School of Theology

The School of Theology is a programme primarily for those interested in an introduction to theology, for lay people in secular work or for those coming off an Alpha Course, that runs on Saturday mornings in HTB.

The course is run over 2 terms, starting in October through to March, 9 sessions per term or 18 sessions in total. The course starts at 9am – 1:00pm with breakfast, worship, teaching and group discussion. You can choose one of 3 tracks offered.  The cost of School of Theology this year is £300.  HTB Pastorate Leaders will be given the rate of £175. Discretionary bursaries may be awarded to those who are students, unemployed or on a low income. Each case will be reviewed individually.

Interested in doing School of Theology?

The tracks are:

1. BibleTrack 

This track aims is to offer an introduction to the Bible, so that students can become familiar with its story, know its key themes, learn how to read it responsibly and see themselves as an ongoing part of that story. This especially has new Christians in mind, although hopefully also gives a good guide for those who have been Christians for longer, but who want to know more about the Bible.

Term 1

1. Introduction
2. Bible Overview
3. Pentateuch
4. Historical Books
5. Wisdom
6. 2 Corinthians
7. Prophets
8. Psalms
9. Lamentations

Term 2

10. Gospels
11. St. Paul’s Letters
12. Luke and Acts
13. Romans
14. Mark
15. School of Prayer
16. Land
17. Kingship
18. Reading the Bible
 

2. FaithTrack

This track aims to give a guide to the basic building blocks of Christian belief, sometimes known as systematic theology. This is particularly aimed at younger potential leaders in the church & beyond - pastorate leaders, Alpha group leaders etc.

Term 1

1. Introduction
2. The Character of God
3. Creation
4. Sin, Fall and Evil
5. Jesus
6. 2 Corinthians
7. The Death of Christ
8. Resurrection and Ascension
9. The Holy Spirit

Term 2

10. The Trinity
11. Mission
12. Church History
13. Church
14. Augustine
15. School of Prayer
16. Luther
17. Barth
18. Being a Theologian
 

3. LifeTrack

This aims to help Christians connect their faith with life, culture and society. It builds on the other two courses, enabling those who have a good basic understanding of theology to move on to explore in greater depth how faith impacts life and contemporary culture.

Term 1

1. Introduction
2. Pluralism
3. Money and the Economy
4. Christianity and Politics
5. God in a World of Pain
6. 2 Corinthians
7. Secularisation
8. Apologetics
9. God and the Poor

Term 2

10. Is religion bad for you?
11. Christianity and the Arts
12. Christianity and Sex
13. Christianity and the Environment
14. Christianity and Islam
15. School of Prayer
16. Faith and Work
17. Can you trust the Bible?
18. Making Christian Choices
 

You can begin the School of Theology with any one of the three tracks. However, if you are starting from scratch, especially if you’ve just done Alpha, we’d recommend starting with the FaithTrack or BibleTrack in the first year, and ending up with the LifeTrack in the third year. However, if you just want to sign up for one track, that’s fine – you don’t have to do all three.

WHO CAN TAKE THE COURSE? 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, home groups or Pastorates, or the Marriage Course, and who want to deepen their understanding of their faith so they can be more effective in those ministries.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Each track costs £300 per year.

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.

WHERE IS IT HELD? In 2010-11 at St Paul‘s Onslow Square.

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.

CAN I TAKE THE COURSE FOR CREDIT? ARE THERE ANY ESSAYS? Not yet. We are looking at getting the course accredited in the future, so watch this space.

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.'