Study With Us Theology | Worship | Unity | Mission
Welcome to St Mellitus College
Introducing St Mellitus College St Mellitus College has now grown to become one of the largest theological colleges in the Anglican Communion worldwide, with over 200 ordinands in training, and over 650 students in total. It is widely thought to be one of the most innovative and exciting places to study theology and to explore ministry and mission in the UK.
Our Story Named after the first Bishop of London, whose territory covered London and Essex, the College was founded in 2007 by the Bishops of London and Chelmsford. It emerged from the coming together of two institutions – North Thames Ministerial Training Course (NTMTC), based in the dioceses of London and Chelmsford, and St Paul’s Theological Centre (SPTC), which grew out of Holy Trinity Brompton. Today, we offer training opportunities in different parts of the country – London, Chelmsford, the North West and the South West.
Our Vision and Values St Mellitus College is dedicated to providing theology in the context of worship, unity and mission, and helping Christians explore their faith more deeply. It combines academic excellence, a focus on missional leadership, the shaping of character and the flexibility to fit around busy lifestyles.
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Message from the Dean One of the things that I am often struck by as Dean of St Mellitus is the sense of energy and life that marks the College. My hope is that by reading this prospectus, you will not only find out about the programmes we offer, but also get a sense of our vision and values as you explore whether you want to join us to study and learn.
administrative excellence and yet are driven by the mission of the church.
Whether you are wanting to engage in undergraduate or postgraduate study or are training for ordination, youth ministry, licensed lay ministry, whether you are a church planter, pioneer or parish focused, our hope is From the very start we have been committed that you will be equipped while with us, not to developing a College where theology is taken simply to complete an academic qualification, seriously, but where it is set within the context but to grow in your relationship with God, of a rich diet of worship and prayer, and is fully deepen your understanding of faith, and your engaged in the interaction with missional ability to communicate that faith to others. We leadership and ministry practice. Our approach hope you will flourish as a disciple of Christ as has been to offer creative training patterns which you minister in whatever sphere and context you have the flexibility to fit around busy lifestyles. are called to. As you pray, worship and learn with We are passionate about the unity of the church others in the St Mellitus College community, you and expect the presence and power of the Holy will have the opportunity to develop friendships Spirit to be at work in our life together. We focus and networks which will help sustain your on leadership development and spiritual future ministry and long-term commitment to formation and put the shaping of Christian the Gospel. character at the heart of our training. Visitors to the College often comment on the The College endeavours to play our part in the sense of hope and inspiration they experience revitalisation and flourishing of the church in this when with us. Our vision is to train people who nation and the wider world, seeking to inspire will be passionate about the Good News of the and invest in lay people and ordinands who are Gospel, who are called to serve Jesus Christ, are serving in a hugely diverse range of contexts. The energised by the life of the Spirit and are quality and diversity of the people attending St committed to the unity of the church in the Mellitus enriches our community life, with world. students coming from widely different backgrounds, church cultures and traditions but There is one promise in the Anglican ordination service that strikes a chord every time I read it. It who nevertheless are all sharing and learning together, committed to the same goal, longing to is the call to ‘endeavour to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way serve and proclaim Christ and present a of Christ, that you may be a pattern and example coherent witness in a changing world. to Christ’s people’. My prayer is that this will be Our model of training, whatever programme you an ever-growing reality within the life of students follow, combines theology with practice, and staff at St Mellitus College, whether lay or enabling students to be deeply rooted in their ordained. local communities and effectively reflect on the Our desire is to continue to follow God’s call interplay between theological study and the faithfully and I hope that you might consider praxis of ministry, bringing what they learn in joining us on that journey. the classroom and applying it directly to their workplaces, churches and communities, and vice versa. We are privileged to have a very strong staff team, who embody academic and 3
Revd Dr Andrew Emerton, Dean of St Mellitus College
Contents 06 Why Study Theology? 08 Facts & Stats 10 Student Story: Anna 11 Helpful Information 12 Introductory & Undergraduate Programmes 17 Postgraduate Programmes 19 Ordination Training 21 Licensed Lay Ministry 22 Study With Us 23 London 24 Chelmsford 25 North West 26 South West 27 SMC Life
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Why Study Theology? Dr Jane Williams is Assistant Dean and Tutor and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at St Mellitus College. In this article, she reflects on importance of studying theology. Words Photo
Dr Jane Williams Sophie Francisco
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ll Christians are theologians – we speak to God and expect God to speak to us. But if we are to share our faith in Jesus with people who do not yet know him, we need to be confident in our belief and deeply-rooted in our life of prayer and our understanding of the Bible. We study theology in order to equip ourselves to live our lives with God and share our faith. Studying theology is a bold enterprise – after all, we are exploring the nature of the living God. So theology should be studied with expectation and with awe. Since it is God we are talking about, it is not surprising that the more we study, the bigger and more exciting God gets. Some people have been afraid that if they study theology their faith will be undermined, but the opposite is the case. A faith that cannot be examined cannot be trusted and cannot be shared, whereas a faith that is explored prayerfully and in good company gets richer and richer. As we study theology, we find ourselves resourced and challenged by the faith, understanding and prayer of those who have gone before us. But we live in a culture that increasingly does not know God, does not know that human beings are loved and called to live transformed lives, in the likeness of Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a message of such good news that we must equip ourselves to share it. We have the privilege of living in the Spirit because others have shared their faith with us. Now it is our turn. God’s Church and God’s world need theologians on fire with the knowledge and love of God, and skilled at helping people to see God at work in our world. Why study theology? In order to love God more deeply and share God’s love with others.
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Facts & Stats
4 centres – London, Chelmsford, North West, South West Founded in
2007 by the Bishops of London and Chelmsford
Our North West centre was established in
2013
Our South West centre was established in
2017
Over
650 students
Students range from There are
18 – 73 in age
16 theological specialisms amongst the staff team
2 languages on offer – Hebrew and New Testament Greek Students from over
35 dioceses
Online resources and over
10,000 books across our libraries
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Student Story: Anna Anna is a full-time ordinand at St Mellitus College. Below, she answers a few questions. Words Photo
Anna Mason Mark Pape
Tell us a bit about yourself My name is Anna, I’m 31, and I currently live and work in Kings Cross. I came to London two years ago from Exeter to start my training for Ordination. I’m still very much a country girl at heart, craving the open fields and beaches. A careers quiz at school suggested I become a ‘Funeral Director, Teacher or Church Worker.’ I trained as a primary school teacher, but after University became a youth worker at a local church. If I don’t make it through Ordination, at least I still have one more option!
Why St Mellitus College? When I came on the Open Day they gave an excellent sales pitch about ‘generous orthodoxy’ and ‘theology in the context of worship’. After two years here, I can honestly say that these aren’t just phrases that get bandied around but are values that are lived out in the college. Vitally, St Mellitus College has given me the opportunity to study and work alongside each other, I didn’t want to be taken out of ‘real life’ to a secluded context. Perhaps it is just my personality type but this suits my way of learning. My theology isn’t allowed to become purely theoretical because my job keeps it practical. Also, I can see how what I am learning is shaping the way I think and lead.
How is the programme shaping your leadership? I have a greater desire to be faithful. I used to be easily won with a pithy vision and good ideas but to be honest, I’ve become tired and disillusioned with that style of leadership. I’m not saying that stuff doesn’t have value, it absolutely does, but much higher on my priority list is to simply be faithful to God’s mission. To allow who he says he is and what he has done, to form who I am and what I do. I’ve also been shaped by the people. The lecturers care deeply about you and who you are becoming more than the grades you get. The other students are highly formational, not just the deep friendships you make, but the people you encounter who worship or think totally differently to you – these relationships stretch you. It’s been a really formative and informative experience, but more than that, it’s been a lot of fun! 10
Helpful Information
Programme Overview
Centres
At St Mellitus College we offer programmes at Introductory, Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. You can study with us as an independent student, an ordinand or as a Licensed Lay Minister.
St Mellitus College offers a range of programmes across four centres:
On the following programme pages, you can find detailed information about each of the programmes of study that we offer.
Introductory – Non-accredited (audit) – Beginning Theology
Undergraduate – – – – –
Certificate Theology, Ministry and Mission Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission BA Theology, Ministry and Mission BA Theology and Youth Ministry Graduate Diploma Theology and Youth Ministry
Postgraduate
– London (Monday daytimes / Tuesday evenings) – Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) – North West (Monday daytimes) – South West (Tuesday daytimes) Ordinand students will also attend residential weekends and a residential week at other venues. Undergraduate students attend one or two non-residential Teaching Weeks in London dependent on their programme of study.
Validation St Mellitus College academic awards are validated by either Durham University or Middlesex University dependent on the programme of study. The Certificate, Diploma, BA and MA Theology, Ministry and Mission are validated by Durham University, and you will recieve a Durham award on successful completion.
– MA Theology, Ministry and Mission (with a focus on either Systematic Theology or Biblical The BA Theology and Youth Ministry and MA Studies) Christian Leadership are quality assured by – MA Christian Leadership Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. Ordination – Full-time – Part-time – Ordained Pioneer Ministry Please note: ordinand pathways are selected in discussion with the respective diocese, and can include non-accredited pathways.
Licensed Lay Ministry – Part-time
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Learning Hours All modules involve a blend of lectures, discussion and personal study. A typical module will comprise 15+ hours of teaching and 150+ hours of personal study.
Introductory & Undergraduate Programmes
Non-accredited Programme description Students who simply want to enjoy our theology programmes without assessment or accreditation can apply to study with us. The teaching is exactly the same as for those who are following the first year of the undergraduate teaching but excludes the Teaching Weeks and ministry modules.
Centres – – – –
London (Tuesday evenings) Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) North West (Monday daytimes) South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Certificate Theology, Ministry and Mission Programme Description The Certificate Theology, Ministry and Mission lays the building blocks of Christian theology by introducing foundational subjects such as Theology, Church History, Biblical Studies, Spirituality and Discipleship, and Christian Worship. It also starts to engage students in learning how to reflect theologically on practical aspects of ministry including Evangelism.
Validation The Certificate Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University.
Beginning Theology
Entry requirements
Programme description
Undergraduates will normally have one A Level (grade C or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate.
Beginning Theology is designed for people who want to learn more about the Christian faith, deepen their knowledge of the Bible and Christian traditions, and explore how they can respond to God’s call to mission.
Routes Students working towards the Certificate study part-time in order to achieve 120 credits:
Duration
– Part-time
Beginning Theology is a flexible, modular programme in theology consisting of six modules, each module lasting one term. Students can enrol for the entire programme or select individual modules according to their interests. When you have completed all 6 modules, you will receive a certificate of completion from St Mellitus College. Alternatively, you can attend the programme and not submit assignments, in which case you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Centres
Centres – London (Tuesday evenings)
– – – –
London (Tuesday evenings) Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) North West (Monday daytimes) South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Duration Two years – One morning or evening per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – One academic Teaching Week per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional 6 hours per week (minimum) for private study
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Undergraduate Programmes
Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission
FULL-TIME
Programme Description
– London (Monday daytimes) – North West (Monday daytimes) – South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Students working towards the Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission initially study modules including Foundations for Theology and Ministry, Biblical Studies, Spirituality and Discipleship, Evangelism and Church History. After this, the Diploma engages with modules such as Doctrine, Ecclesiology and Ethics. Students also do a module focused on the interface between theology and practice involving research on an area of mission or ministry in their local context.
Validation The Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University.
Entry requirements Undergraduates will normally have two A Levels (grade C or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Diploma.
Routes Students can study towards the Diploma on one of the following routes, in order to achieve 240 credits: – Full-time – Part-time
Centres
Duration Two years – One full day per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – Two academic Teaching Weeks per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional full day per week (minimum) for private study
PART-TIME Centres – – – –
London (Tuesday evenings) Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) North West (Monday daytimes) South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Duration Four years – One morning or evening per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – One academic Teaching Week per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional 6 hours per week (minimum) for private study
Ordinands and LLMs Part-time ordinands and LLMs will complete the diploma in either two or three years, in consultation with their diocese.
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BA Theology, Ministry and Mission Programme description Students working towards the BA Theology, Ministry and Mission initially study modules including Foundations for Theology and Ministry, Biblical Studies, Doctrine, Ethics, Spirituality and Discipleship, Evangelism and Church History. Students also do a module focused on the interface between theology and practice involving research on an area of mission or ministry in their local context. In the final phase of the BA Theology, Ministry and Mission, students use their theological learning to examine issues and themes relating to contemporary life and ministry, including Missiology, Apologetics, Interfaith Engagement and Political Theology. There are further biblical studies modules and students usually complete a 6,000 word dissertation.
Validation The BA Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University.
Entry requirements Undergraduates will normally have three A Levels (grade C or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the BA.
Routes Students can study towards the BA on one of the following routes, in order to achieve the necessary 360 credits:
FULL-TIME Centres – London (Monday daytimes) – North West (Monday daytimes) – South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Duration Three years – One full day per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – Two academic Teaching Weeks per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional full day per week (minimum) for private study
PART-TIME Centres – – – –
London (Tuesday evenings) Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) North West (Monday daytimes) South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Duration Six years – One morning or evening per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) to attend our study centre. – One academic Teaching Week per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional 6 hours per week (minimum) for private study.
– Full-time – Part-time
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Undergraduate Programmes
BA Theology and Youth Ministry Programme description The BA Theology and Youth Ministry aims to combine an excellent grounding in Christian theology alongside reflection on the latest ideas, issues and challenges in youth ministry thinking and practice. The programme is run by dedicated Youth Ministry Tutors and also provides an opportunity to learn from some leading figures in Christian youth work in the UK today. In addition, students have the chance to learn alongside those training for other forms of Christian ministry. It will prepare students spiritually, practically and theologically for the challenges of ministry among young people today. Whilst being open to people from a wide range of backgrounds, the programme has a strong academic component, aiming to give people a broad grounding in theology, as well as focussing on practical aspects of Christian ministry amongst young people in Britain today. Whilst on the degree, students divide their time between academic study and practical youth work in a local placement context. Students usually spend up to 3 days per week at an approved church, school or community-based placement. Students and placements can apply together in a combined application, or independently and then be matched together. Some students work on placements with partner organisations such as XLP. Studying this degree at St Mellitus College offers students theology and training at the heart of the local church; excellence in academic theological teaching; practical youth ministry training with a focus on issues of theology and practice in contextual youth ministry; and exposure to fellow students from a wide range of backgrounds and contexts. 15
Validation The BA Theology and Youth Ministry is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
Entry requirements Undergraduates will normally have three A Levels (grade C or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the BA.
Routes – Full-time
Centres – London (Monday daytimes)
Duration Three years – One full day per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – Two academic Teaching Weeks per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional full day per week (minimum) for private study – Placement: 3 days per week at a church, school or community-based placement
‘The biggest impact has been through the people I have been able to meet and engage with. The community here is so important as youth work can be so isolating.’ – Sam
Graduate Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission Programme description Students working towards the Graduate Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission will complete one year of mid-week teaching on Mondays, as well as attending two Teaching Weeks, in order to achieve 120 credits at level 6. In this programme, students take modules in biblical studies and church history, and are enabled to use their theological learning to examine issues and themes relating to contemporary life and ministry, including human identity, the nature of sin and evil, and salvation, transformation and apologetics. Students also usually complete a 6,000 word dissertation.
Routes – Full-time
Centres – London (Monday daytimes) – North West (Monday daytimes)
Duration One year – One full day per week (3 x 10 week terms per year) – Two academic Teaching Weeks per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) – An additional full day per week (minimum) for private study
Validation The Graduate Diploma Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University.
Entry requirements Because the programme takes place alongside students taking the final year of their BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, the College is responsible for ensuring that successful applicants can demonstrate sufficient prior aptitude for theological study such that they will not be disadvantaged by entering study at St Mellitus College at this level. Applicants must normally have minimum a Diploma (HE) in Theology with a substantial proportion of their graded credit at Merit/Upper Second level. However, especially for mature students, prior professional experience will be taken into account as well as educational qualifications.
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Postgraduate Programmes
MA Theology, Ministry and Mission
Validation
Programme description
Entry requirements
When it comes to theology, the deepest rewards come from serious engagement with the Bible and key Christian figures and texts. This part-time programme is offered primarily on Monday mornings in our London centre over two years for students who already have a prior university degree in Christian theology or religious studies. The programme is ideal for Theology or Religious Studies graduates looking to advance in higher research, Anglican ordinands, or practising church leaders seeking deeper engagement with core Christian texts and themes.
– Submission of a degree level academic paper no less than 2,000 words as part of the application process. – A 2.1 degree is normally required for direct entry to any MA – The BA should be in Theology or an equivalent subject (such as Religious Studies) and have contained substantial study of Theology up to Level 6. – Applicants with a Graduate Diploma in Theology or an equivalent subject will be considered, and the College will look to satisfy itself at interview as to whether the candidate has adequate preparation and grounding for study at MA level. – Consideration will also be given to the agreed number of students for the academic year. At present this is 20 per centre per programme per year. Please note that this means that places will not simply be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. In some cases, students will be invited to join a waiting list, and final decisions will be made on the basis of the aptitude of students for the programme relative to one another, based on the criteria set out above.
Students on the MA Theology, Ministry and Mission choose one of two different optional foci, each of which comes with a suite of related modules. Option 1 focuses on Systematic Theology and Christian doctrine. Option 2 focuses on Biblical Studies, both Old and New Testaments. Students will write a dissertation according to their selected focus, and complete additional modules such as Advanced Topics in Christian Doctrine, Advanced Study of a Key Theological Text, Advanced Study of a Christian Figure, Advanced Biblical Studies, and The Bible and Christian Faith. It has been designed with various people in mind, including:
The MA Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University.
Routes
– Ordinands with a prior degree in theology – Part-time – Clergy looking to take their learning further in Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) Centres programmes – London (Monday daytimes) – Students with a previous degree in theology, seeking deeper engagement with core Duration Christian texts and themes Two years
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MA Christian Leadership Programme description Leadership is about influence. Many Christians exert influence over others in all kinds of ways. Some are leaders in the Church while others exercise leadership in different positions. Many are preparing for lives or careers in which they will exercise significant influence over people, organisations and networks. At the same time, many Christians do not know how to link their faith to their sphere of influence. What does it mean to exercise a distinctively Christian leadership in the contexts of workplace or church? What has Christian faith to offer as a model of leadership in the 21st century? The MA Christian Leadership is in high demand. It is designed to help leaders engage in Christian reflection on the sphere in which they are living and working. The programme has been designed with various people in mind, including: – Graduate Christians setting out on careers in various fields – Ordinands with a prior degree in theology – Clergy looking to take their learning further in CME programmes – Experienced leaders looking to reflect on their leadership experience as Christians After a grounding in core modules in Systematic Theology, Leadership, and Power, the programme gives students the opportunity to focus on a specific area, for example Arts and Culture, Health Care, Economics, Politics, Church or Spirituality. The MA can be taken by anyone with a previous degree.
Validation The MA Christian Leadership is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
Entry requirements – Submission of a degree level academic paper no less than 2,000 words as part of the application process. – A 2.1 degree is normally required for direct entry to any MA. – Consideration will also be given to the agreed number of students for the academic year. At present this is 20 per centre per programme per year. Please note that this means that places will not simply be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. In many cases, students will be invited to join a waiting list, and final decisions will be made on the basis of the aptitude of students for the programme relative to one another, based on the criteria set out above.
Routes – Full-time – Part-time
Centres – London (Monday daytimes) – North West (Monday daytimes)
Duration One year full-time, or two years part-time
‘I love the way the programme enables people to learn from each other and be sent out into our respective fields better equipped in our leadership to empower others in their own vocations’ – Zoe
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Ordination Training About At St Mellitus College, we specialise in training men and women for ordination in the Church of England. Full-time and part-time programmes are available, with both routes combining academic excellence and practical experience, with a strong focus on the personal formation of each candidate for ordained ministry. The College is proud of its first-rate academic teaching staff, as well as the wide range of visiting professors and associate lecturers. We are also able to draw on a pool of experienced church practitioners, who help develop each ordinand’s capacity for effective church leadership. The academic curriculum is extensive, covering all the key topics: biblical studies and languages, doctrine, ethics, history, spirituality, liturgy and worship, as well as preaching, sacraments, taking weddings and funerals, and modules in mission, apologetics, and evangelism – and more besides! St Mellitus College has a reputation for teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, so students benefit from high quality input during their time with us. As well as doing academic work, all our ordinands are rooted in local churches or mission contexts whilst undertaking their theological study. On the full-time route, ordinands spend half their week in a church context, ministering under the supervision of a training supervisor, whilst our part-time ordinands learn to integrate their theological studies into their working life or local church context. Our full-time and part-time ordinands from across the country gather together for College residentials, which provide a rich context for worship, formation, spiritual growth, and friendships right across the breadth of the Church of England. Students discover what God’s people are doing across this land, learning from each other’s experience and from the different traditions that make up our community. 19
St Mellitus ordinands therefore learn through excellent academic teaching, which is integrated into their experience of mission and ministry in a local context, whilst being inspired by encountering fellow ordinands engaged in contemporary ministry. This combination makes St Mellitus College an exciting place to train for ordination, and prepares our students for the reality of mission and ministry today.
Pastoral Support Each ordinand is allocated a Personal Tutor, and where appropriate a Supervisor is appointed in their local church. They are also part of a Formation Group, consisting of a small group of ordinands who journey together through the programme, with their Tutor acting as the primary point of contact for academic and pastoral support and formation. We also have an excellent chaplaincy team in college, and a counsellor, as well as a staff team who are dedicated to supporting our students prayerfully and being available to offer support.
Validation Validation is dependent on which programme of study you choose.
Entry requirements Recommendation for training from a Church of England Bishops’ Advisory Panel or equivalent from an overseas church (with agreement from a Church of England Bishop) or other UK denomination.
Routes – Full-time – Part-time
Full-time Ordination
Part-time Ordination
Those looking to train full-time can do so through the College’s ‘Context-Based Ordination Training’ route. The Context-Based Ordination Training offers a unique opportunity to combine theology with practice, and with formation for the role that God is calling ordinands to. On this mission focussed programme, students do half of their learning ‘on the job’ in a local church or mission context, and the other half in the lecture hall, learning all the time how to relate them to each other. This route can be taken by any ordinand who has been recommended to train for incumbent status or who is recommended for Ordained Pioneer Ministry, and some other ordinands, in consultation with their DDO.
Those looking to train part-time can do so through the College’s flexible and innovative part-time training route.
Alongside their ministry in the local context, students engage in academic study, leadership development and reflection through one full day’s teaching every week, one to two days (minimum) each week for personal study, seven residential weekends through the year and one annual residential week.
The duration of your programme will be made in consultation with your diocese. This is usually two or three years.
Centres
The College trains many candidates for Ordained Pioneer Ministry (OPM). The full-time context-based pathway was originally designed around the needs of OPMs, and later adapted for other ordinands. Besides that ethos, and a number of academic modules that encourage thinking about new forms of church life, OPM discussion forums are arranged at residential weekends, seminars are available for Pioneers and support is given to supervisors of OPM candidates.
– London (Monday daytimes) – North West (Monday daytimes) – South West (Tuesday daytimes)
Duration The duration of your programme will be made in consultation with your diocese. This is usually two or three years.
A key value of this programme 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 these areas provides an ideal way to work out how the Christian faith impacts the world today.
Centres – London (Tuesday evenings) – Chelmsford (Thursday evenings)
Duration
Ordained Pioneer Ministry
‘It has been a positive challenge characterised by a fine blend of academic stimulation, character reshaping and a closer intimacy with God.’ – Tim 20
Licensed Lay Ministry
LLM Training
Entry requirements
Programme description
Recommendation for training for Licensed Lay Ministry from London or Chelmsford diocese.
At St Mellitus College we are committed to train and equip lay people to play their part in the ministry and mission of Christ’s church. One part of that is our partnership with the Dioceses of London and Chelmsford in training Licensed Lay Ministers (previously known as Readers). LLMs are trained for lay leadership within their local churches. It is envisaged that this often takes the form of educating and training other lay people in their ministries, but it can also include pastoral ministry, preaching and liturgical responsibilities. The path to Licensed Lay Ministry is demanding but worthwhile. To join the LLM programme at St Mellitus College, students first go through a period of discernment and selection in their local churches and Diocese. If selected for training, they usually study for three years at St Mellitus College for a Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission. The three year programme includes a mixture of foundational theological modules (such as biblical theology, church history and systematic theology) and more practical modules (such as pastoral care, education for discipleship, preaching and Christian worship). If you worship in the Diocese of Chelmsford and you are interested in this programme, you can find out more on the Chelmsford Diocese website here: chelmsford.anglican.org/ministers/ fresh-expressions/mission-ministry/reader-ministry If your church is in the Diocese of London, you can find out more about Licensed Lay Ministry on the diocesan website here: london.anglican. org/mission/lay-ministry 21
Routes – Part-time
Duration – Three years (usually)
Centres London (Tuesday evenings) Chelmsford (Thursday evenings) – One teaching evening per week – One academic Teaching Week per year (London, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) and/or locally-based Saturdays spread throughout the year
Study with Us
Open Days We have a number of open days and open evenings across our centres throughout the year to give you a feel for what it’s like to study at St Mellitus College. On an open day, you’ll have the chance to meet with current students and tutors, sit in on the teaching, hear a bit about the college from members of staff, and have a tour of the building. Visit stmellitus.ac.uk/events for a list of our upcoming open days.
The Application Process Introductory, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students 1 2 3 4 5 6
Book your place on an open day by emailing info@stmellitus.ac.uk Attend an open day Apply online at stmellitus.ac.uk/apply If you meet the entry requirements, we’ll invite you for an interview Attend an interview Await an offer letter
Ordinands 1 2 3 4
Apply online at stmellitus.ac.uk/apply Book your place on an open day by emailing info@stmellitus.ac.uk Attend an open day and interview Await an offer letter
For further information relating to the admissions process, please consult the Admissions Policy available on our website.
Fees & Finances Visit stmellitus.ac.uk/fees-finances-and-validation for further information.
Apply To apply to study at St Mellitus College, visit stmellitus.ac.uk/apply to complete an application form.
Find out more 020 7052 0248 info@stmellitus.ac.uuk stmellitus.ac.uk/study-with-us facebook.com/stmellituscollege @stmellitus 22
London St Mellitus College, London offers full-time training on Mondays for ordinands, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. On Tuesday evenings, part-time training is offered for ordinands and licensed lay ministers, as well as introductory and undergraduate programmes. St Mellitus College, London is a diverse community of people who gather for worship, fellowship, and theological study. Our time together begins with food and worship, before we move into the various lecture halls for teaching sessions. The library is available, as is our prayer room, and our chaplaincy team and tutorial staff are here to support students as they look to combine their studies with their ministry in church or at work, and in their everyday life at home. Dr Jane Williams and Revd Dr Lincoln Harvey are the Assistant Deans at St Mellitus College, and both teach primarily in the discipline of systematic theology. Jane oversees Mondays in London and joined the team in 2007, and Lincoln oversees Tuesday evenings and joined the team in 2010.
When? Monday daytimes (9.30am – 4.30pm), Tuesday evenings (6.30 – 9.15pm)
Where? 24 Collingham Road, London, SW5 0LX
Contact
info@stmellitus.ac.uk 23
Chelmsford St Mellitus College, Chelmsford offers part-time training for ordinands and licensed lay ministers, as well as part-time undergraduate programmes. St Mellitus College, Chelmsford is a community of people who combine life, learning and work, as they train for ordination, licensed lay ministry, and study undergraduate theology to deepen their knowledge of Christ and broaden their love of his church. We gather in Chelmsford Cathedral on a Thursday evening for food, conversation, worship, prayer, and learning as our vocations are brought to birth in the nurturing environment of the Cathedral. Revd Rob Merchant is Director of St Mellitus College, Chelmsford. Rob’s passion in life is seeing people flourish. He has been part of St Mellitus College since 2012. Both Rob and his wife, Tamsin, were ordained in 2001. He has served in a number of different roles both as a stipendiary and self-supporting minister.
When? Thursday evenings (6.30 – 9.15pm)
Where? Chelmsford Cathedral, CM1 1TY
Contact
info@stmellitus.ac.uk 24
North West St Mellitus College, North West offers full-time context-based ordination training, full and part-time undergraduate programmes, and part-time postgraduate study. St Mellitus College, North West was formed as a partnership with the five North West Dioceses of Blackburn, Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester in 2013. It is the first full-time ordination college in the North West since St Aidan’s College, Birkenhead (1846-1969). As such we draw on the richness of St Aidan’s heritage to equip people from all walks of life for ministry and leadership. We gather from a radius of 150 miles on Mondays for worship, prayer, teaching, food and fun. Revd Dr Jill Duff is Director of St Mellitus College, North West. Jill teaches New Testament and mission, and is passionate about pioneering and church planting. After a career in science and the oil industry, she was ordained in 2003. She has served in urban parishes in the Liverpool Diocese, and as a pioneer minister and a school chaplain. She is married to Jeremy, and is a mum to two boys.
When? Monday daytimes (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Where? Liverpool Cathedral, L1 7AZ
Contact
northwest@stmellitus.ac.uk 25
South West St Mellitus College, South West offers full-time context-based ordination training, as well as full-time and part-time undergraduate study. Through the provision of a new model for ordination training for the South West, the centre is contributing to the resourcing and growth of God’s Church in the region. Ordinands from across the spectrum of Anglican traditions join with lay learners to study theology in the context of worship, unity in the Spirit, and in service to God’s mission to his world. Revd Dr Donna Lazenby is the Director of St Mellitus College, South West. She is passionate about resourcing the churches of the region. She delights to see individuals becoming more and more the persons they were created to be, as the Spirit forms the saints in Christlikeness and all take up their vocation. Donna loves theology, has planted and led a Fresh Expression of Church, and is passionate about building bridges between the Church and contemporary culture.
When? Tuesday daytimes (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Where? St Matthias Church, Plymouth, PL4 8HF
Contact
southwest@stmellitus.ac.uk 26
SMC Life Welcome and Induction Each September, we host a Welcome and Induction Day for new students to introduce them to college life and to the staff team. It is a great opportunity to get to know some fellow students from around the country, before the start of term kicks in.
Chaplains and Counsellors The college makes available a team of chaplains and counsellors to discuss anything students may be dealing with whilst undertaking their studies. We’re aware that taking on academic study can be a big challenge and often coincides with other changes in people’s lives. Our current students find it such a gift to be able to talk things through with people who are impartial and excellent listeners.
Formation Groups While the thought of arriving at a college can be a daunting prospect, it can be helpful to know that students will be split into smaller groups of about 12, facilitated by a member of the academic staff team. These groups meet on a regular basis and play a central role in the life of St Mellitus College with the overall aim of shaping Christ-like character, and are where deep friendships are formed. Formation Group Tutors are often the first point of contact for any queries about academic pathway or programme of study and are there to provide academic and pastoral support for their students.
Fellowship Groups As well as Formation Groups, those studying for ordination will be assigned a Fellowship Group which meets together at Residential Weekends. These are made up of students from a variety of cohorts and teaching centres and are a great opportunity to learn from people with a wide range of experiences.
Senior Students
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Each year senior students are appointed as representatives of the student body. Their responsibility is to serve the student community, gathering feedback from students across the different cohorts, programmes and teaching centres to pass on to senior staff at regular meetings. They are there to offer pastoral support for students where needed and pray for the college and its community life.
Undergraduate Student Support Undergraduate students have a support structure within the College dedicated to them. The Lead Undergraduate Tutor, Lead Youth Ministry Tutor and Undergraduate Student Support staff member provide student support and host events to build community amongst the student body. In addition, an alumna attends Teaching Weeks to meet with and support students. The College hosts an annual retreat day, as well as evening events in Teaching Weeks, so that students can have fun and connect with one another.
Study Skills We know that many students who begin their studies with us are somewhat daunted about academic study. For some, it is their first venture into Higher Education. For others, it has been many years since they engaged in formal study. St Mellitus College is fully committed to support students through their academic work, and while the primary point of contact is their Formation Group tutor, who will offer encouragement, advice and support with their studies and assignments, the College also offers an optional Study Skills course, spread throughout the year.
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Support Dyslexia, and the closely related dyspraxia, are learning difficulties which affect approximately 10% of the general population. This is mirrored in the student population at St Mellitus College where 8 – 10% of students in each year group are dyslexic. A smaller proportion of students are dyspraxic. St Mellitus College is committed to enabling students with these learning difficulties to access its programmes without being disadvantaged and therefore makes reasonable adjustments to programmes in order to enable such students to participate without disadvantage. Tailored packages of support are also available according to the needs of the individual students.
Online Resources Once students are enrolled, they are granted access to our online learning platform, Moodle. This is a great tool, catered to each student’s bespoke needs, with module guides, student handbooks, assignment schedules, reading lists – everything they might need to excel as a student at St Mellitus College. 28
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Study With Us
St Mellitus College is a place of hope – hope for the church and hope for the world. It is a place full of energy and life, widely thought to be one of the most innovative and exciting places to study theology in the UK. Come and join us, and be part of the story. stmellitus.ac.uk/study-with-us
‘You’re going to be stretched but be prepared to come away even more passionate and equipped. You’ll be with other people who are all focussed on being transformed themselves and seeing their communities transformed. It’s very inspiring.’ – Paul
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stmellitus.ac.uk info@stmellitus.ac.uk London | Chelmsford | North West | South West