School of Theology

The School of Theology is our introductory course to theology. It is perfect for anyone who has just completed the Alpha course, for home group leaders and pastors and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Bible, grow their faith and develop as disciples of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us on Saturday Mornings at St Paul’s Onslow Square.

From September 2011 we are re-launching School of Theology and are introducing some changes we think you will be excited about. Students will now be able to sign up for one term at a time. You can also mix and match the tracks, for instance; doing Bibletrack 1 in term one and Lifetrack 2 in term two. As well as making new friends in each track there is also a chance to get to know people better with an optional lunch after the formal part of the morning has finished. Do read on to find out how to apply.

For an overview of the new tracks please see the information below:

Term 1

Term 1

Term 1

Bibletrack 1: An Introduction to the Bible
This is a track for new Christians or students who want a basic overview of the Bible. It will include topics such as ‘The Story of Israel’ and ‘Jesus and the Mission of the Church’

Faithtrack 1: The Story of the Church
In this track we will look at the story of the church through the ages, from the time of Jesus right up to the present age. It includes topics such as ‘The Early Church’ and ‘The Reformation’.

Lifetrack 1: Big Questions
This track aims to help us explain our faith better to others and explores issues such as ‘Why do innocent people suffer?’ and ‘Aren't all religions the same?’ It is an introduction into Christian apologetics.

Term 2

Term 2

Term 2

Bibletrack 2: Books of the Bible
This track will offer a more advanced look at the books of the Bible for those who have been Christians for some time. It will take a look at the principle books of the Bible, beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation.

Faithtrack 2: Basic Christian Ideas
An introduction to Systematic theology, this track gives a guide to the basic building blocks of Christian belief. This track will include topics such as ‘Sin, Fall and Evil’ and ‘The Trinity’.

Lifetrack 2: Discipleship
This track is particularly appropriate for new Christians but will also be helpful to those who have been Christians for some time. It will look at topics such as ‘The Theology and Practice of Prayer’ and ‘Building Christian Character’

 

Applications for Autumn 2012 will open in May

 

When completing the online form please be aware that you will need to give two referees to support your application. One of these must be a pastoral referee from someone who is in some form of leadership within your church (i.e. homegroup leader or similar).

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?


The cost of School of Theology is £150 per term. There is a student rate of £100 for each term. Bursaries may be available for those who cannot afford the fees.


If 8 or more of you from your pastorate (if you are from HTB) or from your church (if you are not from HTB) sign up for School of Theology by 1st September 2011, then the fees will be reduced to £100 per person for the term. The application form will also give you the option of being in a small group together if you would like to be, but this is entirely optional.


WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN?

The teaching takes place at St Paul’s Church Onslow Square, London SW7 3NX. Please note: there is no parking at the church. Nearest tube station: South Kensington Nearest bus stop: by Royal Brompton Hospital (Buses 211, 14, 414, 345).



WHAT ARE THE DATES?


Autumn Term: 24 September - 3 December 2011

Half term: 29 October 2011

Spring Term: 14 January – 24 March 2012

Half term: 11 February 2012

 

WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE MORNING?

The course runs from 9am to 1pm on Saturday mornings. The day starts with breakfast, followed by worship, teaching and group discussion, with the option of going out to lunch afterwards.

 


DO I HAVE TO BELONG TO HTB TO TAKE THE COURSE?


No. The course is primarily aimed at HTB members, and the majority of students will be from HTB, but people from other churches are very welcome to apply.


WHO WILL TEACH IT?


Much of the teaching will be given by SPTC’s own staff team. However we will be bringing in experts from elsewhere to address a range of different topics in the courses.


WHO CAN COME ON SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY?


Anyone who wants to deepen their faith and understand it more fully. In particular the School of Theology is designed for those who already, or who will in the future, exercise leadership roles such as leading Alpha groups, the Marriage Course, Pastorates or home groups and who want to deepen their understanding of their faith so they can be more effective in those ministries. It is ideal both for those who have recently come to a new faith, or those who have been Christians for many years.


But I don’t know anything about theology!

You probably know more than you think. In any case, we don’t assume that students have studied any theology before. After all, you have to start somewhere.

WHAT PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID:


'I always saw the word 'theology' and thought that it was not for me - how wrong I was! I have loved every Saturday morning and left on fire!'


'The speakers have been fantastic and it has broadened my knowledge and love of God so much - I hope to be back!'


'It has been absolutely fantastic course and my faith has been so enhanced and stimulated. I think everyone should do this'


'This is such a blessing, such a privilege to get talks from such high calibre people. Thank you!'
'I have loved the course and loved Saturday mornings. I've learnt loads and the speakers have strengthened my faith'


'The three years of study have enriched my Christian life, given me insight into my faith and the wider issues in our society. I developed friendships with other men and womeon who are at various stages in their Christian walk. I leave School of Theology with great admiration for the SPTC team and for the lecturers who so challenged me and shared their passion and deep knwoledge so graciously. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the three years was the passion, openness and grace that so characterises the course.'

Autumn Term


BibleTrack 1 – An Introduction to the Bible


This track is specifically (but not exclusively) for new Christians:


1. Theology and the Christian Life
2. The Bible and Christian Faith
3. Bible Overview
4. Bible Origins: A People called by God
5. The Story of Israel
6. Worship in Israel
7. The Prophets
8. Jesus in John's Gospel
9. Jesus and the Mission of the Church
10. St. Paul

 

FaithTrack 1 – The Story of the Church

1. Theology and the Christian Life
2. The Earliest Christians
3. Defending the Faith
4. Monks and Monarchs
5. The Conversion of Europe
6. The Flowering of Christendom
7. The Reformation
8. The Enlightenment
9. The Church and the Modern World
10. The Future of Christianity

LifeTrack 1 – Big Questions (Apologetics)

1. Theology and the Christian Life
2. Why do innocent people suffer?
3. Isn't the God of the Bible violent?
4. Does life have any meaning without God?
5. Isn't religious belief incompatible with science?
6. Aren't all religions the same?
7. Isn't it all a matter of opinion?
8. Isn't religion bad for you?
9. Isn't Christian morality immoral?
10. Isn’t the environment disposable?

 

Spring Term

Applications for Spring Term will open in early November.


BibleTrack 2 – Books of the Bible

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Joshua and Judges
4. Job
5. Isaiah
6. Gospels
7. SCHOOL OF PRAYER
8. Acts
9. Romans
10. Revelation

FaithTrack 2 – Basic Christian Ideas (Systematic Theology)


1. The Character of God
2. Creation
3. Sin, Fall and Evil
4. Incarnation
5. The Death of Christ
6. Resurrection and Ascension
7. SCHOOL OF PRAYER
8. The Holy Spirit and the Church
9. The Trinity
10. Fulfilment


LifeTrack 2 – Discipleship


This track is specifically (but not exclusively) for new Christians:


1. The Theology and Practice of Prayer
2. Christian Worship
3. Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?
4. Building Christian Character
5. Christians out of Church
6. Christianity and Sex
7. SCHOOL OF PRAYER
8. Christianity and Money
9. Sharing our faith/Social Transformation
10. Sharing our faith/Evangelism