Who is it for?
The Crosslands Women in Ministry (WiM) track is for women who are in ministry leadership roles (or hope to be in the future), who want to pursue rounded, in-depth theological formation but with the specific perspectives, needs and opportunities of women in mind, and who need a flexible way to fit study in alongside everyday life and ministry.
What does the course cover?
The Women in Ministry curriculum follows the same essential structure and content as the core Crosslands Seminary programme, covering biblical, doctrinal, pastoral and missional modules every year. But every module will include a specific focus that helps to deepen the relevance and application of the material for women in ministry, and for ministry amongst women. This could include WiM-specific reading, reflection exercises and assignment choices, some entire sections within modules, and one or two complete modules specifically created for WiM students .
The course will run as a rolling programme for the first three years (ie all students in years 1-3 study the same modules in a given year), with students who opt for MA accreditation completing a final 4th year at the end of the programme to complete their accreditation. The following table shows how the rolling programme works, and the extent of WiM adaptation across the curriculum.
| 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** | Women in Ministry*** | Great Commission Studies (SEBTS) |
* Minor: WiM applications through reading, exercise and assignment options
** Significant: strong elements of WiM focus and application within the module
*** Bespoke: Module designed specifically for WiM students
How do tutor groups work?
WiM students will participate in the same tutor groups as students studying the core (non-specialist) curriculum, because we believe that learning to apply theological understanding and ministry skills in mixed teams is important for everyone’s development. Where possible tutor groups will be as close to home geographically as possible, although proximity is not guaranteed and there is always the option to participate online where travel is not realistic. WiM students will also be part of a Crosslands-wide WiM network, with access to experienced mentors. This will facilitate peer to peer support, knowledge sharing and networking amongst those with a particular interest the specifics of women in ministry and ministry amongst women.
In what other ways does Crosslands support my ministry specialism?
WiM 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 in a range of ministry roles as well as being part of a specialist network, you establish relationships that will support you through a lifetime of ministry: praying together, sharing ideas, inviting help and advice. The WiM cohort also interacts with and influences the wider student body, helping to give those training for other ministry roles an understanding of the unique and vital perspectives of women within the life of the church.
Do I have to join the WiM track if I am applying as a woman?
Not at all. Crosslands’ Seminary programme already has a strong cohort of women taking the core, general programme and in other specialist tracks, and we hope this will continue. This specialist variant is simply creating an opportunity to apply the same material more specifically and intentionally with women in mind. In fact, all students (women and men) will be able to select some of the ‘WiM’ options as they work through the curriculum. It’s also our hope that adding this focus will also help our male students to develop a better understanding of the value and perspective of women as ministry partners.