AboutWEMTC

About WEMTC!

WEMTC (the West of England Ministerial Training Course) is an ecumenical and regional training scheme with centres in Bristol, Cheltenham and Ludlow. It is part of a network of regional courses that train people for a variety of Christian ministries.
Our main services are

A University level course in theology open to all
Ordination training for selected Church of England ordinands and Methodist student ministers
Reader Training for selected Readers in the diocese of Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester and Bristol
Foundation Training for Selected Methodist Foundation Students

We offer

Regional training for lay and ordained ministry
A recognised University Award in Christian theology and ministry validated by the Univerisity of Gloucestershire
Weekly sessions facilitated by a qualified expert
Sessions on Tuesday nights at Bristol, Wednesday nights at Ludlow, Thursday nights at Cheltenham
training accessible to those working full time or with family commitments
Flexible training tracks taking account of prior experience
An interactive community worshipping, learning and growing together week by week
A supportive, challenging and fun learning environment
A chance to reflect on mission and ministry in your day by day life
Access to well stocked libraries

To discover more about our services follow the links below.

Ordination Training

WEMTC was established to offer regional training for those sponsored for ordained ministry by the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church in the west of England. This is still our main role. Church of England ordinands normally train with us for three years and gain a Diploma in Christian Theology and Ministry awarded by the University of Gloucestershire. Methodist ordinands who have completed a Foundation Training Certificate normally study with us for two years and also gain the Diploma. In some cases, the Church decides that a lesser period of training is required, in which case students may gain our Certificate. If you are in the process of selection (or have been selected) please click here to request more information or click here for the WEMTC ordination page

Reader Training

Most Church of England Readers in the Dioceses of Gloucester and Hereford and some from Worscester and Bristol train with WEMTC on a three year course gaining a Certificate in Christian Theology and Ministry. Readers in training must first be selected through the Readers Board. If you are in the process of selection (or have been selected) please click here to request more information or click here for the Reader Ministry page

Methodist Foundation Training

Foundation Training is a two-year part-time vocational discernment course for those interested in service with the Methodist church. It is an opportunity to explore your calling and vocation while doing some foundational theological study. It is a prerequisite for applications to the presbyterial or diaconal ministries. Applications for Foundation Training must be made to the District via your minister and involve a selection procedure. If you are in the process of selection (or have been selected) please click here to request more information or click here for the Foundation Training page

Certificate in Christian Theology and Ministry

Our evening courses at Bristol, Cheltenham and Ludlow are open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of the Bible, the Christian faith and the life of the church from a Christian perspective. If you live in the area and would like to study the Christian faith in more academic depth then please click here to request more information or click here to read the Christian Studies page

Exploring Christian Vocation

If the sound of such training interests you and you feel God is calling you to a new depth of service but are not quite sure what that means (ordination, readership or serving God better in your current workplace) then we recommend going on a Vocations Discernment course. There are many of these offered nationally and your minister will be able to help you find details. Alternatively Anglicans can contact their Diocesan Director of Ordinands through Church House. Gloucester Diocese offers an evening Exploring Christian Vocation Course and Trinity College in Bristol offers a Vocations Weekend.

some former students

What our students say:

"... a dynamic way to train for ministry"
"... a true sense of community and fellowship"
"...the course was well taught and gave me lots to think about"
"...WEMTC really helped me link theory to practice"
"...it was wonderful to be able to try things out in a safe environment"

To get a feel for current student life try our WEMTC Student Homepages.

Click here to read a welcome message from the Principal

For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...
Romans 12:4-6

WEMTC, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, England Ph +44-1242-714857 Fax +44-1242-714641

Email to office (at) wemtc.org.uk Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm

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