The Church Training Initiative (CTI) is a bite-sized way to theological education via a series of online resource packs on particular topics.

The focus is on practical rather than academic theology. Each pack, which takes about six hours to complete, is downloaded from the Spurgeon's College website and is priced at £15.

Director of Spurgeon's Online Learning, Dr Debra Reid, said, 'We have found that many people are not interested in degree level study but would like to gain a better understanding of practical theology and church skills.

'The CTI has therefore been designed specifically for those in that position, many of whom face major financial and time pressures in the current economic climate. '

Students completing five packs and passing a short written exercise (marked by College staff) are awarded the Spurgeon's College Church Training Commendation, Level 1.

Levels 2 and 3 are awarded after completing ten and fifteen packs respectively.

Sixteen packs are already available with more to follow shortly. The list is varied and subjects include Essential Beliefs; Youth Ministry; Music, God and Us and Missionary Support.

Visit the Spurgeon's website for more.