News from Training Institutions
From 26th January 2008, AOCM Conference
Wilson Carlile (Church Army)
The Church Army are running a pilot training scheme in 2008 whereby candidates learn alongside an experienced evangelist as they study, moving away from the model of residential training.
The students are sad that their new director of training has left, seemingly by mutual consent and in a spirit of honesty, openness and love. They are confidence that it will not overly disrupt the running of the college.
Wycliffe Hall
New students and staff have settled well. Some ongoing students are experiencing disruption and pain as a result of last year’s changes. Spirit in the college is fairly good, and press reports are generally inaccurate.
LCTP (formerly CBDTI)
Now accredited by the University of Cumbria, hence all the courses needing to be revalidated. Family day trips and weekends are being arranged to increase the involvement of partners of students.
St John’s
Two new staff members. There have been some illnesses, but mostly improved. A family member of a new member of staff has recently been involved in a serious car accident.
Large intakes, leading to stress on space and other resources in the college. Pray for grace in a crowded environment.
Guildford OLM
The course runs alongside the Reader scheme and has experienced huge growth recently. Validation by Bangor is ending, and they are hoping for alternative accreditation. There is an active, self-organised social life.
Ridley Hall
Things are good. The Simeon Centre for Prayer and Spirituality has started and is going very well. The principal needs to improve his cycling skills. Due to large numbers, college feels a little cramped - with portacabins used for offices. Generally a good feeling.
College of the Resurrection, Mirfield
Still going well. Mirfield is now involved in a major regional training partnership - the Yorkshire Ministry Course.
St Stephen’s House
College is full to the brim. There is anxiety about new government proposals over the funding of degrees.
Oak Hill College
The college is continuing well and has suffered no disruption during the change of principal in the summer. The growth in the biblical languages department is particularly exciting as the next generation of ministers are being equipped to handle God’s word faithfully.