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 is a two- or three-year course where students are placed in practical church ministry for half of their time, learning practical skills of ministry ‘on the job’ and how a church works and grows, while studying in SPTC for the other half of their time from some of the best theological teachers in the UK. This enables a unique opportunity to learn ministry by 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.

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.

• "St Mellitus College gives a fantastic opportunity for ordinands of all ages and traditions to learn together, to be sent out equipped for church that needs to be relevant today, by looking back into history and forward into the future. The Full-time Church-Based Course enables each ordinand to take away something different that is pertinent to them in their context, whether traditional forms of church or a fresh expression. I love being part of this college, the energy and enthusiasm of all those who enable it all to happen and the quality of the teaching is simply amazing. I know that this is the right place for me at this time." - Rosie Tallowin - 2nd Year Ordinand at SPTC

Those looking to train full-time can train through the College’s new ‘Church-Based Ordination Training’ route, as an alternative to residential 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. 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 weekend through the year
• one annual full residential week

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

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.

Our aim is to provide academic training that is just as high quality as could be found in the best residential colleges or universities, alongside practical experience of growing churches or fresh expressions of church under experienced leadership. A vital part of the course is regular sessions of ‘theological reflection’ where in groups, 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.

What might a normal week look like? 

A student might be employed in a local church for 3 days a week, have two days free for study (one in SPTC weekly, one for private study) and one or two days off per week, and in addition be available for residential weeks and weekends.

Another possible combination for those who do not require a salary from a church would be volunteer work in a Fresh Expression, or Christian ministry of some kind for two days a week, with the rest of the week free for extended study.

A third combination for those whose church cannot afford to pay them for the work they do, might be two days a week volunteer work in the church, two days a week put aside for study and two days a week in paid secular employment to help cover living costs. This would then still leave one day off a week.

Courses

The courses are:
* BA in Contextual Theology (Middlesex University)
* Foundation Degree in Contextual Theology (Middlesex University)
* MA (King’s College London) with Ordination training at SPTC

All ordinands follow the ‘Leadership and Church Planting Training’ Monday afternoon sessions which cover the key elements of ordained ministry and leadership in the church, with a particular focus on church planting and new forms of church life.

Every student has a Personal Tutor at SPTC, and a Supervisor is appointed within the Primary Placement, to oversee the practical ministry part of the training.

Those new to theological study work towards a BA or Foundation Degree in Contextual Theology through Middlesex University. Theology Graduates can study for an MA through King’s College London alongside ordination training at St Mellitus.

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 (please email us on sptc@stmellitus.org for details). To apply to train for ordination with us, download an application form here, and either send it to us at St Mellitus College, St Paul's Onslow Square, London, SW7 3NX, or email it to the above email address.
 

“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)