Course Description
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
INTRO TO MINISTRY & MISSION IN DIGITAL CULTURE
Online Practical Theology Short Courses
with Trinity College Glasgow & Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow
Course Description
This course will help students to reflect on and engage with the rise of digital media and its rapid move into church presence online. We will use insights from biblical, theological, historical and sociological perspectives to understand and evaluate a variety of online church and mission practices. Some of the opportunities afforded by digital technology for mission and ministry will be explored along with the development of skills in crafting material for the online environment.
This course is suitable for those working in church and mission and who are looking for an introduction to digital ministry and for leaders thinking through the implications of digital materials for their ministry and vocation.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Tutors
Rev. Dr. Sally Nelson
Sally read chemistry at Jesus College, Oxford, and had a career in science publishing before pursuing theological education at London School of Theology and Spurgeon’s College. She was ordained as a Baptist minister and has held pastorates in Watford and Wetherby as well as chaplaincy posts in hospice and hospital. For 9 years she worked at St Hild College, Yorkshire, as Dean of Baptist formation and teaching theology and pastoral studies. She has served as an External Examiner for Roehampton University, is a Trustee of Faith & Thought, and is a member of the Baptist Academic Network. Sally enjoys growing vegetables in her garden and walking. She is married and has one daughter, who has complex and severe disabilities.
William Gibson
William Gibson is a PhD student in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow and a candidate for ministry in the Church of Scotland. His research interests are focused on modern church history, missiology, and ecclesiology. His most recent publication is a chapter exploring Christian theology and the UK trade union and labour movement in the book Awake, Emerging, and Connected (2024). Prior to starting his PhD and training for ministry William worked for the Student Christian Movement as their Theology and Resources Project Worker while completing his undergraduate in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow. Recently William has volunteered with the Church of Scotland's digital ministry team and has an active presence on social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, where he shares about Christian faith, theology, and ministry.
Timetable & Duration
Wed 28th January 2026 - 25th March 2026
This course will take place online on Wenesday evenings, 7.00pm-9.00pm and will be taught over 9 weeks (incuding a break on 25th February) via online real-time meetings & instruction and after class activities.
Introduction to the course
This course will aim to:
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Introduce participants to perspectives with which to interpret changes to the practice of Christian devotion and church life brought on by the accelerating move into digital culture.
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Develop confidence and skills in negotiating new challenges to ministry and mission at individual and community levels by exploring creative resources, digital religion and fresh approaches to church.
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Offer a learning experience that engages in practical theological reflection using participants experience and concerns.
By the end of this course students will be able to:
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Explain key factors shaping the shift to digital ministry and mission.
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Analyse some challenges this presents to existing faith and church practice.
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Apply approaches from historical & contemporary, liturgical, and digital sources, to the creative task of navigating hybrid ministry and mission within digital culture.
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Practice skills in digital multi-media to present their learning.
Course information
This course is conducted online. The directed online instruction will be explored in weekly real-time conversations along with materials and interaction using the learning platform Moodle. Zoom as an online meeting tool will be used for the real-time conversations and online group times. Access to these tools will be supported by the course administration. More information about the use of these will be provided once enrolled.
Learners may choose to undertake assessments, and thus qualify for 10 credit points towards a Higher Education certificate or Glasgow University approved theology programme, or may engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit without the final assessments.
If you take the course for credit, the formal assessment for this course consists of the following:
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Written Assignment. 800 words (40%).
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Portfolio: a collection of 5 short (3-minute) digital journal reflections (60%).
Cost
£207*
*Priority Area subsidy available for this course. Please contact TrinityCollegeGlasgow@gmail.com for more information.
Funds or subsidies may also be available through your own church for training or study purposes and we encourage you to approach them with the details of the course.
Closing date
Applications close date Monday 15th December at 5pm.
How to Apply
Formal Applications open Autumn 2025. Notify your interest now via email: TrinityCollegeGlasgow@gmail.com.
These courses are delivered through the University of Glasgow. We will contact you with more information and guidance regarding applying, completing your details and payment in time for the course start date. If you have any questions regarding the process, you can contact us on the above email address.
If you have any difficulties with this process – please contact Kirsty Pattison (office administrator) at: