Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any entrance criteria for admission to Porterbrook Learning Sites?
- Is the course accredited?
- What are modules / units / streams?
- Is there a recommended order to complete the modules in?
- Do the modules come with a reading list?
- Can I see a sample of some of the material?
- Is the material available in MP3 or video?
- Has Porterbrook material been translated into any other languages?
- Is there a leaders' guide to go with the modules purchased by a Local Group?
- What happens at a residential?
- Will I have exams to sit, or assignments to submit?
- Is there a discount for unwaged?
- Are there discounts for spouses who are both participating?
- Can we use Porterbrook material as a Home Group / Gospel Community?
- How can I get involved if I don’t live anywhere near a Learning Site?
- Is Porterbrook Learning a charity?
- Is Porterbrook Learning a suitable alternative to Bible College, in terms of preparation for ministry?
- What are the steps necessary to start our own Learning Site?
1. Are there any entrance criteria for admission to Porterbrook Learning Sites?
You do not need to have any previous experience or training to study wuth a Porterbrook Learning Site. You will need to complete an application form which will ask you questions about your beliefs. We also require that you have the support of your local church, which is why we will ask for a reference from your pastor.
2. Is the course accredited?
The course is not accredited and there is no qualification to be gained from doing the course. Our aim is to equip ordinary Christians to live ordinary lives but with Gospel intentionality. If you require a certificate upon completion of the course please ask your Learning Site coordinator. While not officially recognised by any external colleges or universities, the course has been commended and endorsed by the Acts 29 Network, Timothy Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NY), Vaughan Roberts (St Ebbe's, Oxford) and Alan Hirsch (Forge Mission Training Network).
3. What are modules / units / streams?
Porterbrook Learning material comprises 24 “modules” or books on various subjects designed to equip you for everyday Gospel ministry. The 24 modules are split into four “streams of study” or subjects: Character, Bible & Doctrine, Church and World. Each module contains 9 “units”, or chapters.
4. Is there a recommended order to complete the modules in?
The majority of Learning Sites run the curriculum in the order found here, covering four modules per term or trimester, one from each stream. We think this is a great order to go through the material in, but it is up to you!
5. Do the modules come with a reading list?
No. The only book you'll need is a Bible. Many of the modules contain suggestins for further reading if you would like to find out more about that subject.
6. Can I see a sample of some of the material?
You can view sample units by clicking here. If you require more information please contact
7. Is the material available in MP3 or video?
Not yet! We are working on getting the material recorded and available for students to download in MP3 format. Watch this space!
8. Has Porterbrook material been translated into any other languages?
Porterbrook Learning materials are currently being translated into Italian, German and Russian. We'd love to get Porterbrook translated into your language. Can you help us? Email
9. Is there a leaders' guide to go with the modules purchased by a Local Group?
No. We haven't produced leaders' guides becaues the content of the modules is quite self-explanatory. There are exercises and points for reflection as you read through the material which could easily be used as questions for discussion in a Local Group seminar. You could also check the Online Student Area for further related resources.
10. What happens at a residential?
Residentials are an opportunity for you to meet up with other students who are studying the same things as you, to pray with each other and to encourage each other. One of the benefits is meeting people who are in different church contexts, and who are applying the Porterbrook material in different ways and facing different challenges.
11. Will I have exams to sit, or assignments to submit?
If you are studying as part of a Learning Site, you will probably be asked to do assignments, whether written or presented orally, and you will be given feedback by other students and facilitators. The purpose of the assignments is to help consolidate what you have been learning, and to encourage and learn from others students. There is no 'pass' or 'fail'.
12. Is there a discount for unwaged?
Yes, Learning Sites usually offer support for the unwaged. Contact your nearest Learning Site for more details.
13. Are there discounts for spouses who are both participating?
Yes. If you are part of a Local Group, spouses may just purchase one copy of the material between them and share. Most Learning Sites also offer discounts for spouses. Contact your nearest Learning Site for more information.
14. Can we use Porterbrook material as a Home Group / Gospel Community?
Absolutely! The Porterbrook Learning material is best used in a community setting like a Home Group or Gospel Community. There are a couple of ways of doing this. 1) You could all join your nearest Learning Site and do the required reading together, rather than on your own. 2) You could start a Local Group, choosing individual modules to go through together.
15. How can I get involved if I don’t live anywhere near a Learning Site?
Get in touch with your nearest Learning Site as they will probably offer the course as a distance Learning programme, allowing you to participate from a distance. Alternatively you coud form a Local Group and begin studying and applying the material in your context.
16. Is Porterbrook Learning a charity?
Porterbrook Learning is one strand of the Porterbrook Network, which is a recognised charity in the UK, number 1138563. Contact to learn how to make a donation.
17. Is Porterbrook Learning a suitable alternative to Bible College, in terms of preparation for ministry?
The things you will learn with Porterbrook Learning are very different to what is traditionally taught in Bible College. You won’t learn how to parse Greek with Porterbrook Learning, but you will learn how to live an ordinary life with gospel intentionality. We strongly believe that Porterbrook Learning is an excellent resource for training church leaders, particularly as the course has a strong emphasis on character, which is essential for all leadership training. If you would like to pursue more rigorous study to prepare you for ministry you might be interested in studying with Porterbrook Institute. Contact for more information.
18. What are the steps necessary to start our own Learning Site?
Find out how to start your own Learning Site by clicking here.