Course in Christian Studies

The COURSE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES is a two year course exploring the Christian Faith with others, delivered weekly in local centres around the diocese. CCS has a foundational first year and a more flexible second year and leads to the Bishop’s Certificate.

Since it began in 1987, over 2500 lay people from Essex and N.E. London have joined the Course in Christian Studies. What has it given them? What could it give you?

The excitement of discovery and learning together: members bring their own varied stories and experiences and share them, finding new truth in themselves and in each other through lively discussion.

Knowledge of the Bible and of the huge riches of Christian tradition, nurtured by tutors and textbooks, and whetting members' appetite for more knowledge - but not providing all the answers.

Delight in that biblical and Christian tradition, finding in it a field for imaginative and practical exploration, for wonder and worship and decision.

Constructive Reflection on the Bible and tradition and on the contemporary world: the Course does not shirk the hard questions posed by the Church's history or by believing in God and seeking peace and justice today.

CCS centre group at the introductory day 2006

Spiritual Formation of both the local group and its individual members: the Course does not set out to convert or evangelise, but it is concerned with the whole life of prayer and activity and relationships - not just with the mind.

For those who desire it, the Course also provides a foundation for further education or training. This could be other local courses; it could be a degree or diploma. Or it could be training for a specific ministry in the Church including the ministry of: Reader, Pastoral Assistant, Lay Evangelist or Priest.

Lunch at the CCS introductory day 2006

The course begins in September each year with centres in each of the three Episcopal Areas. For details of the centres for this year please click here.

For further details please click on CCS FAQ 

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