Year 2
Year 2 for those reading the BA Hons and Dip. HE in Contextual Theology builds on the foundational work on Bible, doctrine and church history done in Year 1 and explores the interconnections between different disciplines of theology. In doing so, it equips students for more contextualised work in pastoral and social theology and mission – work which is explored here and developed further in Year 3.
The key elements of Year 2 are as follows:
CP4 - BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
Building on the foundational theological and biblical study undertaken in CP1 and CP2, this module explores key overarching themes in the Old and New Testaments and relates them to core doctrinal issues in the Christian tradition. Beginning with sessions on covenant, kingship and temple, it moves on to consider the meaning of holiness, nationhood, justice and ‘the people of God’, and then focuses more specifically on Jesus’ life and work, the ministry of the Spirit, and the mission of the Church.
CP5 - SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
This module investigates the ordering of related biblical, theological and philosophical themes into creeds, confessions and works of dogmatics, and explores how Christian churches and scholars down to the present have sought to organise the diverse strands of Christian doctrine into coherent frameworks and structures. All of this is approached through a narrative framework which moves from studies of creation and the doctrine of humanity through arguments for the existence of God to sin and salvation, Christology, atonement, resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, missiology, theologies of religions, and the Last Things.
CP6 – THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD
This module aims to reflect on and assess the life of kingdom of God to which Christians are called as individuals and, more particularly, as members of the Church. It begins with a consideration of biblical ethics and then explores the main approaches to ethics which have been suggested by philosophers and theologians. Specific moral issues are then addressed, including marriage, divorce and sexuality, war and peace, and wealth and poverty. The second half of the model focuses on the nature, life and witness of the Church (ecclesiology). Topics addressed here include the Church’s interaction with contemporary culture, its creedal description as ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic’, its sacramental identity, and its calling to mission, evangelism and growth. Distinctively Anglican understandings of the Church are also discussed here.
MM2 MODELS OF MINISTRY 2 – Home Church Project and Practice of Preaching
In their second year, students undertake a project in their home church involving observation of a key aspect of its life or activities. The project culminates in a presentation in the home church, to help the church move forward in its ministry and/or mission.
The other part of this module involves an assessed sermon, preached in the student’s home church and evaluated by his or her Personal Tutor.
BS1 - BIBLE IN DEPTH I
This module has two parts, the first focussing on Old Testament prophetic texts and the second on the New Testament, and Paul’s Letter to the Galatians in particular.
OT – Amos and Hosea
Students write an essay over the course of their Second Year on Amos and Hosea. The emphasis here is on close critical and analytical study of the text of each prophetic book, with students encouraged to evaluate interpretations offered by a variety of commentators, and to expound the meaning of the set texts for their original readers and for readers today.
NT - Galatians
Students here write an essay over the course of their Second Year on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The emphasis is on close critical and analytical study of the text of the epistle, with particular attention being paid to the interrelated themes of law, grace, faith and justification. Students are encouraged to evaluate interpretations offered by a variety of commentators, and to expound the meaning of the set texts for their original readers and for readers today. The ongoing debate about the ‘New Perspective on Paul’ is a particular theme explored in this assignment.
RW2 RESIDENTIAL WEEK
Themes covered...
An intensive course in personal and leadership formation is offered. The students choose between one of two courses which will cover areas such as self awareness, leadership formation, leadership in relationship to others and group processes. This will include an understanding of power relationships and how we can better make choices to move to a place of freedom and undefendness in leadership.
PD2 - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 2
A process of continuous self-appraisal and self-review monitored by tutors at regular meetings with students at least once each term. This continues throughout the three years of the programme. It is not credit-rated for academic assessment, but is subject to informal and formational assessment.
The Bishop of London Richard Chartres
“At a time when fragmentation and partisanship can appear to threaten the credibility and effectiveness of our ministry, St Mellitus represents a bold step of faith and trust. We believe that as we pursue the harder path of unity in diversity, the College will prove to be an instrument of the Spirit in equipping the whole people of God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford John Gladwin
“The establishment of St Mellitus College is an exciting development for Chelmsford Diocese. It offers us new opportunities to develop theological and ministerial education to assist us in the mission of the Gospel in our time.”
The Dean Revd Dr Graham Tomlin
“St Mellitus College is a very exciting place to work. It brings together students from across the spectrum of the church to learn about and prepare for mission in the contemporary world, in a way that tries to be open to the Spirit of God and learning from each other. We have a fantastic group of students, a great staff team and it is a privilege to be part of it.”
Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, David Ford
"One of the most important experiments to have happened in British theology and church theological education for a long time. The way it is bringing together academy and church, including church at the grass roots - that collaboration is just full of potential for the future and I feel everyone should watch this space. What it can do is something that really no other theological institution in the country can achieve at the moment."