Take a Deeper Dive into Independent Church Ministry
The Certificate in Independent Church Ministry course tackles issues Independent churches face - time well spent for anyone seeking to serve their local Independent church better.
Independent churches come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of formats and traditions. But they also share many similarities and face many of the same challenges and questions:
- What is the basis for being a self-governing church?
- What kind of self-governing leadership structures will best serve the gospel?
- What’s the best way to organise membership and services without a common ‘rule-book’?
- How can independent churches best relate to each other?
- How can independent churches train the next generation of gospel workers they’ll need?
- How can independent churches be best organised for mission and growth?
- How can a struggling Independent church be revitalised?
The FIEC Certificate in Independent Church Ministry
As a fellowship of more than 650 churches running for more than 100 years, when it comes to understanding ‘Independent churches’, FIEC has a huge reservoir of experience and wisdom to draw from.
This understanding is something we are keen to share not only with FIEC churches but also with other like-minded, non-denominational churches across the country – including new church plants, congregations leaving denominations, or new international fellowships.
The FIEC Certificate in Independent Church Ministry is designed to help church leaders think through the issues Independent churches face. Run in conjunction with Edinburgh Theological Seminary, this 14-part course looks at the history, theology, and practicalities of being an Independent church in the UK today.
Each session is led by an experienced FIEC and church leaders. The seminar format includes time for questions and discussion.
Participants who complete the optional assignment (2,000-word essay) will receive the ETS-endorsed Certificate.
Online learning
The Wednesday afternoon classes (2pm-4pm) starting in September 2026 are hosted online - allowing participation from anywhere. The interactive connection means that you can watch, ask questions and take part from the comfort of your home or office.
There are discounted fees for pastors of FIEC churches and Pastors’ Network members.
For busy church leaders working ‘in the church’, this course is a chance to spend some time ‘working on the church’. It gives space to think through some of the bigger structural issues Independent churches face, which in the long run can yield great spiritual dividends when understood properly.
Sign up for some ministry time well spent.
If you have any questions or would like to request the Course Handbook, contact Andy Hunter using the form below.
