Our Story

Spiritus, formerly called SWMTC (South West Ministry Training Course), was formed in the late 1970s, originally as a diocesan ministerial formation course for those entering part-time non-stipendiary ministry.  We began training Methodist students in the 1980s.  As a national training landscape we continued to evolve in the 1990s and also accepted students training for stipendiary full-time ministry in the Church of England and the Methodist Church, as well as partnering with the United Reformed Church (URC) to train their candidates for ministry.

 

As a result of changing priorities for both the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church in the years leading up to 2012, Spiritus then became an Anglican course, serving the Dioceses of Exeter, Truro, and Bath and Wells, although we maintain strong relationships with other denominations.  In the past we have trained students froom denominations as diverse as the Russian Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and the Baptist Union.  This rich ecumenical tapestry continues to shape our understanding of ministry and mission today.

 

Since 2019, SWMTC and now Spiritus, has trained Anglican Ordinands and Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) together, alongside independent students.  Together we follow a curriculum based on The Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Magnificat.  We offer Durham University validated courses to Foundation, Certificate, Diploma, BA (Hons) and MA level through the Common Awards programme.

 

In September 2024, SWMTC branched out to offer courses in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Direction, and then in September 2025 we began to offer an MA for the first time, as well as a series of short introductory courses called Brilliant Basics.  At the same time, on the 1st of September 2025 SWMTC rebranded from a body that 'only' puts on courses to one that blesses the church in other ways, such as through specialist hubs so that we continue to be a faithful commuity of rich learning and deep formation, that focusses on training for practical, lifegiving and hopeful ministry.  We are rooted in the real lives of communities, churches, and organisations of the South-West.  

 

Over the next few years, we hope to develoop Hubs for chaplaincy, for eco-theology, and one which enables communities to practice for different ministries, with pastoral/reflective supervision at its core.  Each Hub will be different, but will relate to each other, and we wish to be open to the Holy Spirit in their develoopment.  These Hubs represent a new stage in the life and history of Spiritus and their success is something both the staff and trustees endores.