A Course of Christian Learning for Discipleship and Ministry in Today’s World.

EMD is for you if:

  • you are seeking training and recognition as a Lay Pastor or Preacher
  • you have been called to another ministry or role within the local church
  • you simply want to explore your faith further.

EMD is:

  • a flexible course which means that modules completed at other Baptist Colleges or equivalent modules from other institutions can be credited towards the final portfolio. EMD is also open to those who are interested in attending single modules only
  • a three year modular course leading to a Certificate from Bristol Baptist College, in which students build up a portfolio of learning
  • a manageable course at Access level, consisting of attendance at the College on 8 Saturdays each year (2 Saturdays per module) with 2 written assignments for each module. To complete the course, students must successfully complete all 12 modules. No previous qualifications are required
  • a rolling programme which means that you can commence the course at any time with any module

Watch our short video to find out more about EMD.

When and where is EMD held?

EMD will normally place take from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on 8 Saturdays in the year. Students must attend at least 50% of the teaching days in order to submit assignments.

What do I need to bring with me?

EMD students will need to bring a packed lunch (tea and coffee provided) and a bible, notebook and pen.

What will I study?

For a list of the EMD modules being delivered this year, as well as details of the other modules which make up the course, please click here.

How much does it cost?

EMD students – Each module for EMD students costs £65 (this includes attendance for 2 Saturdays plus notes and tutor support, as well as assignment marking and feedback, and course certificate on completion).

Saturday Students – (those not registered for the full EMD Course) – £20 for each Saturday attended. Each module consists of two Saturdays.

Applicants are encouraged to approach their churches for assistance towards the cost of the course.

If you are using this course towards local recognition as a Lay Preacher or Pastor then you must first apply to your Regional Association who will interview you and refer you to the College to begin the course.

How can I enrol?

EMD students taking the full course will attend all twelve modules over 3 years and write two 1500 words assignments per module. Once all 24 assignments have been marked, the student receives a Certificate (access level). However please note that we only enrol students for a year at a time.

EMD student registration documents include a response form, a commendation form and a data consent form. All documents can be filled online and emailed back to community.learning@bristol-baptist.ac.uk. Please note that the Data Consent form needs a real signature. Payment is required in advance, via a cheque sent to EMD Administrator (address on the response form) or via BACS. The EMD Administrator can provide bank details for this on request.

Click here to download the EMD Response Form.

Click here to download the Commendation Form.

Click here to download the Data Consent Form.

Saturday students just attend individual modules without any essay writing obligations but no Certificate is provided afterwards.

Pastoral Care and Equipping

In this module, participants will explore the meaning of Soul Care, and be encouraged through experiential learning to deepen their own spiritual life and the people of God. They will study what resources there are to establish and sustain missional discipleship. This will include examining the relationship of pastoral practice to participants missional setting.

Day 1 – 23rd September 2023
Day 2 – 14th October 2023

God’s Big Picture – Understanding the Old Testament

This module introduces participants to the diversity of biblical literature. It enables them to engage critically with it, relate it to its historical context and explore how their own context affects their reading of the text. By looking at the whole picture and at selected texts, they will have the opportunity to reflect on its meaning for their own lives, the ministry and mission of their churches, and the life of their communities.

Day 1 – 11th November 2023
Day 2 – 13th January 2024

God’s Unfurling Promises – Understanding the New Testament

This module introduces participants to the diversity of biblical literature. It enables them to engage critically with it, relate it to its historical context and explore how their own context affects their reading of the text. By looking at the whole picture and at selected texts, they will have the opportunity to reflect on its meaning for their own lives, the ministry and mission of their churches, and the life of their communities.

Day 1 – 3rd February 2024
Day 2 – 24th February 2024

Missional Leadership in a Baptist Context

This module looks at the kind of issues that inevitably arise in the ongoing life and organisation of a local church. Participants will look at different styles and models of leadership, including the principles and practice of working as part of a team, and develop skills needed for such tasks as vision building and conflict resolution. Attention will also be given to some of the specific tasks expected of those exercising leadership in a Baptist church, such as the responsibilities of being a trustee of the buildings.

Day 1 – 23rd March 2024
Day 2 – 27th April 2024

What they say:

“I believe EMD will enable anyone taking part to grow in their understanding and experience of how God has equipped them to be more involved in ministry and mission through the church. I warmly commend this course – whole, or part – as a great way to be challenged and equipped for present and future service.”
Rev Nigel Coles, Regional Minister Team Leader, West of England Baptist Association

For further information, email: community.learning@bristol-baptist.ac.uk