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. 11
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.’ 19
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
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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