St Barnabas Theological Centre is a new partnership to provide missional training for the 21st Century in Yorkshire and beyond. Ordination Training for Anglican and Baptist ordinands, over 2-3 years, including BA and MA tracks.
Independent Leadership Track for leaders in various ministries, over 1-6 years, including BA and MA tracks.
Theology Modules from Saturday short modules to a full degree in Theology.
“St Barnabas is about training people for the future, not the status quo. We believe the best training happens when we combine excellent academic teaching with practical missional experience. Our students are practitioners in formation; learning while doing. We want to see theology at the heart of the contemporary church and to train leaders who will grow, plant and revitalise churches.� Mark Powley, Director
“This new approach to training will enable us to make a real difference in the northern cities that have so many challenges, and in the vast rural areas that risk becoming dechurched.” John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
“As a church leader I am being stretched and richly blessed by working with an SBTC ordinand and would highly recommend it to other churches and leaders.” Joanna Pearson, Team Vicar, Wrangthorn
“The church needs its next generation of leaders to have heads screwed on and hearts on fire. I am confident the team at SBTC will raise up such leaders and I warmly encourage you to explore training with them.” Mark Russell, CEO Church Army
“SBTC brings a much needed contribution to leadership training for the north of England and will be instrumental in the formation of missional leaders and the renewal of local church life.” Graham Ensor, Yorkshire Baptist Association
Our Values Missional Training We believe in practical training for leadership. St Barnabas ordinands and independent leaders are based at local churches, living, serving and reaching out with others. We want to equip missional leaders who will share in God’s work of giving life and growth to congregations, and pioneering new forms of church.
The Work of the Spirit, Worship & Prayer All our teaching takes place in the context of worship, whether informal praise or liturgical prayer. We seek to enable our students to be open to the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. We expect them to grow in confidence in the gifts God has given them and in releasing others into ministry.
Biblical Engagement We place a high value on studying, living and proclaiming the message of the Scriptures. We seek to provide excellent biblical teaching which equips students to engage thoughtfully and faithfully with the Bible. Our training also focuses on the challenge of communicating the Christian faith in creative and relevant ways.
Life Together Our weekly teaching programme at St Thomas Crookes in Sheffield is complemented by residential time for Anglican ordinands as part of the Yorkshire Ministry Course, and for Baptist ordinands as part of Northern Baptist Learning Community.
Church & Theology We believe local churches have much to contribute to theological training, and theology has much to offer the local church. Working with other institutions, St Barnabas gathers missional wisdom from expert practitioners to benefit future leaders. We also seek to contribute to theological education and discipleship training in churches throughout the region.
Community Transformation We are committed to the re-evangelisation of our region and the transformation of society. We aim to play our part in the gospel reaching every kind of community: urban, suburban, rural and semi-rural. We seek to train ministers who listen carefully to their context, build bridges with others and spread the message and values of the kingdom of God.
Ordination Training SBTC ordination training involves Missional context: 3 days a week Gathered training: 1 day a week, plus 2 days personal study a week Residential community: 6 weekends and 1 week per year
“I wanted to see real lives being changed by God while I was training, preferably in the local church with me still involved in ministry. St Barnabas provides a challenging and encouraging academic learning environment where you get to see how everything you’re learning translates into real life. I’m loving it!” Eve, Ordinand
“You get to see how everything you’re learning translates into real life. I’m loving it!”
Missional Context SBTC ordinands are formed in leadership as they serve in a missional context. This involves at least two days a week in practical ministry. This could include: Continuing an existing role as part of a larger staff team Beginning in a new church context Working in a fresh expression or other pioneering placement Working alongside a church in a financially deprived area Alongside the main context, SBTC ordinands will usually engage in 2-3 additional placements of various kinds to ensure sufficient breadth of exposure to different forms of mission and ministry. Every ordinand has a local supervisor who oversees their work and contributes to their personal formation.
Gathered Training Every Monday during term time ordinands gather at the St Thomas Crookes campus for worship and prayer, teaching and shared reflection on ministry. Ordinands also set aside a further 2 days per week for personal study. The Monday sessions deliver the bulk of the academic teaching, but also provide a vital environment for ordinands to reflect on their life, their calling, and the lessons being learnt in mission. The Monday programme includes: Support from a personal SBTC tutor Huddle time, led by a practitioner in missional leadership Skills training in evangelism and growing missional communities, including reflection on practical assignments over the course of the year
Communication training Opportunities to reflect with regional practitioners, including St Barnabas Mission Associates who are currently exercising leadership in a range of contexts: inner urban, church plants, rural, cathedral ministry and fresh expressions of church. Spouses of ordinands are welcome to access training sessions wherever possible.
“I have really enjoyed the atmosphere in the classrooms at SBTC. There is a strong emphasis on being trained together for mission and the growth of God’s kingdom. I am grateful for the friendships I have developed at SBTC; these are people I respect, work with and learn from.” Jimmy, Ordinand
Residential Community SBTC Anglican ordinands gather with the wider Yorkshire Ministry Course community for six weekends, one week and occasional Saturday teaching each year. YMC gathers several training cohorts to form its residential community. Residential time includes a rich variety of worship, shared teaching, personal retreat and group reflection. SBTC ordinands join YMC formation groups with ordinands from a wide variety of social backgrounds and Christian traditions. The Mirfield site, where YMC is based, is the home of the Community of the Resurrection which follows the Benedictine Rule. It has historic links with movements for social justice through the work of Trevor Huddleston in South Africa. The College of the Resurrection, also based on the site, is part of the Anglo-Catholic tradition and places a high value on liturgical worship and academic teaching. YMC’s calling is to be a meeting place of traditions from across the church where character is formed in a spirit of hospitality, prayer and grace.
“It has been an excellent course with knowledgeable and supportive tutors. For a non-residential course YMC succeeds admirably in building a very strong sense of community. I feel that the course has given me a tremendous preparation for ordination.” Former YMC Student
SBTC Baptist ordinands join with Northern Baptist Learning Community for Baptist formation and support in the tasks of ministry. The St Barnabas Monday programme includes input from associate faculty of NBLC. Baptist ordinands will also connect to a wider training network of Baptist ordinands from around the region, as well as working with local Baptist placement supervisors.
“Having an SBTC ordinand is a joy and a privilege. They bring energy, enthusiasm and risk-taking to the table and are helping the church to grow. Spending time reflecting with our ordinand has convinced me how helpful studying within a contextual route can be. As a church leader I am being stretched and richly blessed by working with an SBTC ordinand and would highly recommend it to other churches and leaders.” Joanna Pearson, Team Vicar
Independent Leadership Track SBTC Independent Leadership Track is a 1-6 year course to develop leaders for effective ministry in the church and the wider world. Independent leaders join with our Monday training, including the full BA programme.
“Signing up for the Independent Leadership Track has been a life-changing decision for me. I didn’t have any theology qualifications but I knew I wanted to know more. The lecturers are top quality and very supportive, and the assignments have shown me that I am capable of more than I realised. God has really blessed me with this course and is shaping me for something new.” Tracey, Independent Leader
“Signing up for the Independent Leadership Track has been a life-changing decision for me.�
Leadership Context SBTC independent leaders need to be involved in recognised leadership and ministry during the course. This could include: Leading a missional community Being part of a church staff team or playing a leadership role in a ministry project Involvement in teaching and preaching Holding responsibility as a children’s worker, youth worker, student worker or evangelist ILT students are only accepted with the support of a local church leader. The track does not constitute an alternative ordination pathway - students considering formal ordination are advised to discuss their training with their church authorities and SBTC.
Gathered Training Every Monday during term time SBTC ordinands and independent leaders gather at the St Thomas Crookes campus for worship and prayer, teaching and shared reflection on ministry. ILT students need to be able to set aside a further 1-2 days per week for personal study. The Monday sessions deliver the bulk of the academic teaching, but also provide a vital environment for SBTC students to reflect on their life, their calling, and the lessons being learnt in mission. The Monday programme includes: Support from the ILT Chaplain Huddle time, led by a practitioner in missional leadership Skills training in evangelism and growing missional communities, including reflection on practical assignments over the course of the year Communication training Opportunities to reflect with regional practitioners, including St Barnabas Mission Associates who are currently exercising leadership in a range of contexts: inner urban, church plants, rural, cathedral ministry and fresh expressions of church.
“I have found the course challenging but exciting and interesting.� Martin, Independent Leader
Theology Modules SBTC offers a full range of modules from introductory theology to higher level courses. Module students are invited to join our Monday teaching, or access our Saturday short module sessions.
“Lively, fun and very, very deep! Presented with flow and clarity even to someone with a very sparse prior knowledge. I found the module challenging and inspiring. It’s not just about learning something new; it’s about living something new.” Saturday Module Student Feedback
“It’s not just about learning something new; it’s about living something new.”
Monday Programme Many of our Monday teaching sessions are open to students who want to develop their understanding of the Bible, Christian faith, worship and mission. Accredited work can contribute to a Certificate, Diploma or Degree award. A full list of modules is available in our programme. SBTC Monday sessions are especially relevant to: Christians seeking a deeper and more informed discipleship Church staff and interns Leaders involved in ministry and mission
Saturday Short Modules SBTC run Saturday short modules which are open to all. Topics include Encountering the New Testament and Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Teaching is interactive and students can access the teaching in both accredited and non-accredited ways.
Schools of Theology SBTC tutors contribute to church-based theology around the region including Schools of Theology and Mission in Sheffield, Leeds and Harrogate and New Wine summer conferences.
“The short module really helped me to unpack the Bible and to think critically about my faith and how it plays out in the world around us.� Saturday Module Student Feedback
Academic Pathways SBTC pathways include: Diploma or BA Degree via the new Common Awards Common Awards Diploma followed by University of Sheffield MA University of Sheffield MA, for Theology graduates Common Awards are validated by Durham University. Courses will be offered from September 2014, subject to validation approval from Durham University.
Three year BA pathway Yr 1:
Old Testament; New Testament; Introduction to NT Greek (optional); Christian History and Doctrine; Worship; Mission & Evangelism; Ministry in Context.
Yr 2:
Bible in Context; Biblical options; Topics in Doctrine; Ethics; Leadership; Pastoral Care; Mission Entrepreneurship.
Yr 3:
Issues in Biblical Theology; Doctrine in Focus; Dissertation; Denominational Principles; Mission and Apologetics in Contemporary Culture.
Three year pathway with MA Yr 1 & 2: As BA pathway, above. Yr 3:
Full time MA course
In some cases a part time academic route may be possible, whereby Independent Leadership Track students study over a longer period.
Two year MA (for Theology graduates) The exact pathway will depend on each student’s previous study and academic interests. Yr 1:
Bible, Theology & Reflection; Ethics, Liturgy or Biblical Studies option; Worship; Mission & Evangelism.
Yr 2: Denominational Principles; Ethics, Liturgy or Biblical Studies option; Dissertation; Pastoral Care; Mission Entrepreneurship.
Application and Finances Ordinands SBTC is a challenging and rewarding pathway. We are looking for: Candidates with a passion for mission and the growth of God’s church Motivated learners who appreciate the opportunity to bring practical experience to their studies and apply theological wisdom to their training context Growing leaders who are seeking to balance leadership in ministry with personal development, making use of sustainable patterns of delegation and teamwork Anglican ordinands are welcome to attend an interview as soon as they are recommended for a Bishops’ Advisory Panel, or whenever recommended to do so by their DDO. During this process candidates are encouraged to consider potential training contexts in discussion with their DDO. The Director of SBTC is available to assist these conversations. Following interview an offer of a place at SBTC may be made, conditional on confirming a training context. Anglican ordinands’ course fees are paid by the Central Fund for Ministerial Training. The local context normally provides a salary to cover time spent in ministry, and also contributes to half the costs of housing. Students also receive allowances from Ministry Division which are topped up by their sending diocese to the same levels as other ordinands nationwide. Financial arrangements are agreed for each context, but in most cases the local context provides £10,00014,000 per year. Extra grant funding is available towards these costs. Baptist ordinands can interview with St Barnabas either before or after their selection process at NBLC. Training with St Barnabas will be dependent on approval from the Co-Principals of NBLC and the identification of a suitable recognised Baptist training context. Baptist ordinands are responsible for arranging funding for training, in discussion with their local church and their regional association.
Independent Leadership Track Independent Leaders are welcome at St Barnabas Open Days to hear more, meet other students and interview with the Director. Offers will be made on the basis of interview and church leader recommendation. Fees for the ILT are set annually and payable either annually or termly. Fees include full Degree fees, breakfast and lunch on Mondays, all additional Monday training and access to Greek (optional). Bursaries towards fees may be available (please discuss with the Director).
Modular Students Students wishing to access Monday training or Saturday short modules should contact our team to book a place. Access to accredited components will be based on prior educational experience and suitability for further study.
Visit stbarnabastraining.org for details of the St Barnabas team and academic programme. Contact enquiries@stbarnabastraining.org for an application form or to make an enquiry.
St Barnabas Theological Centre Missional Training for the 21st Century
www.stbarnabastraining.org
St Barnabas Theological Centre St Thomas Crookes Campus Nairn Street, Sheffield S10 1UL
enquiries@stbarnabastraining.org Tel: +44(0)114 267 1090 +44(0)113 380 0832 www.stbarnabastraining.org
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