Worship Studies Course:

This modular course is provided under the auspices of the GA's Local Leadership Strategy Group and is managed by the Worship Studies Group. There are three steps:

Foundation Step: this prepares students to conduct worship for their own, or neighbouring congregations or fellowships. Courses are run locally and nationally. As well as attending the course, students are required to deliver two services, which must be assessed by a recognised Lay Worship Leader / Lay Preacher / Lay Leader / Lay Pastor / Minister.

Intermediate Step: this introduces students to the four modules of study: Biblical Studies, Unitarian Theology and Thought, Unitarian History, and World Religions and Worship, each of which has its own tutor. Students are required to produce one service for each module, and to deliver two of the services which must be assessed as above. It is delivered entirely by distance learning.

Advanced Step:This requires further and deeper study. Students are required to produce six services each for the Unitarian Theology & Thought and Unitarian History modules, plus a further twelve chosen from the six other modules: Biblical Studies, Earth-centred Spirituality, Intergenerational Worship, Meditation & Contemplation Practices, Women & Religion in a Unitarian Context, World Religions in a Unitarian Context. Six of the services must be delivered to a congregation and assessed as above (not more than two from any one module). It is also delivered entirely by distance learning.

Successful completion leads to recognition as a qualified Lay Preacher / Lay Worship Leader and addition to the Lay Preacher & Worship Leader Roll of the General Assembly.

A prospectus and application form may be obtained from the Course Administrator:

Rev Sue Woolley,
e-mail:

WSC website: https://www.unitarian-worship-studies-course.org.uk  

National Worship Studies Course Foundation Step

There are usually one or two Foundation Step courses run each year. But because of the corona virus, this has not happened in the later part of 2020. We hope that some Foundation Step courses will be happening in 2021.