The Course in Christian Studies brings 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.
The CCS is made up of two years of study, the first is a foundational year in theology and the second a foundational year in ministry, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of vocations and ministries within the church. Completion of the course leads to the Bishop’s Certificate.
It was relaunched in 2024 - the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, speaks about the relaunch:
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About CCS
Since it began in 1987, over 3000 people from Essex and East 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. 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: Licensed Lay Minister, Authorised Local Preacher, Pastoral Assistant, Lay Evangelist, or Priest.
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Course Structure
There are two ways you can take part in the CCS: in local face to face groups and via the Zoom platform with weekly online meetings.
Each January there will be a choice of centres in each of the three Episcopal Areas.
Groups usually meet weekly. All necessary reading and preparatory material is provided via the website and group members commit to spending a few hours each week in preparation for the group session. They are led by ordained and lay tutors and include people from all kinds of churches. The group learns from the tutors, the Bible and the reading material provided, and from each other. Certificates are presented at the end of the course in a Cathedral service.
The assignments which are set, always give the option of interacting with the learning material at a greater depth and are in the form of either a short piece of writing, a recording of a talk, a portfolio, or designing a leaflet. You can choose not to complete any assignments at all and receive an ‘attendance’ certificate – but most students enjoy the opportunity of engaging further with the course through this enhanced study.
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Enrolment procedure
Each course is two years long and begins in the January of a particular year.
First year enrolment for each new course begins in September of the preceding year, via the website where an 'expression of interest' will be filled in. The closing date for this is 1st December.
During December places will be allocated and requests for further registration information will be sent. This further information will be passed to your respective tutors so they can manage their courses and will be held on record at the Diocese so the administration of the course can run smoothly.
Payment will be invoiced in the first month of the course, giving clear instructions as to how to pay and when to pay (see Course costs for details).
Please see example of timetable below for summary of enrolment procedure:
Date
Enrolment Action
Method
September 2026 Expressions of Interest open Via Diocesan Website 1st December 2026 Expressions of Interest close December 2026 Allocation and notification of places on courses Via email December 2026 Request for registration information Via email and electronic form January 2027 Courses begin January 2027 Invoices sent and payment requested Via email Enrolment for second year places is not needed. You will register your interest with your current tutor at the end of your fist year.
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Course Cost
The cost of the course is £150 per year, or £50 a term across 6 terms.
All students will be invoiced in January of each academic year, with the option to pay termly or in one lump sum.
Preferred payment method is by bank transfer, but credit or debit card payments are possible.
If this cost feels prohibative, please contact us directly and we can discuss payment options. Email your enquiry to ccsadmin@chelmsford.anglican.org
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Course content
Year 1 - Foundations in Theology
- Introdcution to Theology
- Old Testament
- Gospels
- Paul's Letters
- Church History
- Doctrine
Year 2 - Foundations in Ministry
- Ethics
- Preaching
- Leading Worship
- Evangelism
- Pastoral Care
- Spirituality
Unit materials can be found here
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Course Venues for 2026
Place Time Zoom Monday (online) Mondays 19.30-21.30 Colchester, Elim Church Mondays 19.30-21.30 St Osyth Church Tuesday 10.00-12.00 Zoom Tuesday (online) Tuesdays 19.30-21.30 Black Notley, St Peter & St Paul's Church Wednesdays 19.00-21.00 Zoom Wednesday (online) Wednesdays 19.30-21.30 Marks Gate, St Mark's Church Centre Thursdays 10.00-12.00 Chelmsford, Diocesan Offices Thursdays 10.00-12.00 Rayleigh Saturdays (once a month) 9.30-15.30
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Course Dates for 2026 Year 1 & year 2 students (excluding Pleshey and Rayleigh)
Groups will meet in the following weeks throughout the year. Dates are given for Mondays, but your group may meet on another day of that week.
SPRING TERM 2026
Week commencing:
- Monday 12 January
- Monday 19 January
- Monday 26 January
- Monday 2 February
- Monday 9 February
- (Half term break: Monday 16 February)
- Monday 23 February
- Monday 2 March
- Monday 9 March
- Monday 16 March
- Monday 23 March
SUMMER TERM 2026
Week commencing:
- Monday 13 April for year 1 students only
- Monday 20 April
- Monday 27 April
- Monday 4 May*
- Monday 11 May
- Monday 18 May
- (Half term break: Monday 25 May)
- Monday 1 June
- Monday 8 June
- Monday 15 June
- Monday 22 June
- Monday 29 June
AUTUMN TERM 2025
Week commencing:
- Monday 7 September
- Monday 14 September
- Monday 21 September
- Monday 28 September
- Monday 5 October
- Monday 12 October
- Monday 19 October
- (Half term break: Monday 26 October)
- Monday 2 November
- Monday 9 November
- Monday 16 November
* Monday groups may meet on a different day to 4th May to be decided by the group.
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Course Dates for 2026 for Rayleigh
Rayleigh Group meets for the whole day (9.30 - 15.30) on a Saturday approximately once a month
SPRING TERM 2026
- Saturday 10 January
- Saturday 7 February
- Saturday 28 February
SUMMER TERM 2026
- Saturday 18 April
- Saturday 16 May
- Saturday 13 June
- Saturday 11 July
AUTUMN TERM 2026
- Saturday 19 September
- Saturday 17 October
- Saturday 14 November
If you have any questions concerning the CCS - either current courses or future ones - please email ccsadmin@chelmsford.anglican.org
