PROSPECTUS THEOLOGY WORSHIP UNITY MISSION

PROSPECTUS THEOLOGY WORSHIP UNITY MISSION

THINK WORSHIP There can t be a better place in the country to study theology, new ways of doing church, following Jesus in the 21st century and have the chance to put them into practise all at the same time. St Mellitus is the future for training church leaders and the cutting edge of theological training in the new millennium. TIM ROSE STUDENT

INTRODUCTION St Mellitus College is a place of real excellence. It combines an outstanding staff team, a broad and generous approach to theology, and a bold, imaginative vision for new forms of training that are attuned to the needs of ministry in the twenty-first century in this strategic part of the world. It is one of the most exciting ventures we have seen in this region for many years, and is already making its mark, not just here in London and Chelmsford, but throughout the world. THE RT REVD RICHARD CHARTRES BISHOP OF LONDON As we seek to train men and women for ministry and mission in a rapidly changing context, St Mellitus College offers a flexible and inclusive approach for theological and ministerial education and formation. It is very exciting to be part of this pioneering initiative. THE RT REVD STEPHEN COTTRELL BISHOP OF CHELMSFORD St Mellitus offers something new and exciting in theological education. We try to do serious theology in a context of worship, unity and mission, alongside a sense of enjoyment of the discovery of Christian faith and its transforming power. THE REVD DR GRAHAM TOMLIN DEAN Named after the very first Bishop of London, whose territory covered London and Essex, the College was founded in 2007 by the Bishops of London and Chelmsford, to serve the church s mission in this region and beyond, bringing together two existing training institutions, St Paul s Theological Centre (SPTC) and the North Thames Ministerial Training Course (NTMTC). In 2013, St Mellitus North West was formed in partnership with five local Anglican dioceses, based at the St Aidan s Centre in Liverpool Cathedral. The College offers courses for many different kinds of students, for example: Anglican Ordinands looking for full-time training Anglican Ordinands wanting to train part-time Lay workers in churches SEVERAL FEATURES MARK OUT THE TRAINING OFFERED AT ST MELLITUS: MAKING THEOLOGY ACCESSIBLE Theology has often seemed the preserve of those who have the time and money to give up their work in church or the marketplace. Our aim is to make theological training accessible to anyone who wants to explore their faith without leaving these vital contexts for ministry and engagement with culture and society. In fact, we see learning to think theologically about the practice of living as a Christian in a complex world as right at the heart of what we do. EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMIC TEACHING St Mellitus has a first-rate teaching staff, with extensive experience of theological teaching in colleges and universities. We are also able to draw on the expertiseof our Visiting Professors, such as Rowan Williams and Alister McGrath, and a wide range of Associate Lecturers, many of them national experts in their field, or well-known practitioners. WORKING WITH THE CHURCH We work very closely with our home dioceses of London and Chelmsford, and the two diocesan Bishops chair the Board of the College. We also partner with five dioceses across the North West of England. We have links with a number of churches, for example, SPTC has strong ties to Holy Trinity Brompton, which provides a fascinating model of a pioneering and energetic church for the 21st century. We also work closely with churches of all traditions across the region. Those in secular work who can take time off to study each week Church leaders from other denominations wanting to study theology and ministry more deeply A GENEROUS ORTHODOXY We work with all kinds of Christians and denominations within a generous orthodoxy, drawing on the great tradition of Christian theology through the centuries. We also want to be open to the Holy Spirit s transforming power at work in the church and the world. THEOLOGY, WORSHIP AND FORMATION All our courses take place in the context of worship, embracing a rich variety of worship styles. Our training aims to expand not just the mind but the heart as well, working out what it means to love God and our neighbours in the contemporary world. CHURCH PLANTING AND LEADERSHIP While we prepare people for more traditional forms of ministry in all traditions of the church, we are also committed to help students explore new ways of thinking about church and training those wanting to plant new forms of church. The Full-time Church-based course at SPTC has more time to focus on thinking about how the church needs to adapt to a fast-changing world, and has a particular focus on the skills and character needed for leadership in the church today.

ORDINATION TRAINING St Mellitus College is fully validated for Anglican ordination training. Anyone recommended for ordination can train with us. The College offers two main routes for ordination training: Church-based training offers a unique way of learning to connect theology and ministry. At the heart of this form of training is the opportunity to sit down with a group of friends and discuss together real-life issues of ministry and how theology can help. It helps students work out how to use their theology in ministry settings, and how to connect theory with practice. THE REVD DR ANDY EMERTON ASSISTANT DEAN, DIRECTOR SPTC The landscape of ordination training has changed significantly in recent years and the launch of St Mellitus NW is an exciting development - the first full-time course in the North West region for over 40 years. The college has an enviable track record of generating new vocations and innovative training with a mission-focus. THE RT REVD ROBERT ATWELL BISHOP OF STOCKPORT FULL-TIME CHURCH-BASED ORDINATION TRAINING AT ST PAUL S THEOLOGICAL CENTRE AND ST AIDAN S CENTRE, LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL 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 one day each week for personal study seven residential weekends through the year one annual full residential week On residentials, full-time ordinands join with those on the parallel part-time course. Students on this course are all 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. Those new to theological study work towards a BA or Diploma in Contextual Theology through Middlesex University (Durham University from 2014). Theology Graduates can study for an MA through King s College London or through St Mellitus. This route can be taken by any ordinand who has been recommended to train for incumbent status. It is also appropriate for candidates for Ordained Pioneer Ministry.

PART-TIME ORDINATION TRAINING AT NORTH THAMES MINISTERIAL TRAINING COURSE Ordinands who might be called to remain in their workplace during their training, or with family commitments that make part-time training ideal, can pursue the part-time training route. The course leads to a Diploma or BA in Theology Mission and Ministry through Durham University Students study together either in St Jude s, Earl s Court (Tuesday evenings) or Chelmsford (Thursday evenings). They also join with Full-time SPTC students for the seven residential weekends per year and the annual residential week. A key value of this course is learning the skill of relating theology to the whole of life work, church, family, home, society. The opportunity to study while still engaged in all these gives an ideal way to work out how faith impacts the world today. Anyone recommended for ordination in the Anglican Church can train on this course. Training for ministry or studying as an independent student at St Mellitus College is exciting, challenging and deeply rewarding. We celebrate our unity in Christ through our diversity, drawing students and staff from all traditions within the Church. Our life in community is rooted in prayer and worship. Part-time students come from urban, rural and suburban contexts and from a whole range of life and work experiences. These offer rich resources for doing our theology and forming us for ministry. We offer our generous orthodoxy as a model which will not only enrich our students but will also empower and release the Church for mission. THE REVD ANN COLEMAN ASSISTANT DEAN, DIRECTOR NTMTC The combination of excellent teaching in college from first-rate scholars and experts, and the practical learning that takes place in the church context, is incredibly enriching. ALEXANDRA LILLEY STUDENT THEORY PRACTICE

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY The School of Theology is our introductory course to theology, run by SPTC. It is perfect for anyone who would like to deepen their faith and understanding of the Bible. It is particularly useful for home group leaders or pastors and anyone wanting to grow their faith and develop as disciples of Jesus Christ. We also run a track each term which is more suitable for new Christians. For more information please see the website sptc.htb.org.uk/courses/school-of-theology BEGINNING THEOLOGY COURSE This is designed to provide an accessible route into theological study for those without a strong academic background or those from whom English is not their first language. Beginning Theology Course takes place on Tuesday evenings in the St Mellitus London Centre in Earl s Court. Specialist language teaching is offered from 6.30pm for those who need it, and all students join together for classes 7.15-9pm. Other venues will be added across the region in due course. INDEPENDENT STUDENTS Independent students can study for a range of different courses, either accredited or simply auditing: CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY (18 MONTHS) DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY (3 YEARS) DEGREE IN THEOLOGY (5 YEARS) These courses can be taken on either Monday mornings at St Jude s or at St Mellitus North West, Liverpool Cathedral, on Tuesday evenings at Earl s Court, or Thursday evenings in Chelmsford. The courses include modules such as Church, Mission and Theology, The Bible and Theology and Transforming Society BA DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AND YOUTH MINISTRY St Mellitus College offers a degree course in Theology and Youth Ministry in Partnership with XLP, Soul Survivor and HTB. It is a three year, full-time context based course. It is broken up into half time theology and training and half time practical youth ministry placement. All the training will be delivered at St Jude s, Earl s Court. The half time youth ministry role is flexible, but would usually be Church based, school based or community based and would typically be 2 or 3 days per week. MA IN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP The St Mellitus MA in Christian Leadership, accredited by Middlesex University, is designed to help Christians become better, and more integrated leaders, in whatever sphere they are called to live. The course can be taken full-time over 1 year, or part-time over 2 years and includes an elective module in topics such as Medicine, Media or Business and Economics. READERS AND LICENSED LAY MINISTERS St Mellitus College trains lay people for ministry as Licensed Lay Ministers in both London and Chelmsford dioceses. The two year course leads to a Diploma qualification. For further details see our website. My time at St. Mellitus has been fantastic. My mind has been stretched and my heart has been inspired. It has been a significant time that has impacted me profoundly. TIM HUGHES STUDENT

One of the most important experiments to have happened in British heology and church theological education for a long time. REGIUS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

STUDENT TEACHER FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON ALL OUR COURSES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY WITH US, SEE OUR WEBSITE: STMELLITUS.AC.UK INFO@STMELLITUS.AC.UK