Oak Hill College prospectus

Oak Hill College

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The best possible gift by coming to one of our regular open

his church. Your work, over the course

mornings. You’ll be able to meet staff and

of your ministry, will be ‘to equip God’s

students, sample a selection of lectures,

people for works of service, so that the

ask the questions important to you and

body of Christ may be built up.’ You are

get a genuine feel for what we are like as a

there to protect God’s people from ‘every

community.

wind of false teaching’.

Why is theological education necessary?

Thanks for your interest in Oak Hill College. This prospectus will give you a

Here at Oak Hill, we want you to be

It’s a very good question to ask, especially

the best possible gift for Christ to give to

if you’re planning to spend so much of

his church. We believe that involves you

your time and resources in study and

growing to become more and more like

training. Whether you are considering

Jesus, as well as getting to know your

full-time or part-time study, this is a big

faith in depth and detail. We want you to

personal investment, and you deserve a

dedicate yourself to this time of training

big reason to make it.

so that you can continue to feed God’s

In one of the most inspiring passages

people in 10, 20 and 30 years time.

good introduction to our courses of study

of the book of Ephesians, we are told

and the many different choices they offer.

that when Christ ascended, he gave

to helping make that happen as we

gifts to his people. But what are these

serve you, and as together we serve the

for the word of God, our life together

gifts? Surprisingly, they are people. First

kingdom of God.

as a vibrant learning community, and

and foremost they are the apostles

our desire to help you love Jesus more

and prophets, but they are also ‘the

Mike Ovey

and receive the training you need for a

evangelists, the pastors and teachers’.

Principal, Oak Hill College

I hope it also communicates our passion

lifetime of gospel ministry.

No prospectus can capture the whole picture, so I also hope you’ll follow up 2

If you are called to ministry, then you are in this list in Ephesians chapter 4.

You are a gift which Christ is making to

And for our part, we are committed

4 To love God is to love his word

16 Radically faithful, radically adaptable

26 Postgraduate study

18 Theology for

Crossing Cultures

28 Studying part-time

6 Pathways of study 22 A mission module

for all students

30 Community and campus

12 An integrated

curriculum

14 Theological and

Pastoral Studies

24 Theology and Praxis

for Children’s and Youth Ministry

34 Anglicans and Independents

38 Next steps 3

To love God is to love his word Above everything else, Oak Hill wants you to love Jesus more. To love Jesus is to love to hear him speak, and therefore to love his word. That’s why Oak Hill provides time to help you focus on the Bible.

Whether you’re studying the ethical dilemmas of today, the growth of church movements in history or best practice in counselling young people, the Bible and its teaching is at the centre of it all, integrating everything you learn.

We do this because we want to see Christian leaders whose whole lives and ministries are worked out hearing and obeying the God who speaks through his word. We want you to be informed and shaped by the Old and New Testaments, so that you can go on to teach them faithfully and creatively to the people God entrusts to your care.

The focus of our courses on learning to think biblically is a big attraction for many students.

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Greek and Hebrew

Oak Hill’s approach is ideally suited to anyone who loves the Bible and wants to understand it in depth. In the first two

While you’re at Oak Hill, you have the

years, you complete a survey of the Old

opportunity to study the Bible in its

and New Testaments, combined with in-

original languages of Hebrew and Greek.

depth studies of four key biblical books.

Doing that is invaluable not only for

Sam Ashton, an Anglican ordinand,

understanding the text of scripture, but

says: ‘I came to Oak Hill to maximise my

it will also enable you to bring out its

usefulness for Christ. While it seemed a

amazing riches for others throughout

more natural fit to stay in a university

your ministry.

town and do student ministry, I felt I

We encourage all our students to study

needed to learn how to think for myself; how to think deeply and broadly about God’s word and God’s world, in order to teach faithfully, simply and relevantly; to know not just what others think, but why, and not just from books, but also from the joy of living in community with those from different traditions and backgrounds. I pray my training will increase my deployability beyond the educated white middle classes, making me more useful for Christ and his church in the long run.’

Greek, while Hebrew is optional.

‘It’s immensely valuable to have this time to be trained in my thinking and Bible handling, so that I’m more adaptable, more thought-through, and more thoroughly biblical in all the ways I approach ministry.’

Jonny Lee, Anglican ordinand

Duncan Forbes, a former Oak Hill student who leads a church on the Alton Estate in South London, says, ‘I’m a busy pastor. I have limited time and I would rather spend it meditating on the original words God breathed out than reading commentaries. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against commentaries, but when it’s the 11th hour, I’d sooner go to the Greek.

In my experience, Greek and Hebrew are very useful in sermon prep.’

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Pathways of study Foundation Degree in Arts in Theology

Our programmes

The Foundation Degree in Arts (FdA) in Theology is a two-year programme

In the programmes shown on the right,

Certificate of Higher Education

designed to help you understand the

full-time course durations are shown

(CertHE) in Theology 11 year year 2 years

Bible and how it applies in contemporary

red and part-time in white white in red, All years quoted are academic years of

Foundation Degree in Arts (FdA) in Theology 2 years 4 years

10 months, except for the MA, which follows calendar years of 12 months.

Bachelor of Arts – BA (Hons) – in Theology 3 years 6 years

Three streams Within the CertHE/FdA/BA (Hons) in Theology programmes, students specialise in one of three streams: Theological and Pastoral Studies (TPS) page 14 Theology for Crossing Cultures (TCC) page 18

Master in Theology (MTheol) in Theological and Pastoral Studies and in Theology and World Mission 44years years 6 years (years 3 and 4 are full-time only) Master of Arts (MA) in Theological year 2 years and Pastoral Studies 1 year

culture. Like all foundation degrees, it focuses on work-based learning, which makes it ideal for integrating the three strands of academic study, personal formation and practical training.

The degree starts and ends with a strong emphasis on unity. In the opening and closing terms there are modules which draw all the aspects of theology into an integrated and applied whole.

The Word of God module in the first term, for instance, features different faculty members showing how the Bible informs their individual disciplines, including ethics, apologetics and biblical

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in

Theology and Praxis for Children’s

Theological and Pastoral Studies

and Youth Ministry (TCY) page 24

11year year 2 years

studies.

A module on today’s culture gives you an understanding of the different worldviews current in society today, which in

$ oakhill.ac.uk/programmes 6

turn helps you understand how to do ministry in the real world. These modules

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are accompanied by an introduction to

Women’s ministry

youth and children’s ministry, taken by all students, because we are convinced that effective work among young people

Women have been training at Oak

is essential to the health of the church as

Hill for many years, and recently we

a whole.

have seen significant numbers of

The middle terms of the FdA embody

women committing themselves to

diversity. Here you look at different

full-time theological education. We

yet connected topics of study which

have ramped up our commitment to

illuminate in detail all the aspects of

women accordingly. New modules,

theology.

seminars and training sessions have

You focus on biblical, historical,

been designed to provide rigorous

doctrinal, cultural and practice-based

training for women in a variety of

modules, along with the biblical

‘The reason I came to Oak Hill is the

roles in the local and global church.

languages of Hebrew and Greek – you

deep-dive analytical study they do

Miriam Pike, a BA (Hons) student,

here. I want to gain a much deeper

says: ‘I arrived at Oak Hill with the

languages. You also study apologetics

appreciation of God’s word, which

conviction that the church needs

and preaching, and you can choose from

is why I’m studying New Testament

theologically trained women as well

subjects as diverse as church planting,

Greek. That kind of biblical depth

as men to serve in a whole host of

women’s ministry, philosophy, and the

will be very helpful to me as a

ministries. That conviction has been

pastoral epistles.

Christian and as an expositor of

affirmed and strengthened by the

God’s Word.’

faculty here and by my brothers and

view, taking in ethics, pastoral theology

Adele Burgess, Anglican ordinand

sisters studying alongside me. I’m

and care, and cross-cultural mission. The

excited about how my time at Oak

FdA takes you to the end of two years,

Hill will help me disciple and train

which helps you lay the foundations for a

other women in the years to come.’

well-rounded church ministry.

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can choose to study one or both of these

In the final term, you step up for a wider

WHEN I WAS 15 I was involved in starting a community initiative for young people in Greater Manchester.

One of the programmes was for young girls. We covered image, work skills, confidence and healthy relationships – it was amazing to see them growing in maturity.

At university I went to a Bible study with a group of friends on a Monday.

It was the first time I’d heard the word of God faithfully and deeply expounded; it was one of the most core-shaking times in my life. We read through the Book of Romans verse by verse whilst sat in a pub in the heart of Manchester.

From that time on, the gospel just

Gabrielle Samuel Independent student, TCY

grew in my heart, colouring my vision of the world. I was increasingly convinced that whilst I’d seen amazing change in peoples lives, the most fundamental change people needed was being brought from death to life. That was only going to happen if the gospel was proclaimed.

“The gospel just grew in my heart, colouring my vision of the world.”

When I leave here I’m hoping to work for a church. I’m not fussed about working with women, young people, children or families. I’m happy to be a capable woman on the team who can do whatever needs doing.

It would be very much easier to work in other contexts: You know, have a nice house and car and a lot of space. Inner city work is hard, so I suppose not everyone is built for it or up for it. I am up for it!

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Church placements All Oak Hill students on the FdA programme take part in a placement scheme. This enables you to develop your gifts in a practical setting, apply what you are learning in the classroom and reflect on how God is working in your life and ministry. Placements work differently, according to the specialist stream you are following:

Fellowship groups Every full-time student at Oak Hill is assigned a personal tutor. Your tutor will help you grow and develop and will be available if you need help and advice.

The tutorial system is one of the strengths of coming to Oak Hill.

Tutors provide both academic and

Theological and Pastoral Studies – you

pastoral support which encourages

are placed in a suitable Anglican or

you to grow in your studies, and

Independent church or chaplaincy, which

also in your character and ministry

might be in an urban or rural setting.

formation.

Theology for Crossing Cultures – you are placed in a church in a different cultural setting from your own, and you complete a placement (probably overseas) during the summer vacation between your first and second years.

Communication workshop All undergraduates follow an intensive three-day workshop with

Theology and Praxis for Children’s and

a communications expert. The

Youth Ministry – your placement will be

workshop provides an introduction

in a church with an existing youth and/or

in how to communicate the gospel in

children’s ministry.

a contemporary context.

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BA (Hons) in Theology

For a lifetime of ministry, you will want to anchor your thinking and practice in

Following the FdA, we encourage you

Christ through God’s word, and that is

to move on into the third year for the

what the BA (Hons) degree is designed to

BA (Hons) in Theology. In this year, you

give you.

draw on all you have learned in years one and two to become established in much

Master in Theology

greater depth. Our conviction is that to communicate the gospel simply, you have

Building on your third year, you can

to understand it deeply, and that’s our aim

take your learning on into a fourth year

in this third year of study.

to complete the Master in Theology

Oak Hill has uniquely developed two key

(MTheol) in Theological and Pastoral

modules for the third year which focus

Studies or in Theology and World Mission.

on just two biblical books: Isaiah and

In your fourth year you specialise in

‘Youth and Children’s Ministry for

the Gospel of John. We start by doing an

depth within an area of your choice. You

Everyone is a fantastic module.

exegetical survey of the two books, and

also have the option of writing a 15,000

We are glad it is compulsory!

then we bring all our other areas of study

word dissertation, or the combination of a

Those preparing for future church

to sit under the word of God as revealed

short dissertation and short project.

leadership have found it invaluable.

in Isaiah and John. Dan Strange, our

It is deep and rigorous, yet also

Academic Vice Principal, explains these

courses, has your ministry in mind. You

intensely practical, helping us form

key modules on pages 12-13.

go deeper in order to explain things more

biblical principles for ministry. It

The third year also includes a vocational

The MTheol, like our postgraduate

simply and clearly. You aren’t left at the

also opens up many other areas to

module, with choices that cover pastoral

end with a brilliant theology that won’t

do with education and relating to

counselling, women’s ministry, Christian

make sense to anybody in the pew. That’s

families in gospel ministry.’

leadership and other options. You can also

why many of the modules help you to

Rich Tearle, Independent student, TPS

choose to produce a short dissertation or

communicate your insights so they can be

project as one of your elective subjects.

understood outside the world of theology.

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An integrated curriculum Don Carson, president and co-founder of

has called for. Our newly revalidated

The Gospel Coalition, was recently asked,

CertHE, FdA and BA (Hons) curriculum

‘What is one thing you would change

attempts to break down the barriers

about seminary?’ He said he would like

between theological disciplines, while

to see an integrated curriculum, ‘where

preserving their distinctive contributions

Bible and theology are genuinely at the

to the training and formation of men and

center’, together with a faculty who are

women for gospel ministry.

passionate about teaching it.

Dan Strange, Academic Vice Principal of Oak Hill, writes about how the College curriculum breaks down the barriers between the different theological disciplines.

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The climax of this curriculum is in two

Here at Oak Hill we are developing

compulsory, year-long ‘Word of God’

precisely the integration Don Carson

modules in the BA (Hons) third year.

They focus on the Book of Isaiah and the

in all the different areas of theological

Gospel of John.

study, because they are going to be

These are not simply biblical studies

invaluable in your future ministry. And

modules, but have been designed by

we want to give you a model for how you

the whole faculty of Oak Hill. All our

can work with the whole of scripture

faculty members have contributed by

in your preaching, pastoral work and

bringing Isaiah and John to bear on their

outreach.

particular ‘biblical’ disciplines, including

The assessments will make sure you

biblical theology, doctrine, ethics,

cross more than one discipline. This will

preaching, spirituality, women’s ministry,

enable you to apply this integrative model

apologetics and mission.

to other biblical books later on in your

We ask, for example, how does John

ministry.

shape the way we do mission? How do we

It’s been quite a job putting these

apply Isaiah in our attitude toward other

modules together and we recognise

‘I’ve done several of the cross-cultural

religions? What do our ethics, preaching,

the ambitious nature of the project. As

courses, including the Islam module,

doctrine and apologetics look like in the

a faculty we spent last year designing

which was great. That was really

light of these two great books? These are

the modules and shaping the overall

important for me to do, because one day

modules in which all our faculty members

structure. The process culminated in two

I might be working in a youth group

take part, integrating their individual

awaydays where we shared our teaching

which has young people from a Hindu

disciplines so that the word of God is

outlines with each other and received

or Muslim background. It’s important

applied across the whole horizon of

comments and feedback.

to know where they stand and what

biblical ministry.

While it can be daunting to go outside

their beliefs are before you start talking

the comfort zone of your own discipline,

to them, and to understand how the

you is a whole year of living in Isaiah and

the development of a well-rounded

Christian faith comes across to them.’

John. We want you to develop your skills

theological faculty depends on it.

Grace Johns, Independent student, TCY

One of the gifts Oak Hill wants to give

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Theological and Pastoral Studies

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The majority of Oak Hill students take the

‘Many of the people we work with are

Theological and Pastoral Studies pathway

involved in gospel partnerships around

as part of the Foundation and BA (Hons)

the UK, where Anglican and Independent

degrees. If you follow this stream, you’ll

Churches are working together on local

be among students who are following it

evangelism and other initiatives. So our

for a wide variety of reasons.

thinking is that it’s a great preparation

Some are travelling towards ordained

for gospel partnership to be studying,

ministry in the Church of England.

debating and sharing together from the

Others are training to become pastors

word go.’

in Independent churches, while yet

Dan Adams, an FdA student who is

others are already working in specialist

specialising in Theological and Pastoral

ministries such as Christians in Sport.

Studies, says: ‘This time at Oak Hill is

Theological and Pastoral Studies has

invaluable for my ministry now and

a strong ‘what do you want to make of

in the future. I have a much clearer

this?’ feel to it. You can mould it so that

theological framework, I’ve got to know

it is an approved pathway to ministry in

my Bible much better and I’m being

the Church of England. You can mould

given the tools to enable me to keep on

it in a different way so it is right for

studying the Bible. Developing my biblical

Independent church ministry.

language skills has set me up to engage

Mike Ovey, Oak Hill’s Principal, believes

Ministry modules Alongside the core modules which all Foundation students take, there is a ministry module running across both years specifically for the TPS students. These modules focus on the principles and practicalities of church leadership with separate streams for Anglican and Independent students.

As part of these ministry modules, there’s a commitment to theological reflection and the importance of critical self-engagement regarding what we do in ministry and our motivations behind it.

with scripture for myself so that I can

that studying alongside people who are

communicate it to whoever I come across

heading for both similar and different

from whatever background.’

forms of ministry to you is an enriching experience.

$ oakhill.ac.uk/pastoral 15

Radically faithful, radically adaptable Then there are subcultures based on

Mike Ovey, Principal of Oak Hill, writes about one of the core aims the College has in training students for ministry.

Looking at British and world culture today, it’s not hard to see that it is fractured into many different cultures and subcultures. The fractures open up over what language people speak, what race they belong to, which religion they follow, what region, generation or social class they come from.

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opened up in the past couple of decades.

lifestyle choices such as sports, music,

And many of the ones that are important

fashion and media: surfers, cyclers and

right now will deepen, narrow, vanish or

bikers, goths and clubbers, geeks, tweeters

be replaced by new fractures over the

and hackers – subcultures change so fast

next 30 years. In fact, that process will

that this list will probably be out of date

probably happen several times over the

before the ink has dried on the page.

course of your ministry.

Some of these fractures in culture

That means part of our job is not only to

are very deep, with hostility on either

help deepen your faith, but also to give you

side, while others are narrower, but still

the tools to communicate it in a world of

produce real incomprehension between

shifting cultures. We aim to nurture your

different groups.

ability to analyse when something that

An important aspect in communicating the gospel is knowing when there is a

once worked simply doesn’t any longer.

We want to build up your skills in

fracture, what kind of fracture it is and

examining what you see around you in

how it can be crossed without losing the

the light of the Bible. That way, you’ll

essential point of what you want to say.

be able to judge the truth and value of

It’s like learning a foreign language, and

fresh cultural changes and recognise the

there’s no point in doing that if you’ve

opportunities they bring for the gospel.

forgotten or lost what you wanted to say in the first place.

But it’s not just that we live in a culture

Above all, we want to help you be radically faithful to Jesus and radically adaptable in proclaiming him. That’s a big

that is fractured. Like an earthquake, the

challenge, both for you and for us! But

fractures are constantly shifting. Some

it’s vital as we help you prepare for your

of today’s biggest fractures have only

ministry.

I’M FROM A medical family. My grandfather and my dad were both doctors, and my dad is now a vicar.

I was three years into my medical training to become a consultant, but found that although I enjoyed practising medicine and the science behind it, the thing that really got me going was the interaction with people.

I worked for two years with students for the Christian Medical Fellowship and realised there were two things that excited me more than anything else: someone giving their life to Christ, and Christians coming

Matthew Lillicrap Independent student, TPS

to a greater understanding of their faith.

I’m studying at Oak Hill now, and I’m hoping to go back to the north-

“I wanted a college which would give me strong foundations in loving the Lord and his word”

east of England and pastor a church.

I wanted a college which would give me strong foundations in loving the Lord and his word. Oak Hill is grounded in the real world, which is great, and the faculty here have got the end goal firmly in sight, which is training people for ministry in the local church.

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Theology for Crossing Cultures

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It would be hard to think of a ministry context today where cross-cultural skills aren’t vital. Students hoping to serve overseas already understand their need to learn about living in another culture.

But as 10% of the current UK population was born overseas, it is evident that every UK ministry setting either already is or shortly will be cross-cultural.

If you have been called to work overseas, Oak Hill’s Theology for Crossing Cultures stream has been tailor-made to meet your needs. Alongside your core

The tutors Ray Porter, who designed the crosscultural modules and who launched the Theology for Crossing Cultures stream, has served in East Asia and the UK with Overseas Missionary Fellowship.

He worked in Indonesia for 14 years pioneering and establishing churches; and also as a regional director in the UK where he encouraged mission support.

theology modules you will be studying: the world church, with its dramatic recent developments; what cultures are, how they work and how to get better at moving between them; an introduction to and Christian theology of other religions and how best to engage their followers with the gospel; recent trends in missionary thinking; practical aspects of missionary service; how the gospel can

Dave Baldwin, who has recently joined Ray Porter to teach this stream, has worked in Ethiopia and the UK with Serving in Mission. He and his wife Maura now lead the international team at Carey Baptist Church in Reading, one of the most cosmopolitan and urban areas in Britain.

be communicated faithfully from one

Says Dave Baldwin: ‘Don’t worry, we’re

culture to another without distorting

both very interested in the other five

the message (if this is possible – please

continents too, though we might leave

discuss).

Antarctica on ice for now.’

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The smaller classes in the Theology

For example, when we look at the topic

for Crossing Cultures stream allow for

of a missionary’s relationship to his

a lot of useful discussion around these

or her sending church, a deep mutual

subjects. We consider real scenarios and

listening usually ensues. The future

draw on the experience of those who

pastors better understand the needs of

have gone before, Your tutors’ own long

the missionaries they send to the far

experience in mission will often come

corners of the earth, while the future

out and the fact they served on different

missionaries better appreciate the role of

continents during different decades and

the sending churches – and how annoying

with different sending agencies provides a

missionaries can sometimes be!

good degree of breadth.

Oak Hill graduates who specialised in

Actually, Theology for Crossing Cultures students can hardly get away from the

Theology for Crossing Cultures have gone

students following other streams. The

on to serve in places as diverse as Belgrade,

core modules, which all students study

‘I wanted to come here because

Bolivia, China, Japan, Gran Canaria,

together, are there for a reason: We don’t

there’s so much overlap between

Senegal, Uganda and Dublin. More are

believe in sending missionaries out with a

the courses, which are all based on

hoping to go to places such as India,

fantastic grasp of culture but a flimsy grip

the Bible. I think theology is the

Europe, Siberia, Taiwan and Thailand.

on the gospel. We believe missionaries

most important thing for cross-

One of the real delights of the classes

need the same depth of theological

cultural ministry, rather than

is that you will often be studying your

studying loads of different cultures.

specialist subjects alongside students who

That’s important too, of course, but

are following the other streams and have

New Testament in Greek, then so do

knowing the Bible really well will

opted for the mission modules. Their take

missionaries. If ministers need to know

transcend culture and be vital in

on the issues can be very illuminating.

their place in church history, then so do

training as UK church workers.

If pastors need to be able to read the

whatever country I work in.’

Philippa Lovell, Independent student, TCC 20

$ oakhill.ac.uk/cultures

missionaries. If church leaders need to pay attention to their life and doctrine, then so do missionaries. What would we be saying if we didn’t insist on that? That

Teaching and learning in rural Africa

people on the mission field don’t matter as much, or that people from other cultures

When I’m in my classroom, it’s so easy

to behold. I watch as they lead person

can’t stomach such rich gospel ministry?

to be the big man. I’m at the front

after person to Christ, kneeling together

During their studies, students

and am far better trained than my

in prayer in a dusty yard surrounded

seek to integrate their cross-cultural

students theologically-speaking. I have

by kids in rags, chickens and sometimes

understanding and their participation

the laptop, the books on my shelf, and

even traditional spirit-worship shrines.

in the core subjects with other students.

the red pen to mark their attempts at

They have all the skills, languages,

One student was asked to think about

theological expression.

confidence, communication and

marriage preparation materials for

And then I leave Namugongo and

cultural ability they need to preach the

families who had become Christians from

travel for five hours into rural Africa.

gospel in these backwater parishes of

a Muslim background. There was nothing

I don’t speak the language. I have no

East Africa.

to lift off the shelf to provide this. So the

idea what the villagers are saying to

student went back to the pagan cultural

me, why they’re laughing at me – why

have the ability and training to

background of 1 Corinthians chapter 7,

they’re doing anything, actually. I’m

help them understand and use the

considered the marriage culture of the

self-conscious and nervous and entirely

scriptures rightly when they’re out

local Muslims and then reapplied Paul’s

dependent on my ‘students’.

there. Together, it works. I’ve estimated

arguments into that context.

Whether you are thinking of working in

They take me by the hand and lead

And we staff at Namugongo seminary

that our current student body will

me round explaining what’s going on.

preach to over a million people between

another culture, or in the multicultures

And as I sit there in people’s homes

them in the coming years.

of the UK, Theology for Crossing Cultures

watching my students use their own

will help you do the study, discussion and

language in their own culture and

Chris Howles is a former student at

thinking needed, as well as giving you

explain the gospel clearly, confidently

Oak Hill

essential skills for your ministry.

and contextually, it’s an absolute sight 21

A mission module for all students Recently, one of the mission modules

employed us to establish multicultural

became compulsory for all students.

outreach, which was fully integrated into

This is where our Theology for Crossing

the life of the church.

Cultures students get to hone their skills

needs to become aware of their own

cultural mission!

culture and the cultures of others, how

As a mission student, it may surprise

to proclaim the gospel faithfully in new

you to discover that not all Oak Hill

contexts and how to serve shoulder to

students are as interested as you are in

shoulder with Christians from other

other cultures or exotic parts of the world.

backgrounds.

They are as committed to the gospel as

That is what our compulsory mission

you, but see their future ministry context

module for all students is intended to

more in the line of a meat and two veg

achieve. Students taking it will explore

than a chicken tikka masala.

immigration, the Great Commission

It’s at this point that you are more than

(home and away), reverse mission and

welcome to chime in with the missions

globalisation. We seek to expand our

tutors that the times they are a-changin’.

horizons to meet a shrinking world.

I’ve seen this change for myself. When my wife Maura and I returned to Britain Dave Baldwin, Tutor in Theology for

after 11 years of ministry in Ethiopia,

Crossing Cultures, writes about a new

we settled in Reading to work in a town

module taken by all students which

centre Baptist church. Reading is one of

explores cross-cultural mission.

the most cosmopolitan urban centres in Britain, with over 150 languages spoken in the primary schools. The church

22

At Oak Hill we believe every student

as an intra-college evangelist for cross-

“I want to help Christians who are scientists to think through their work theologically”

MY FATHER IS a physicist, so growing up there were always lots of science experiments at home: making an AM radio, kitchen chemistry with bicarbonate of soda and exploding volcanoes – that sort of thing.

My family are non-Christian. I grew up assuming that Christianity was a load of rubbish. But when I arrived at university, there were Christians I could relate to, who like me were serious about studying science.

I became a Christian in my third year. I had lots of non-Christian mates who had a similar world view to the one I had held. I was in a good position to encourage them to think about the Christian faith.

I got stuck into a good church and realised there’s great ministry to be done encouraging the faithful as well, and that was very attractive. That attraction didn’t abate through my post-grad work in physics.

I chose Oak Hill partly because there is an academic rigour which nevertheless doesn’t want to abandon

David Lee Curate and former Oak Hill student

evangelical convictions. We think hard about all sorts of things, but never set aside the tenets of our faith and what keeps us going.

I hope I’ll always have a connection with scientists in my congregation and beyond. I want to help Christians who are scientists to think through their work theologically, and not just as people who have stumbled into it.

23

Theology and Praxis for Children’s and Youth Ministry Young people are under pressure today as

of children’s or youth work, we believe

never before. Competing world views tell

you need the same level of training as any

them that there is no God – or if there is,

other ministry in the church.

that he is uninterested in their lives.

Mel Lacy, the Director of the youth

The reason behind that is this: statistics consistently show that significant

and children’s ministry stream at Oak

numbers of people become Christians

Hill, says that ‘many children and young

before the end of their teens. But they

people brought up in today’s culture find

also show that the biggest group who lose

it difficult to believe in the relational

their faith are young people who leave

God of the Bible. They are astounded to

home for university. Since this time of life

discover that people live according to

is so critical for young people, those who

God’s word and for his glory.’

work with them need the best theological

If you’re reading this page, you probably

and practical training available. If you

already know there is an urgent need for

have a desire to serve among children and

‘We are thoroughly persuaded

children’s and youth workers who can

young people in God’s church, we think

that biblical children’s and youth

connect a truly biblical faith with modern

you will thrive by studying at Oak Hill.

ministry is critical to the health of

youth culture. The church needs people

the evangelical church in the UK.

who can handle the tough pastoral issues

theology, specialising in children’s and

We have therefore introduced a

and who can also handle the word of God,

youth ministry, that is intended to

new foundational module which

because they understand it in depth and

thoroughly equip students for a lifetime

all students at Oak Hill take. It’s

can teach it with confidence.

of full-time ministry. It is designed

proving to be greatly appreciated

Getting to that point requires

Says Mel Lacy: ‘We offer a degree in

to complement and build on the core

by our students, many of whom

theological study, understanding the

modules of the Foundation Degree,

say: “Why did no one tell me this

Bible in depth, training in practical skills,

offering integrative and dynamic learning

before!”’

spiritual growth and the fellowship of

opportunities.’

Mel Lacy, Director of Youth and

others who are similarly preparing for

Children’s Ministry

ministry. To be equipped for the ministry

24

Alongside academic study, we train you in the hands-on skills you need

for ministry. You might have all the

church doctrine can inform schools work,

theological knowhow in the world, but

and how children can be nurtured better

when 100 kids are about to arrive for

spiritually by integrating the work of

holiday club on a Monday morning,

parents with volunteer church leaders.

you also need skills of organisation and leadership to see you through.

Those skills are partly developed

Mel Lacy has been a youth worker for many years and remains hands-on involved in youth ministry at her local

through your local church placement,

church. ‘Youth culture shifts so fast,’

of course. But we also supplement your

she says, ‘that very quickly you could be

placement with practical work in college,

out of date in terms of what is catching

focusing on specific subjects such as

young people’s attention and occupying

working with the under 3s, planning

their thoughts, if you’re not immersed in

RE classes and assemblies, and working

working with young people.’

among children with special needs.

‘I came to Oak Hill to know who

You’ll also learn about and debate

our God is and to be fully equipped

the ethical issues which shape young

in how we interpret the Bible and

people’s lives. Our aim is to train you

how we understand what God says.

professionally as well as practically.

I think that is really important for

In the third year of the degree we

every Christian, even if you’re not

give students following the youth

going into ministry.’

and children’s ministry stream the

Sophia Chichester, Independent

opportunity to complete an in-depth

student, TCY

study in youth work. Two recent examples include research into how

$ oakhill.ac.uk/youth 25

Postgraduate study Oak Hill postgraduate courses take to

and diversity that are proper to Christian

his Son, Jesus Christ. If you have already

the next level what characterises our

theology. Ultimately, our postgraduate

completed an undergraduate theology

undergraduate programmes, and what

courses push you forward to love more

degree, you can start a postgraduate

we believe is central to training men and

truly, more wholly, and more deeply the

course right away. We’ll discuss the

women for gospel ministry in the 21st

God who has come to us in the gospel of

options with you to find the right fit.

century.

The Master in Theology, the Master of Arts or the Postgraduate Diploma will enable you to engage at a high level with today’s significant theological and pastoral questions. You take time to reflect and consider in a deeper way the meaning and application of scripture in our fractured, quickly-changing world.

Our postgraduate courses are intentionally integrative: what you learn from interpreting the Bible, systematic theology, church history and ethics is tied together. In that way, the classroom is just like the pulpit, or the Friday night youth group, or the challenging questions in a Christianity Explored course.

What do we learn about the doctrine of grace from scripture, from systematic theology, from church history and the other relevant fields? Oak Hill postgraduate modules model the unity 26

Master in Theology (MTheol) in Theological and Pastoral Studies and in Theology and World Mission The MTheol is an opportunity to specialise in a four-year integrated undergraduate Masters degree.

In practical terms, it comprises the twoyear Foundation degree, or an equivalent Diploma in Theology at another college.

In the third year, there is an opportunity for greater choice as you follow the BA year option, which includes five modules and a short dissertation. In the fourth year, you can specialise in depth within an area of your choice. You study two modules at specialist Masters level. You

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Theological and Pastoral Studies The PGDip makes our training for

Master of Arts (MA) in Theological and Pastoral Studies The MA enables you to study theology

gospel ministry available more widely at

at a more advanced level. You can take an

a postgraduate level. What distinguishes

even more specialised approach to the

the PGDip from the MA and MTheol

different disciplines than is possible in

is that it does not require a research

the BA (Hons) programme.

component, although you can do a short research project if you choose.

Four taught modules are chosen, including intensive study of biblical

You take four taught modules to earn

books, a focus on specific theological and

the PGDip. This fits well for many people

historical issues, and pastoral studies. You

who want to study and prepare for

also do a 15,000 word dissertation, or the

ministry at a postgraduate level, but for

combination of a short dissertation and

whom independent research is not the

short project.

right fit.

The programme can be taken over one year full-time or two years part-time.

The programme is frequently taken over two years part-time, but can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study.

also do a 15,000 word dissertation, or the combination of a short dissertation and short project.

$ oakhill.ac.uk/postgraduate 27

Studying part-time The majority of Oak Hill’s courses are open for part-time as well as full-time study. If you are a CertHE or FdA part-time student, you will probably come to the college on Mondays and Tuesdays. You follow exactly the same academic programme as fulltime students, but have twice the length of time to complete it. So the Foundation degree is completed over four years instead of two, for example.

There are some big advantages to studying part-time. You don’t have to uproot yourself or your family. You can continue to work in the local community where you feel at home. You can be flexible in how you organise your life between work and training. And you can fund your course by continuing to work.

For Ali Campbell-Smith, youth worker

having the academic study alongside it. I

the New Testament while we were doing

at Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge,

felt much better equipped for the work I

Greek, and the Old Testament while we

studying part-time at Oak Hill gave her

was doing, because I’d been able to put it

were doing Hebrew. Having that extra

the chance to integrate what she was

into practice as I went along.’

practice on the languages was essential.

learning into her ministry week by week.

Matt Kottman, pastor of Calvary Chapel,

Learning this way is immensely practical

‘I really valued being able to continue

Leatherhead, agrees. ‘During my first year

because I can see how it immediately

doing youth work at my church while

of Greek and Hebrew, I was preaching in

benefits us as a congregation.’

28

So if you’re looking to do some serious

at church – all at the same time. We get

theological training but want to continue

together at lunch, we pray together, we

living and working where you are, part-

keep in touch by email, and we support

time study offers a great way forward.

each other over the particular issues

You come into college for classroom

which arise from studying part-time.’

learning, seminars, discussions and

Part-time study is very attractive for

private study, using Oak Hill’s modern

churches which want to send their people

and highly resourced campus. You grow

for training, but also want to make use of

in your understanding of the gospel,

their gifts for the rest of the week. Oak

and you also gain a significant academic

Hill forms a partnership with churches

qualification at the end of your course.

for your training, to make sure you

The experience of community works

receive the academic and pastoral care

differently for part-time students than it

and support you need while you’re doing

does for full-time students. Studying part-

both work and study.

time means you belong to your church

Dan Strange, Oak Hill’s Academic Vice

community as well as to the college

Principal, says, ‘If you live in London or

community.

you’re reasonably close to the college, and

‘There’s also a community among

have the flexibility to be here on Mondays

‘After a doctrine lecture on Tuesday, I might meet up with a guy on Wednesday whose business is going down the drain, or whose marriage is in trouble. It really sharpens up how I listen to the doctrine lecture on Tuesday when I know I’ll be in

other part-timers,’ says Matt Kottman,

and Tuesdays, then this is a great

‘where we’re balancing ministry and the

opportunity to do an Oak Hill course.

those pastoral situations on Wednesday.’

academic life. We know what it’s like to

The college timetable has been shaped to

Dan Adams, youth and families minister

write papers, prepare for exams and get

integrate part-timers, and to help you get

at Farnham Baptist Church, and part-time

ready for the busy Christmas season

the best from the course.’

Independent student, TPS

$ oakhill.ac.uk/part-time 29

Community and campus Oak Hill is set in 60 acres of 18th century

preached and to sing and pray with

parkland, with an abundance of trees,

others,’ says one student. ‘It helps me to

open green spaces and walks. We are a

apply the Bible to my life.’

15-minute walk from the tube, which puts

Our sports facilities include a good

central London within easy reach, and the

football pitch, two all-weather tennis

countryside of Hertfordshire and Essex is

courts and a basketball court. Indoors,

close by.

we have areas for relaxation, as well as a

In this beautiful setting the Oak Hill

student common room, with television,

community flourishes, with time for

video and music facilities. There are also

prayer and worship, sport and relaxation,

tables for snooker and table tennis.

coffee breaks, talking over lunch and

Because we are an Associate College

everything else that enriches our life

of Middlesex University, students

together. ‘Lunch times are great and

have access to all the university sports

fellowship groups done well make a huge

facilities, most of which are locally

difference – they’re a fantastic part of life

available.

or shared flats for those who are looking

at Oak Hill,’ says one student.

If you’re studying full-time, you’ll be

students, with an option of house-shares

Accommodation

for 52-week accommodation. In addition, there is a large house within easy walking

part of a fellowship group of around 12 students. The group meets once a

Because of our spacious campus, we

distance of the campus which provides

week and helps you take time out of the

can offer a wide range of housing units,

accommodation for single male students.

academic programme for support, prayer

enabling a good percentage of our

and encouragement. This is one of the

students to live on site. Where it’s not

the college campus, a short walk from

ways we make a big college feel small.

possible to accommodate students on the

the teaching facilities. There’s a nearby

college campus, we help provide places to

children’s play area, and our acres of

live locally.

natural parkland make this a beautiful,

Daily chapel services alternate between Anglican and Independent forms of worship. ‘It is so helpful to my

Our accommodation includes well-

relationship with God to hear the word

appointed study bedrooms for single

30

We have several family houses on

spacious and safe environment for bringing up children. There are good

31

32

schools within walking distance, and all the benefits that London has to offer are a

Virtual learning environment

short tube ride away.

Academic Centre

The Virtual Learning Environment Oak Hill’s academic centre, which was

(VLE) at Oak Hill runs entirely within

opened in 2000, includes a state of the

Google Apps for Education. This

art lecture theatre, which has full audio-

suite of web and cloud applications

visual facilities. The centre also has

enables us to create websites, share

seminar rooms and a smaller lecture room

and collaborate on documents, run

which is ideal for group discussion work.

discussion forums and video chat, and stream HD video. It gives us

The main foyer provides a bright and spacious area where students meet every

newly published theological books from a

an integrated system for sharing

day to talk over coffee.

wide range of traditions.

information and developing dialogue

The centre is also home to Oak Hill’s

The library is linked via the Internet to

with and between students, whether they are full-time or part-time.

library, which has plenty of space for

thousands of libraries worldwide. It was

quiet study, fully computerised search

recently tested when an MTheol student

facilities, lockable storage and a self-

based his dissertation on Japanese

to develop ways of teaching and

service issue and return system. It also

writings, but it succeeded and is able to

learning that are more time-efficient.

has over 56,000 items in stock, including

rise to any challenge. The library also has

For example, learning the Greek

multimedia items such as DVDs and CD-

a full-text-online journals database, which

alphabet, which previously took up

ROMs. On average, 200 items are added to

supplements its subscription to over 200

an hour of precious time in class, is

the library’s stock each month, including

hard copy journals.

now covered in a web video. You can

The VLE has also enabled us

learn this kind of basic information

$ oakhill.ac.uk/campus

at your own pace and return to it at any point.

33

Anglicans and Independents Graham Beynon, our Director of

church. But when I went off to university,

Anglicans and Independents: biblical

Independent Ministry Training, and

I went to whichever church I thought

studies, languages, doctrine and church

Mark Pickles, Director of Anglican

was good, without caring about what

history. But alongside that, students are

Ministry Training, talk about how Oak

brand it was. I went where the Bible was

going to choose either the Anglican or the

Hill brings students together from

being taught, and where I was loved and

Independent Church training track.

very different church backgrounds for

cared for. As it happens, they tended to

theological training – and why they

be independent churches, but they could

Anglican ordinands today is that we

passionately believe it matters.

easily have been Anglican.

equip people properly for ministry in

Later on, as I began to consider

Mark: Yes. One of my concerns about

the Anglican church as evangelicals. We

Mark Pickles: I was converted as

Christian ministry, I was pushed to think

need to know our theology well. We need

a teenager at an Anglican church

about issues such as baptism and church

to know the historic foundations of the

in Birkenhead, and when I went to

government, and then, as you said, I

Church of England. We need to know

Edinburgh University, I attended a

became an independent by intent. The

why we’re Anglicans. It’s not enough to

Church of Scotland church, which I

conclusions I came to on those sorts of

be an Anglican by accident. I think that

loved. I started to think through whether

questions landed me in independency.

studying side by side with Independent

ordination was the right thing for me, and if so, then which denomination?

The reason I chose to be an Anglican

Mark: I think both of us are saying

students is very creative and helps

the same thing: our primary concern is

everyone to work out, ‘Why am I this and

commitment to the scriptures and to the

not that?’

was because first and foremost I’m

gospel. But when you’re thinking about

Graham: I’m looking forward to what

evangelical. I found nothing in the 39

entering church leadership, you have to

we do together. Take church leadership.

Articles of the Church of England that

think more specifically about issues such

We’re going to look at a biblical theology

caused me concern – or, putting it more

as ecclesiology, baptism, sacraments –

of church leadership, including our own

positively, I found lots there which

those sort of things.

spirituality as leaders. But then we will

resonated with me. So I’m not Anglican by accident, but by intent.

Graham Beynon: For me it’s a little bit different. I was converted in an Anglican 34

Graham: I think that’s absolutely right.

separate and I will talk about elderships,

Now, what’s happening at Oak Hill is the core courses are common to everyone

and you’ll talk about PCCs and the other Dan Strange and things I don’t understand about the

training for pastoral ministry, both

Nick church.

Tucker.

Anglican

In other words, we’ll have this shared

know their God will stand firm and take

Graham: I think a good number of

foundation, and then divide for some of

action. We need to know our God, we

Independents know a lot of Anglicans

the more specialist areas. We’ll also have

need to know our theology, we need to

and have already been in Anglican

the chance to bat things back and forth,

know the gospel. Those are all things we

churches, maybe during university. I want

and argue our corners. How do you think

share. But then we’ve got to act on that.

those guys to really think through what

people feel, coming to a college with these

For Anglicans, that means asking what

it means to be Independent. To glean

two streams? Nervous, positive, or what?

are the opportunities for the gospel in

the best from the other side, but to be

the Anglican church today? I think doing

absolutely convinced biblically why their

gamut! What I want to say to folk who

that alongside Independents will be

ecclesiology, leadership and practice is

are thinking about it is that it’s incredibly

stimulating.

what it is.

Mark: I guess probably the whole

positive and exciting. We need to be grounded in the big things. A key verse for me is Daniel 11:32: The people who

$ oakhill.ac.uk/churches 35

Some people, I guess, might be a bit suspicious of coming to Oak Hill. Might I get infected by these Anglicans?

Mark: Yes. Well, hopefully!

Graham: I say, don’t worry, there’s nothing to be infected by. I hope our students come to appreciate that they are brothers and sisters in Christ labouring for the same end in the gospel.

Mark: Paradoxically, I think training together equips you better. If you have students separated into an Independent college and an Anglican college, they will never have to engage in the questions each is asking of the other. There will be lots of things you never have to think through – until you’re out in ministry.

This approach gives you the opportunity of thinking through the issues together.

Graham: Absolutely. Training together means better training. I think it also sets you up well for working in gospel partnerships and other local initiatives.

Mark: In the end, training together is not about blurring, but sharpening our distinctives. What we both want is conviction in our ministers.

26 36

Oak Hill and FIEC Oak Hill and the Fellowship of Independent Churches (FIEC) have recently made a joint appointment. David Shaw (pictured right) has joined the faculty of Oak Hill working three days a week as Tutor in New Testament Studies, and two days a week as Theological Advisor for FIEC. David says, ‘I am thrilled at the thought of being able to support Oak Hill and FIEC in their shared desire to see ‘There’s an increasing emphasis

churches led by well-trained and servant-

in FIEC at the moment is a growing

among Anglican and Independent

hearted ministers of the gospel. God

recognition of the importance of faithful,

students at Oak Hill on not papering

willing, my work at Oak Hill will sharpen

Bible-centred theology to equip churches

over the cracks, but going deeper

and inform my contribution within FIEC,

and their leaders to face the challenges of

and recognising our unity in Christ,

while supporting and resourcing FIEC

contemporary ministry. We are delighted

even though there are robust

pastors as they go on in ministry will

that David Shaw will be able to take this

disagreements on certain issues,

keep my work at Oak Hill rooted in the

work forward by joining FIEC as our part-

such as baptism or church polity.’

realities of pastoral ministry. An exciting

time Theological Advisor, and excited that

Matthew Lillicrap, Independent

combination!’

he will be based at Oak Hill College where

student, TPS

John Stevens, FIEC National Director, says: ‘One of the great encouragements

many of our future pastors are being trained for ministry.’

37

Next steps

Oak Hill online

How to apply

Overseas students

Full information about the college,

If you would like to explore the possibility

For all applicants whose first language

including our programme details,

of studying at Oak Hill, please contact us

is not English, we require you to take

biographies of the teaching staff and

for an application form at admissions@

the British Council IELTS examination.

downloads of talks, can be found on

oakhill.ac.uk or call our Admissions

Information about this can be

our website: oakhill.ac.uk. You can also

Officer on 020 8449 0467 (ext. 206).

obtained from the British Council. The

contact us via the website to register your

Completing the application form does

examination is taken under the Council’s

interest and request printed information.

not commit you or Oak Hill to anything.

supervision. Unfortunately, we are unable

It helps us to support you in making your

to interview you until you have obtained

important training decision.

a score of 7.0 in the examination (with no

Open mornings

We will then send off for your references

less than 6.5 in any particular category).

We encourage you to come and discover

and invite you to an interview day. The

Oak Hill for yourself. Why not come to

day includes an interview with a faculty

a Tier 4 licence and therefore we cannot

one of our regular open mornings? For

member and a chance for you to ask

currently accept students from outside

details of the next open morning, please

us questions. You will also have the

the EU. We advise you to see the UK

see the website.

opportunity to meet students, tour the

Border Agency website for up-to-date

college campus and sit in on a lecture. We

information about student visas.

have various deadlines for submitting applications, depending on what you are applying for (including individual modules). These may be earlier than you expect, so do contact us for further details.

38

Please note that Oak Hill does not have

Oak Hill College

The Kingham Hill Trust

Credits

Oak Hill College is a theological college in

The Kingham Hill Trust is the

Produced for Oak Hill College by

North London, training men and women

registered charity that owns Oak Hill

House Communications Limited

for ministry in the Church of England

College. It has contributed spiritually,

and other spheres of Christian service.

financially and practically to its

Oak Hill is an Associate College of

Writing and design: Simon Jenkins

development. The Trust has delegated

Photography: Eleanor Bentall,

Middlesex University. Its validated

responsibility for Oak Hill to the

Richard Hanson, Ralph Hodgson

programmes have been developed, are

College Council and the Principal.

delivered and assessed by the College; they are awarded and quality assured by

Š The Kingham Hill Trust

Middlesex University.

A company limited by guarantee

Print: Yeomans Press Edition: 2015

Registered in England No. 365812 Contacting us

Registered Office: Kingham Hill School

Oak Hill College

Kingham

Chase Side

Oxon OX7 6TH

Southgate London N14 4PS

A Registered Charity

Tel: 020 8449 0467

Charity Number 1076618

Fax: 020 8441 5996 Website: oakhill.ac.uk

$ oakhill.ac.uk/contact 39

Over my forty years of pastoral ministry, I’ve come to the conclusion that ministers need more comprehensive and exacting theological education today than when I came into the work. I’ve been an admirer and a beneficiary of the ministry of Oak Hill for years, and often cite it as a model for effective and faithful theological education.

Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church New York City

oakhill.ac.uk 40