Ordination Training

Spiritus Theologial College offers part-time training for ordinands within the Church of England.  Ordination candidates are sponsored by their home diocese.  We would also be very open to training ordianads from other denominations.

 

We are committed to theological learning that is deeply rooted in local contexts.  We understand the church in the South West, and our training and formation prepares people for ministry in a variety of settings.  Students are able to continue working and belonging to their local church, while receiving an accredited high quality theological education and receiving formation within a community of worship, prayer and learning.

The taught commitment for each year is 7 study weekends, which take place at Marjon University, Plymouth and which, for ordinands, are residential, plus 7 online classes and 7 online formation sessions.

 

There is also a single 5 day residential week, which takes place either in Lent or just after Easter.  The focus of each residential week is:

 

Year A: Leadership and Mission

 

Year B: Pastoral / Funeral Ministry and Interfaith Issues

 

Year C: A bespoke programme

 

The programme normally leads to either the award of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (180 credits) with the option to continue studying towards either a DipHE or BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission as an independent student, or the award of a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (240 credit) with the option to continue studying towards the BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission as an independent student.  These awards are validated by Durham University through the Common Awards programme.

 

Students receive support from Spiritus staff, their Incumbent, and a Journal Tutor.

Our students have the opportunity to undertake two placements during training.  Ordinands undertake placements to the following pattern:

 

Year 1: Observation placement

 

Year 2: Extended placement.

Personal Tutor

The Personal Tutor is a member of the core Spiritus staff responsible for supporting and mentoring the student's formation.

 

Journal Tutor

Ordinands are allocated a Journal Tutor, who serves as critical friend to the student's personal and theological development, working with them on their learning journal.  The Journal Tutor is appointed by Spiritus in consultation with the candidate.  They are based in local communities and work independently of the core Spiritus staff.

 

Training Minister

The Training Minister is a key person in enabling the growth and development of the Ordinand's vocation.  They may have travelled a similar road in their past, and will almost certainly know the student already and will have supported them during the selection process.  The Training Minister can also offer the example of an ordained life, provide pastoral support to the student and any family, and share their skills and experience.

 

Spiritual Director

All Ordinands are strongly encouraged to have a Spiritual Director, or 'soul friend' to whom they can speak in absolute confidence about their life of prayer and journey of vocation, during their training and beyond.

Spiritus training for ordained ministry is available only to those who have been selected for training by the Church of England, or other denominational body.  Applications must therefore be made through your diocese, which will have a rigorous selection procedure involving a process of interviews and meetings, followed by a formal selection conference (or an equivalent process in other denominations).

 

Enquiries: if you are considering training for ordination, your home minister should be your first point of contact.  If this is not possible, you may contact your diocese.  

 

Diocese of Exeter:  Diocesan Website

 

Diocesan Director of Ordinands: Rev. Joel Love, joel.love@exeter.anglican.org

 

The Diocese of Exeter may also recommend that you complete the Foundations course.

 

Diocese of Truro:  Diocesan Website

 

Diocesan Director of Ordinands: Rev. Jane Vaughan-Wilson, jvwilson@truro.anglican.org

 

Fees: For Church of England Ordination candidates, the National Ministry Development Team of the Archbishops' Council cover all pre-ordination training fees, and provides a book grant and travel expenses.

 

'My experience of formation with Spiritus, firmly rooted in my home church, in work, in family, and in study, has been incredibly positive.  Each has informed the other, readying me and equiping me for twenty-first century ministry.'