The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund Investing in future Christian leaders and disciple-makers
WYCLIFFE HALL OXFORD
2 | THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND
Wycliffe Hall’s mission is to ensure that there’s a Christian witness and a Christian presence at the heart of Oxford and its world-leading university – and to make sure that we send that Christian witness out into the world through our students. REVD DR ANDREW ATHERSTONE
Tutor in History & Doctrine
THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND | 3
Help us to invest in future Christian leaders It is a joy to see the energy and enthusiasm that our students bring with them to Wycliffe. And it’s a joy to see the depth of mind and character they take with them as they leave to make a difference for the Kingdom throughout the world.
Excellent theological and ministerial training is invaluable, and we must continue to maintain our exceptional standards. Yet the financial cost of providing such training is high. Wycliffe has a rich Christian heritage but is not rich in the worldly sense: we have no endowments. So we are excited to be launching The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund. Every day I speak with students who are only here because of the financial help they received. As tuition fees rise, international students in particular are in need of help. The Fund will help us provide scholarships to those Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) students who need support. Please join us in your prayers and consider making a donation as we establish the Fund, so that we can continue to play a part in providing future Church leaders and disciple-makers. Inside these pages you will read about the CTS, about the impact that the course has had on our students, and the difference that financial assistance has made to them. With your support, we will be able to help many more. THE REVD DR MICHAEL LLOYD
Principal of Wycliffe Hall
4 | THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND
The Certificate in Theological Studies Every year, between 25 and 45 students come from all over the world to take our one-year Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) course. The course gives students a grounding in Christian ministry and theological study; it is practical as well as academic, and is an excellent framework for ministerial preparation.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE COURSE • Academic excellence in a strong Christian community • Bible-centred teaching, covering the core disciplines of theology, ministry and apologetics • Opportunity to take part in practical ministry such as prison visiting • Located in the internationally renowned city where Biblical translator and reformer John Wycliffe taught.
WHAT OUR ALUMNI GO ON TO DO…
Evangelism
Church leadership
Charities and international development
Further theological study
The CTS provides students with a theological foundation for their future ministry. The course gives them a grounding in the Bible, doctrine, church history, and Christian faith and ministry in the contemporary world. So when they leave Wycliffe, our students are equipped both for their future ministry and for their own academic and spiritual development beyond theological college.
Dr Benjamin Johnson CTS Course Director
THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND | 5
In their own words...
Here’s what some current and recent students have to say about the CTS. All of these students received scholarship help.
Andrew
Lizibeth
Jorge
Alistair
CTS 2015/16
now studying for an MA in Theological Studies in Canada
CTS 2015/16
now working for a Christian charity in London
‘The CTS really is more than a course – it is definitely a shaping experience that is moulding me in many ways. I hope to join an apologetics team in the Middle East, working to explain the Christian faith to people and engage with atheism and scepticism.’
‘I served in missions and ministry for 15 years, but my year at Wycliffe was one of the most influential in my life. The CTS scholarship was part of the miracle that got me there. It lit a new fire in my heart to use my mind, writing skills, and imagination to contribute to the renewal of the Christian intellect, and it was there that I felt God was leading me to pursue further academic work.’
‘The one-year commitment is perfect. It allows you to focus on topics of personal interest, while also providing access to a plethora of lectures throughout Oxford. It is my desire that having strengthened my knowledge and convictions, I will be able to share my faith with others more clearly.’
‘Wycliffe played an important role in my understanding of what it means to ‘do theology’ in a community. Debating how what we learned in lectures fits into a coherent Christian world view is something that I now try to stimulate at work and church. I also offer lunch-time talks at work in theology and apologetics. My time at Wycliffe is evident in my confidence to do this.’
6 | THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND
The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund
Wycliffe Hall is committed to enabling as many students as possible to train for ministry and to study theology in preparation for their future calling, whether that be the ordained ministry or lay ministry. We have been providing financial support over the years but, as educational fees rise, we now need your help to ensure that this support can continue. Typically, about a third of each year’s cohort comes from the USA, with a third from the UK and another third from other countries around the world. The international students face particularly high tuition fees to study here. We have set up a specific fund to issue scholarships for the CTS so that we can help those in greatest need – The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund.
OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE $250,000 EACH YEAR IN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT.
Can you help us? A ONE-TIME DONATION OF $5,000 OR MORE will pay for one named CTS Scholarship through The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund.
A REGULAR DONATION OF $250 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS will help towards funding a CTS Scholarship through The John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund.
We welcome donations of any amount, whether regular or one-time donations, and also of securities. In every case, your gift will provide scholarship assistance to a student with demonstrated financial need.
THE JOHN WYCLIFFE SCHOL ARSHIP FUND | 7
Please consider making a donation to the John Wycliffe Scholarship Fund Gifts of $5,000 and above will provide scholarships that can be named as a tribute to individuals or organisations; in memory of family members, friends or mentors; to recognise friends; or to acknowledge significant milestones in someone’s life such as graduations, anniversaries, and other significant achievements.
WHY I GIVE TO WYCLIFFE HALL...
Your gift will be directed to a qualified recipient who demonstrates the greatest financial need and academic promise. Tax-deductible donations and pledges can be paid by cash, check, credit card or securities. You may opt to charge the same amount to your credit card on a monthly basis or give monthly via direct debit from your checking or savings account. Friends of Wycliffe Hall is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation and we will provide acknowledgement letters with our Federal Tax ID number for all gifts. Talk with your financial advisors about the benefits of giving cash, securities or planned gifts to take full advantage of our 501(c)(3) charitable tax status. Please contact me, Stephanie Cocke, for assistance in making these types of gifts.
Stephanie Cocke US Coordinator Friends of Wycliffe Hall E: stephanie@friendsofwycliffehall.org T: +1 713.598.1526 www.friendsofwycliffehall.org
As part of Oxford University, Wycliffe Hall offers worldwide credibility to a culture that is prone to incredulity regarding faith in Christ. Since today’s academia teaches tomorrow’s leaders, Oxford is a pivotal place where Wycliffe Hall stands as a light on the hill. Stunned by the warmth of relationships, I’ve discovered Wycliffe Hall is no cold, ivory tower. Along with awardwinning academic excellence, vibrant faith flourishes with grace. I feel privileged to invest in the work of God’s Kingdom by giving to Wycliffe Hall situated in this unique spot. Students from around the globe – including the Middle East – seek ordination to invest in countless lives with exponential effect, embodying Oxford’s motto: ‘The Lord is my light.’
Susan Larson Author and donor
WYCLIFFE HALL
A Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
FRIENDS OF WYCLIFFE HALL (U.S.)
Matthew Armstrong E: development@wycliffe.ox.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1865 274212
Stephanie Cocke E: stephanie@friendsofwycliffehall.org T: + 1 713.598.1526