reimagine W ESTMINSTER THEOLOG ICAL CENTRE P ro s p e c t u s 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 life work mission
Westminster Theological Centre is a vibrant and interdenominational theological college with learning centres in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and sweden. Reimagining the ancient paths for a radical future Learning together in prayerful, worshipping, Spirit-filled communities is a radical but ancient way of doing theology. Making the connection between what we think about God, who we are in our inner beings, and what we do in the world, is the way we think theology should be done. In this context, theology is literally life-changing. At WTC, theological education is embedded in the local church and oriented toward the diverse lives of our students. All the teachers are committed to the person of Jesus, and our theology revolves around love and worship of him. WTC classrooms are places of invitation for the Spirit to guide and transform our learning. If this is something you would like to be part of then please come and journey with us. Contents 3. Reimagining, WTC at a Glance 4. What s Distinctive about WTC? 5. Who is WTC For? 6. Reimagining the Classroom Experience 7. Kingdom Theology 8. WTC Hubs 10. Courses and Modules 14. Free Online Course 15. Taking the Next Step Lucy Peppiatt, Ph.D., Principal WTC at a glance founded in 2006 in Westminster, London offering a range of part-time degrees, including a one year Certificate, BA, Graduate Diploma, MA, and the NEW Flexi-MA delivering courses via a combination of in-person residential teaching and teaching at local centres (Hubs) taught by academic practitioners involved in ministry, mission and business delivered by WTC in partnership with the local church validated degrees from the University of Chester 3
What's distinctive about WTC? Who is wtc for? WTC combines the best of academic scholarship with the vibrant life of the Spirit. WTC is for anyone wanting to dig deeper into the Bible, grow in their faith, and be equipped for life, work, and mission. WTC courses are designed to equip the whole people of God for life, work, and mission in the real world. All our courses are part-time and designed to fit around busy lives. We have top quality teaching faculty who serve on the front lines of ministry, mission, and business around the world. WTC is also for those seeking Our classrooms are places of theological depth and invitation for the Spirit, and our teachers are there to help you make the connection between all of life and the Kingdom of God. Our creative Hub model fosters an environment where students join prophetic, worshipping communities that learn together. The mixture of residential and Hubbased learning helps you discover the many exciting ways that theology and life in the Spirit can transform your life. 4 Dr Richard Chartres KCVO, Bishop of London If we are to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation and remain faithful to the deep teaching of the Church then we must have firm theological foundations. WTC has just that right fusion of theological depth with missiological imperative that equips all the people of God to make the most of the opportunities before us. to study in a worshipful and Spirit-engaging environment a new adventure with God to discover something new of their calling and purpose to study locally and in community to remain in their life or work context a competitively priced course a university validated qualification to be equipped for leadership, ministry, and mission Dave Landrum, Director of Advocacy, Evangelical Alliance The Church needs leaders who can engage meaningfully in the complex moral and social issues of our day. WTC equips leaders to engage in the public sphere from a unique and constructive theological perspective. 5
Reimagining the classroom experience Kingdom Theology WTC is doing this by We offer degrees in Kingdom Theology because at the heart of our study is the belief that Jesus came proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he has brought the reality of the Kingdom to this world. building local learning communities (Hubs) that are embedded in the heart of local churches freeing teachers and students to respond to the work of the Spirit in the classroom with prayer, worship, and ministry relating life-giving theology to real life blending face-to-face and video-conferenced teaching in a community context real life community + expert faculty + cutting edge technology = bringing the classroom to you Here are the building blocks two 4-5 day residential blocks in a central UK location that take place in early September and early January local Hub evenings (up to 22 a year) that include time for lectures, tutorials, discussion, and worship (Monday or Tuesday between 6 and 10pm*) five teaching Saturdays in the Hub for our standard MA students in place of Hub evenings (Flexi-MA students do not attend teaching Saturdays, but receive the same teaching online) 6 * For dates and Hub-specific details please see our website Our study of theology means engaging with a Kingdom that is powerful and transformational. God s Kingdom means hope for humanity and the earth in salvation, healing, freedom from oppression, reconciliation in relationships, joy, peace, creativity, and untold blessing. The Kingdom touches all aspects of life, and invites us to reimagine our life, work, and mission. Matthew Frost, CEO, Tearfund In our work combatting poverty, we have found that theological education plays a leading role. The most effective theology integrates personal and social transformation. WTC is a place where this integration happens. Bev Murrill, Director, Christian Growth International UK and Cherish Uganda I have been extremely impressed by the high spiritual and academic standard of the WTC curriculum. I would not hesitate to recommend WTC to anyone who is looking for a place to study to gain a greater knowledge of their Christian faith. 7
Stacey Egan, Hairdresser, Hampshire Hub WTC HUBs WTC delivers its courses in Hubs. These are local learning communities that gather weekly for teaching, discussion, worship, and prayer. Hubs are where the learning community takes shape students meet for lectures, tutorials, worship, and dialogue friends are made and ideas germinate vision takes root and is prayed into action library resources are available in all Hubs every Hub has a Hub director who is on hand to support and encourage you in your studies Locations East Anglia Gloucestershire Hampshire Jersey Manchester North east London South london Stockholm, Sweden West midlands If you would like to study at WTC but do not have a Hub near you, please contact us at info@wtctheology.org.uk 8 I am a single working mum based in Winchester. I became a Christian recently on an Alpha course and am now hungry to learn and put foundations in place for my new life in Christ. WTC s one year Certificate was ideal for me. Paul Harcourt, Vicar and London Hub Church Leader, All Saints, Woodford Wells As a church leader with a heart to see the nation changed I know that we need to see every Christian equipped to serve and to extend the Kingdom of God, whether their impact is in their home and church, their local community, or their workplace. WTC is one of the few places I know where people are truly empowered to do that. Matty Hawthorne, Support Worker, Manchester Hub I have worked in prison ministry with the Message Trust for several years and now support ex-offenders and addicts as they leave prison and start a new life in Christ through Ivy Sharston Church and the Message Enterprise Centre in Manchester. I have been working in a missional environment since leaving college. Now I want to deepen my theological understanding and am working towards a BA degree while staying in my job. 9
Courses and MODULES Certificate in Kingdom Theology This one year part-time course is open to everyone. It offers an excellent opportunity to explore the foundations of the Christian faith and to begin wrestling with some of the big questions of life. The Certificate is ideal for those who want to go deeper in their faith, and for those who want to be equipped for transformational service and leadership. BA in Kingdom Theology The part-time BA course offers a comprehensive and engaging study programme, designed for anyone seeking breadth and depth in their theological understanding. The creative and challenging range of courses on the BA will introduce you to cutting edge practices in mission and ministry, and to the riches of the Bible and church history. Course Content The Old Testament Story This module provides an orientation to the grand narrative of the Old Testament, including its theological significance and its importance as a background to the New Testament. Bible Introductory and Advanced Old Testament & New Testament Book of Isaiah Gospel of John Galatians Acts & Early Christian Origins Spirit & Text: Transformational Hermeneutics The New Testament Journey This module helps students to engage in the exciting world of the New Testament, and to consider the relationship between the Kingdom of God and Christian discipleship and ministry. Ministry and Personal Formation Leadership and Ministry Prophetic Ministry Personal Formation and Discipleship Mission The Mission module encourages students to proclaim and enact the forgiveness, healing, and justice of the Kingdom of God. A particular emphasis in this module is the Gospel s power to transform individuals and society. Church History, Beliefs, and Practices Classics of Christian Spirituality Spirituality in the Patristic and Medieval Periods 18th Century British Revivals Christian Beliefs and Practices Personal Formation and Discipleship This unique module explores what it means to be human - male and female - dignified as God s image. It provides personalized opportunities to discern and reflect upon what God has created us to be and do. Contemporary Society Christianity and Contemporary Culture Transformative Communication Christian Dialogue with other Faiths Course Content 10 Research Methods and Dissertation 11
Courses and MODULES Graduate Diploma in Kingdom Theology This two year part-time course offers a study of the major theological disciplines, including biblical studies, Church history, spirituality, Christian beliefs, and leadership. The Graduate Diploma is designed to equip graduates (in subjects other than theology) for servant leadership and mission, and also acts as an entry qualification for the MA in Kingdom Theology. Course Content Old Testament and New Testament These modules provide students with an opportunity to explore key themes in the Bible, and an opportunity to wrestle with challenging and inspiring ethical, spiritual, and theological issues. Christology Ancient and Modern This module explores the core beliefs of the Christian faith (with a focus on Christology), looking at how they have been interpreted throughout history and studying their relevance for today. Mission This module addresses the theology and practice of mission, including the significant role of the Holy Spirit. Personal Formation and Transformational Leadership These modules prepare students to be self-aware, effective, and visionary disciples of Jesus in the workplace, the family, and the 21st Century Church. Christian Spirituality in the Medieval West This module revisits some of the most enduring and significant Christian writings, and examines how the practices of the ancient Church can expand present-day spirituality. 12 MA in Kingdom Theology This part-time MA gives students the opportunity to explore the deep riches of biblical theology, Christian history, the contemporary church, and life in the Spirit. The programme and our NEW Flexi-MA have a distinct emphasis on the relevance of theology for all spheres of life, with two optional study tracks. All students will write a dissertation at the culmination of their course. Course Content Old Testament Interpretation Doctrines of the Church Paul in Contemporary Theological Perspective Kingdom Ministry: Theology and Practice Patristic Spirituality and Theology Optional MA Tracks There are two optional MA tracks, Social Transformation and Marketplace Theology, which allow students to focus on an area of personal Interest. Flexi-MA NEW! Introducing WTC s new part-time flexible MA for those unable to join our Hub communities. Get the best of live teaching and student community through our two 4-5 day residentials, and maximum flexibility through online learning. The Flexi-MA includes the same great course content as the Hub-based MA programme. open to any EU national (for non-eu individuals living in the EU, please contact WTC) access library resources at nearest Hub or WTC s central library expected time-frame for completion is 2-3 years MA students may switch between Flexi-MA and Hub-based MA between academic years 13
FREE ONLINE COURSE Living the Christian Story Living the Christian Story * is a 10-week free online course designed to take you deeper into the Word and your faith. Over 1,500 students from more than 30 different countries have participated already. Accessible Learning: This course is designed to be accessed anytime, anywhere, online at intervals throughout the year. All you need is internet access and some time set aside whenever suits you. High-Quality Teaching: Through weekly videos, reflection questions, readings, and discussion this course will lead you through the biblical story, the development of early Christian beliefs, and ways of living the Christian story in the real world. Get to know us: Experience the teaching of WTC s faculty, including Lucy Peppiatt, Matt Lynch, Brad Jersak, and Bob Ekblad. Several churches and groups are now running OpenWTC locally. If you are interested in hosting an OpenWTC group in your local church, please see our website for details and course syllabus. To register, visit www.wtctheology.org.uk/openwtc Taking the next step WTCExplore provides regional Kingdom Theology events, giving you an opportunity to go deeper in the Bible and grow your faith though quality teaching. www.wtctheology.org.uk/explore WTCLive brings engaging and interactive online conversations about life, work, and mission. Topics include violence in the Bible, Christianity in the public sphere, prophetic ministry, sport and theology, Christian responses to poverty, and much more! Feel free to join one of our upcoming live events or catch up online. www.wtctheology.org.uk/wtclive Apply to a Course: For information regarding fees, course commitment, bursaries, and student discounts, visit our website. www.wtctheology.org.uk/apply Have a question? We d love to hear from you. 030 0040 6200 info@wtctheology.org.uk @wtctheology facebook.com/wtctheology Jenny Butt, Exeter Network Church I have so enjoyed doing the Living the Christian Story course. The content is accessible and thought provoking, and I always leave each session feeling encouraged. Martin Little I started my @wtctheology course full of ideas about what needs to change in my church. Now I m mostly thinking about what needs to change in me. 14 * This course is not validated by the Universrty of Chester 15
www.wtctheology.org.uk @wtctheology 030 0040 6200 info@wtctheology.org.uk