Ordination Training

Introduction

If you are a current ordinand in training with WEMTC then have a look at the Ordinand Home Page for information of particular relevance to you.

As a regional training course, ordinands come to us from the local area in consultation with their sending Churches. The length of time on the course will depend upon the ministry to be exercised, but the majority of ordinands spend three years with WEMTC.

Our ordination training, as a vocational training, is only open to those who have been sponsored by their respective churches. However our evening lectures and some Saturday sessions are open to all. Those interested in general theological training should consider Independent Study. Those interested in ordained ministry should first contact their local minister. Attendance at one of our regular Vocations Courses may help you discern God's calling in this area.

Ordination Students

Most of our students hold down secular jobs and are active within their local churches. This gives rich opportunities for theological reflection on the links between church and society and provides a fascinating and diverse student body. Our student body has an average age of 45, and ordinands range in age from 30 to 60years old, this too brings added resources for cross-generational discussions. At WEMTC prior learning and experience is greatly valued and there are opportunities to learn from each other as well as from staff. The Ecumenical mix is also a valued and essential part of the learning experience that makes up WEMTC. However part-time study is demanding and WEMTC ordinands are expected to devote approximately 15 hours per week to their studies. That so many students find this time and work hard at their training is a tribute to the quality of our future ministers and to the support that they receive from families and friends.

Our Ordination Course

The Diploma Course consists of:

• 9 Taught Modules (3 taught modules per year)
  Each module has 20 sessions and is taught one evening a week during term time.
• 18 Residential Modules (6 weekends per year) Some subjects are allocated to weekend training sessions lasting from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime.
• 3 placements Each year students undertake a practical placement in a church or secular setting.
• Competence Portfolio Students also need to show that they are growing in competence in ministerial skills and undertake various practical activities.
• Formation and Spiritual Growth And last but certainly not least students need to be growing and developing spiritually, this involves keeping a learning journal, meeting regularly with others and maintaining your own prayer life.

Accelerated Courses

More normally an ordinand with previous experience will still do three years with WEMTC. If they can demonstrate that they have covered the material of our first year, level one modules then they will be granted APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) for these subjects. This enables them to proceed straight to level two modules in their first year. Usually they will become part of the second year community and an integral part of the WEMTC course for the first two years. In their third year a tailor made course is devised using resources from the churches and the other theological training bodies in our area.

Methodist Ordination Course

Methodist student ministers usually come to WEMTC having already completed a Level One Foundation Certificate. This will normally entitle them to APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)and they will proceed directly to level two modules and the second year of the The Diploma Ordination Course with the Anglican Ordinands. It is usually possible by this route to gain the Diploma at the end of the Course.

Where do classes take place?

• Tuesday evening - Wesley College, Henbury Road, Bristol (in conjunction with the Wesley College programme)
• Wednesday evening - Bishop Mascall Centre, Lower Galdeford Rd, Ludlow
• Thursday evening - Park Campus, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham