and assignment options
** Significant: strong elements of VLL focus and application within the module
*** Bespoke: Module designed specifically for VLL students
Will I really be able to fit in the study time?
Please read the section on ‘How does the course work in practice?’ under the more general FAQs in the appendix. Although the programme does require a significant time commitment (at least 10 hours per week plus two intensive weeks per year), the flexible learning model allows for weekly study to fit around family, church and work commitments. Some students work a 0.8FTE working week to make time for this study; others manage to fit it around a full-time job. You should consider how you would make this work in your own circumstances. Other specific time commitments to factor in are:
- Participation in residential teaching weeks: There are two five-day residentials weeks (September and June) and a shorter residential (usually two days) in winter. Participation in these events is a core requirement for completing the course. Whilst catch-up arrangements are possible if missing one of these is unavoidable, it is still the expectation that you will attend the vast majority of these teaching days, normally in person (online by exception). You should therefore consider how you might manage your annual leave (or negotiate additional leave with your employer) to ensure you can attend these and still have enough leave available for rest and family time.
- Seminar days: There are five seminar days with your tutor, spread across the year. For most students these are scheduled for a weekday, but your tutor will consult the group on how best to schedule these dates for those with secular day jobs.
In what other ways does Crosslands support my ministry specialism?
VLL students form a strong network, starting with your very first residential and continuing with both structured and informal interactions throughout the programme. By studying in community with others with similar goals, roles, challenges and interests, you establish relationships that will support you through the ups and downs of your working life: praying together, sharing ideas, inviting help and advice. The VLL cohort also interacts with and influences the wider student body, helping to give those training for other ministry roles a greater awareness of the needs, opportunities and challenges of believers seeking to serve and lead as Christians in the workplace and wider world. In addition there are now one-off lectures and short courses with Crosslands Forum.