Is the course only for those considering full-time preaching ministry?

Absolutely not! While those who complete the course will end up giving a number of sermons, this does not presuppose that they will be going on to further training for ordained ministry, even though that will be the next step for some. Cornhill is of benefit to any Christian who wants to understand God’s word better and feel more confident in sharing it with others, whether that be with children, teenagers or adults in a small group setting or something larger. 

For those, who do not envisage going on to further training, they may feel it is sufficient for their purposes to come to Cornhill for one day a week for one year only or to come for one day a week for two years. We offer the flexibility for people to choose over what period of time they study and how much of the course they want to do.

What are the term dates for this year?

The term dates for the 2024-25 year are as follows:

AUTUMN TERM
15 September - 12 December
Half-term 27 October - 31 October

SPRING TERM
5 January - 27 March
Half-term 9 - 13 February

SUMMER TERM
20 April - 5 June

Is there a standard age profile for those doing Cornhill?

We are not prescriptive in terms of the age of those applying to come. We have had people aged from eighteen to seventy complete the course. 

Is funding available?

Students need to find their own funding for the course. In the past, some students have received support from their local church in paying fees. Funding is available through students working in a local church alongside study at Cornhill.

Will I have a church placement?

We expect all students to be committed to and involved in a local church, although the level will vary depending on each student. We do not prescribe the areas in which our students are serving in their local context, but simply ask that they play as full a part as they can. 

Are there set textbooks I need to buy?

There are a few books which we recommend that people read before coming on the course, but these are simply recommendations. We have a small library of the essential books, which is adequate for any preparation you have to do. Many people use their time at Cornhill to start to build up their own library, but there is no obligation to buy your own books.

Do I need experience in giving talks before applying for the course?

It helps if people have taught the Bible in some context before coming on the course, but this does not have to be in large scale settings.

Many of those who do the course, have simply taught the Bible in small groups, often to children or teenagers.

For those who take the course one day a week, the most that they will have to do in terms of the practical component is to give a ten minute talk, but we initially start with five minute talks. 

What do people in Cornhill go on to do?

Some go on to further training leading towards ordained ministry, but many do not. A number of people in recent years have gone on to work with a mission agency, either at home or overseas, or with para-church organisations, while others are now engaged in full–time church work, although not as a minister. Several are working in the jobs they were doing while at Cornhill and continue to serve in their local church, but feeling better equipped to do that.