Foundation Certificate in Biblical Ministry

Join us for this unique ten-month part-time hybrid course with online classes once a week and two 2-day intensives in Oxford.

Now accepting applications for September 2026

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Every Christian is called to Ministry!

The Foundation Certificate in Biblical Ministry is designed for anyone who desires to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and be further equipped for service in the local church — while continuing to serve there.

The programme runs from September to June and is built around the rhythm of local church life. Classes take place once a week online on Monday evenings during term time, with two 2-day intensives in Oxford (October and May). At its heart is verse-by-verse teaching of books of the Bible by experienced pastors and Bible teachers, alongside foundational training in how to study Scripture and defend the faith.

Whatever your ministry calling, you will gain a solid foundation in doctrine and practical ministry that you can put to work straight away in your local church.

CBI Oxford is not accredited, and we are not seeking accreditation. Our heart is simply to disciple and equip the saints for the work of ministry through the teaching of the Word of God — recognising that ministry is not the calling of the few, but the calling of every believer in Jesus (Ephesians 4:12). A certificate is awarded on successful completion of the programme.

This programme is not a substitute for the teaching and discipleship ministry of the local church; it is intended as a resource to support it.

PLEASE READ THE FULL COURSE INFORMATION BELOW

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If you have any questions at all, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us.

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Course Information

Programme Summary

A ten-month part-time hybrid programme (September to June) for believers who want to grow in God's Word and be equipped for service in their local church — without stepping away from it.

The programme consists of eight modules. Six are taught online on Monday evenings (7–9.30pm) during term time, and two are taught in-person at weekend intensives in Oxford (October and May). Teaching is verse-by-verse through books of the Bible, with foundational training in Inductive Bible Study, Theology & Apologetics, and Practical Christian Ministry. All classes are led by experienced pastors and Bible teachers, with time for interactive discussion.

Assessment is built around the local church: attendance, written module reflections, one-to-one meetings with a mentor from your church, and three short book reports across the year. A certificate is awarded on successful completion.

The programme is not accredited, and we are not seeking accreditation. Our aim is simply to disciple and equip the saints for the work of ministry through the teaching of God's Word (Ephesians 4:12).

Cost

The cost of the programme is £600. This does not include accommodation for the intensives or required books (approximately £50).

Sponsorship and scholarships
Our desire is for this programme to be both accessible and affordable.

If the cost is a barrier, please speak first with your local church leadership to see whether your church is able to sponsor you. We are also able to offer a limited number of scholarships covering up to 50% of the cost — you can indicate your interest on the application form, and we will contact you to discuss.

Payment
Full payment is due before the programme begins in September. Monthly or termly payment plans are available on request — please mention this on your application.

Admissions Requirements

The Foundation Certificate in Biblical Ministry is a discipleship programme, open to all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of academic background. There are no previous education requirements.

To be accepted onto the programme, you will need to:

Be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The programme is open to all believers — men and women — regardless of how long you have been a Christian.
Have the support of your local church. This programme is designed as a resource for the local church in equipping the saints for ministry. You will need to provide a reference from your pastor or church leader on application, and to meet with them at the end of each module to discuss what you have learned and how to apply it (see Assessment). Please discuss your desire to enrol with your church leadership before applying.
Respect our Doctrinal Statement. CBI Oxford is a Calvary Chapel ministry, and all teaching is in accord with our Doctrinal Statement. We ask that all students respect the Statement. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Commit to full participation. This means attending all classes (including both in-person intensives) and completing the required assessments. Please review the Schedule and Assessment sections to make sure you're able to commit.

How to Apply
If you meet all the above criteria, you can complete the online application form.

We will review your application and contact you within two weeks. Successful applicants will be invited to a short informal meet-and-greet on Zoom — no preparation needed, just an opportunity to meet one another and ask any questions.

Places are limited each year. If we receive more applications than places, we reserve the right to give priority to applicants from Calvary Chapel affiliated churches.

Assessment

The primary goal of this programme is discipleship, and so there are no formal academic assessments. Instead, assessment consists of four elements:

Attendance. Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of online classes and both in-person intensives.
Module reflections. At the end of each module, students complete a short set of written questions designed to help them reflect on what they've learned and how to apply it in their local church. This is not a graded test but an opportunity to reflect on what the Lord has taught you through His Word.
Meetings with a mentor. At the end of the Autumn & Spring terms, you will meet one-to-one with your mentor — your pastor or a nominated church leader — to discuss what you've learned and how to apply it in your local church. The module reflection sheet serves as a guide for the conversation.
Reading assignments. Three books are required reading across the year (one per term). A short book report is submitted for each before the end of the relevant term.

The programme is not accredited, but a certificate is awarded on successful completion.

FAQ's

If your question isn't answered here, please contact us.

About the programme
Is the programme accredited?
No. CBI Oxford is an independent institution and a ministry of Calvary Chapel Oxford, and is not affiliated with any accredited college or university in the UK. However, we are part of the wider Calvary Bible Institute network, and credits may be transferable to other CBI campuses around the world.

What is the time commitment?
The programme is designed to fit around an already busy life of work and ministry. The main commitment is attending classes — Monday evenings 7–9.30pm online during term time, plus two in-person intensives in Oxford (a Friday and Saturday in October and May). Beyond that, you'll need a couple of hours at the end of each module for reflections and your mentor meeting, and several hours each term for the reading assignment (one short book per term, three in total).

Who is the programme for?
Any believer in Jesus Christ who desires to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and be further equipped for service in the local church. It is especially suited to those already serving in local church ministry or leadership who want to be further equipped while continuing to serve.

Can I take individual modules?
It may be possible to join a single module. Please contact us to discuss.

Admissions
What is the application process?
Complete the application form in full and provide a reference from your pastor or church leader. We'll review your application and respond within two weeks. If successful, we'll invite you to a short informal meet-and-greet on Zoom. Places are limited each year; if oversubscribed, priority may be given to applicants from Calvary Chapel affiliated churches.

Do I have to attend a Calvary Chapel to apply?
No. While CBI Oxford is a Calvary Chapel ministry, you don't need to attend a Calvary Chapel to apply. We do ask all prospective students to read our Doctrinal Statement to understand what we believe and teach, and to consider whether CBI Oxford is the right fit for you.

Finances
Do you offer scholarships?
If cost is a barrier, please speak first with your local church leadership about possible sponsorship — your pastor is welcome to contact us directly with any questions. We also offer a limited number of scholarships each year, covering up to 50% of the cost. You can indicate interest in a scholarship on the application form.

Can I pay by instalments?
Yes — monthly or termly payment plans are available on request.

Programme Schedule 2026/27

The Foundation Certificate in Biblical Ministry runs from September 2026 to June 2027. It consists of eight modules: six taught online on Monday evenings, and two taught in-person at intensives in Oxford. Attendance at both intensives is required.

Welcome & Orientation (online) — Monday 7 September 2026, 7–8pm

AUTUMN TERM
Module 1 · The Gospels
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 14 Sept – 19 Oct 2026

Module 2 · Inductive Bible Study
Intensive in Oxford · Fri 23 – Sat 24 Oct 2026

Module 3 · The Book of Acts
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 2 Nov – 7 Dec 2026

Christmas break

SPRING TERM
Module 4 · The Book of Nehemiah
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 4 Jan – 8 Feb 2027

Module 5 · The Book of 1 Timothy
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 22 Feb – 22 Mar 2027

Easter break

SUMMER TERM
Module 6 · The Book of Daniel
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 12 Apr – 17 May 2027

Module 7 · Theology & Apologetics
Intensive in Oxford · Fri 21 – Sat 22 May 2027

Module 8 · Practical Christian Ministry
Online · Mondays 7–9.30pm · 31 May – 21 June 2027

Graduation — Saturday 26 June 2027, at Teach the Word 2027 in Oxford.

Intensive Weekends — Practical Details

Both intensives run to the same schedule:

Friday 1.00–4.00pm and 6.00–9.00pm
Saturday 9.00am–12pm and 1–3.30pm

Venue: Calvary Chapel Oxford, 1 Church Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 9TH

Accommodation: We recommend the Premier Inn Oxford Botley, right next to the church.

Arrival & lunch: Classes start after lunch on Friday so you can travel on Friday morning. A free fellowship lunch is served from 12 noon — please join us if you can.

Curriculum

The programme consists of eight modules taught over ten months. Six modules are taught online on Monday evenings, and two are taught in-person at weekend intensives in Oxford. Every module includes both teaching and interactive discussion, led by experienced pastors and Bible teachers.

At the heart of the curriculum is verse-by-verse study of specific books of the Bible, with a particular focus on practical Christian ministry in the local church. Alongside this, you'll gain foundational skills in how to study the Bible (Inductive Bible Study) and how to defend the faith (Theology & Apologetics).

Online Modules (Monday evenings)

The Gospel of John
The Book of Acts
The Book of Nehemiah
The Book of 1 Timothy
The Book of Daniel
Practical Christian Ministry

Intensive Modules (in-person in Oxford)

Inductive Bible Study (October)
Theology & Apologetics (May)

For the full teaching order and dates, see the Programme Schedule section

CBI OXFORD

Foundation Certificate in Biblical Ministry

Every Christian is called to Ministry!

Course Information