Groundwork participants receive a short book of reading materials for each module (varying in length from 60–110 A4 pages), supported by optional online discussion and seminar days. The programme trains people in the core areas of Bible and doctrine, gospel character, church life, and culture and world. The books can be used in any number of ways to fit within your normal life, including:

A church-wide training programme

A church runs Groundwork all year during school terms. They gather for two hours on a Sunday afternoon in a lounge-room-style interactive seminar. They cover one module per school term. Congregation members sign up for as many modules per year as they wish. Those doing any given module are encouraged to do the reading for each week at home. When they gather, their training pastor leads discussion, gives his own perspective on issues raised in the modules, and helps participants concretely apply the material in their local context.

A Bible study group

The members of a weekly Bible study group decide to do a Groundwork module together for a term. They read the material during the week, then meet to discuss on Tuesday evenings. They focus on any questions they have from the material, and applications for them and their church community. Some people elect to do the optional assignment, e-mail it to Groundwork for feedback, and come to a seminar day to discuss with people from other churches.

Part of an apprenticeship

Some young people are doing a ‘gap year’ programme with their church. They have set aside a day a week for theological input. They read the modules together in the morning, pausing to discuss the included reflection questions and to do the exercises. They have lunch together, then meet with a trainer to discuss the materials for a couple of hours in the afternoon.