When can I join the course? The course operates a 4-year rolling programme which means you can join at any time.

Can anyone join the course? No, the course is designed for men who are serving pastors and church officers, or men who wish to prepare for preaching and leadership responsibilities in the future.

What academic qualifications do I need to join the course? Although most course members are graduates, a degree is not essential. Applications are considered individually.

How much does it cost? The fees are currently £30.00 a year (waived for those in full-time Christian service).

Will I get a degree or credits towards a degree? We do not offer degrees or credits towards a degree. Those successfully completing the course will be awarded a Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Studies.

Are the assignments technical or practical? The assignments are not merely technical exercises. They are designed to be of practical benefit in a number of key areas including sermon preparation and understanding and responding to the key issues of our day.

What happens after I have submitted an assignment? You will get written feedback from the assignments tutor within a month of the submission deadline.

What if I cannot complete five assignments in a particular year? The flexible nature of the course means that we require an average of five assignments per year, so if (for example) you are only able to submit three assignments in a given year, you can make up the amount in subsequent years. Twenty assignments should be completed in total over the four-year duration of the course.

What if I cannot read all the books set for a particular month because of pressures on my time? Don’t worry. The books are allocated to particular months to help with time-management and to provide variety over the year. If you are especially busy for a month or so, you can catch up later.

How does the LRBS course differ from other evangelical seminary courses? It is distinctively reformed and baptistic in its teaching of doctrine, church government and polity. It teaches the exegetical and hermeneutical procedures of the reformed tradition as opposed to the neo-humanistic approach so widely accepted even by evangelicals today. It gives the fullest attention to practical organisation and evangelistic methods for church growth.  It teaches that the modern charismatic movement does not fulfil the biblical pattern, character and purpose of the divine gifts of prophecy, healing and tongues.  

Are there two different LRBS courses? No, the part-time course was merged with the online course in October 2014. UK residents can now apply to join the online course. 

What happens if I have further questions about the course? You can email these to us.