Ordination Training

Full-time, Church-Based Ordination Training

Jesus trained his disciples by a blend of practice and thinking. He sent them out to proclaim and to demonstrate the Kingdom of God. He then brought them back together to think about what they had done and to spend time with him. That basic rhythm was the heart of the training he gave to his followers.

That is also the basic method of ministry training we offer at St Paul’s Theological Centre, as part of St Mellitus College. This offers a unique opportunity to learn ministry by both doing it and thinking about it at the same time. You get first-rate academic study while learning how to grow a church in practice, and the chance to relate theory to practice in a way that is much closer to the way Jesus trained his followers than many other models of training. Also, students on this course, rather than joining an existing residential institution as outsiders, are right at the heart of the college's life.

This training route is open to all Anglican ordinands recommended for training, except those recommended for 'Assistant Minister' status. It works well for Ordained Pioneer Ministry candidates, but is also open to 'regular' ordinands who want a missional and contemporary 'edge' to their training.

On this mission–focussed course, students do half of their learning ‘on the job’ in a local church, and the other half in the classroom.

All students on this course are based in and employed by local churches or mission contexts. Some are already on the staff of churches, and continue that involvement during their training. For others, we can help them find a suitable placement for the practical part of their course. So those taking this route are ‘full-time, non-residential students’, which means that they are engaged in full-time preparation for ordained ministry, but with half of their training happening ‘on the job’. Because of SPTC's links to Holy Trinity Brompton, there is also the chance to learn first-hand from one of the most dynamic and innovative churches in the UK today.

Alongside their ministry in the local context, students engage in academic study and reflection through:

•one full day’s teaching every week at SPTC
•one day each week for personal study
•seven residential weekends through the year
•one annual full residential week

On residentials, SPTC students join with other St Mellitus students studying at NTMTC.

Our aim is to provide academic training that is just as stretching as can be found anywhere, alongside practical experience of growing churches or fresh expressions of church under experienced leadership. A vital part of the course is regular ‘formation groups' where students share issues they are facing in their practical ministry, and learn to analyse and address them with the help of the theology they are learning.

Those new to theological study work towards a BA or Foundation Degree in Theology and Ministry. Theology Graduates can study for an MA alongside ordination training.

Enquiring and Applying
If you are interested in training through the Church-based route, you can attend one of our regular Open Days on Monday mornings. The next one is on the 10th May 2013, please email sptc@htb.org.uk if you would like to attend.  To complete an application form for the course please click here.

“Full-time Church-based training offers a unique way of learning to connect theology and ministry. We are committed to holding a creative balance of theological excellence and real practice of mission and ministry. This helps students work out how to use their theology in ministry settings, and how to connect theory with practice.”
The Revd Dr Andrew Emerton (Assistant Dean, Director, SPTC)