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 £60 (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) – £15 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. For registration, please click on the date link below for the module you wish to attend.

Living as the People of God
Day 1 – 24th September 2022
Day 2 – 15th October 2022

Leadership, Revival, Renewal, and the Holy Spirit

An exploration of both theological and missional understandings of the work of the Holy Spirit that leads to missional engagement. To examine the use of the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in enabling the missional calling of the people of God. To examine the role of prophecy and healing in the missional task.

Day 1 – 5th November 2022
Day 2 – 7th January 2023

Engaging with Contemporary Culture

Drawing on the experience of the participants, this module will examine the main features of contemporary culture. It will look at new ways of being church that respond to the cultural changes in our society and will consider the basis for missional Church engagement with contemporary culture. To explore how to engage and form children, young people and families.

Day 1 – 4th February 2023
Day 2 – 25th February 2023

Leading, Preaching, Teaching – Equipping Whole Life Worshippers

This module explores the thinking behind the Christian practices of public worship and teaching. It encourages a holistic approach to worship through the study of its nature as a place of corporate meeting with God and sustaining missional living. Participants will be equipped to preach and communicate through the study of the different ways of using the Bible in preaching, how to construct a sermon, and the skills needed to communicate effectively.

Day 1 – 25th March 2023
Day 2 – 22nd April 2023

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