Our Vision

From 1st September 2025, SWMTC has a new name: Spiritus Theological College

As a Theological Education Institution, the South West Ministry Training Course (SWMTC) has served the church, the people and the communities of Devon and Cornwall for nearly 50 years.  We have trained clergy and lay people in theology and prepared them for ministry within different settings in the Church of England and in other Christian denominations.  This rich ecumenical tapestry continues to shape our understanding of ministry and mission today.

 

We seek to respond to the challenges of each new generation, and to the renewal that God might be calling us to, and in doing so we have recognised the need for a new name that will take us forward for the next 50 years.  We have chosen 'Spiritus' because it resonates with so much of who we are, what we aspire to be and with who the Holy Spirit it.

 

The Holy Spirit is the creative and renewing power in the universe.  It animates, bringing things to life.  It anoints and fills us up with God's presence.  In terms of learning and ministry, the Holy Spirit is the source of inspiration, teaching us about who Jesus is and empowering us to fulfill our callings.  The Spirit indwells, is closer to us than our very breath and accompanies us in life's ups and downs.  The Holy Spirit comforts us and yet also challenges us towards ever more transformation.  The Holy Spirit also connects us in community, including the Spiritus community, and shows us how to be the church in the world.

 

As Spiritus, we continue to be a faithful community of rich learning and deep formation.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, individually and collectively.  We focus on training for practical, lifegiving and hopeful ministry.  We remain rooted in theology and in the real lives of communities, churches, and organisations of the South-West.  We are excited about what the future holds and hope you will continue to support us in this next stage of our journey as Spiritus, as we continue, under guidance of the Holy Spirit, to live out our values of adventurous faith, missional hope and grounded love.

 

May the Spirit of Christ be with you