Till Christ be Formed in You
The Pastoral Studies curriculum at the College covers a wide range of subjects – from ministry in schools and safeguarding to group dynamics and financial planning.
Effective communication is key to the task of the ordained, and the College provides training in voice, communications studies, listening skills, missiology and homiletics. Most weeks in term, there are two student sermons in College, and in addition students preach regularly on placements, with feedback and reflection afterwards both in Preaching Reflection Groups and one-to-one with a member of tutorial staff.
The College is an international centre of excellence in liturgical research, formation and teaching, and students have the opportunity to gain from those at the cutting edge of liturgical studies in both the College and the Mirfield Liturgical Institute. In College, theoretical classes in liturgy and sacramental theology are enhanced by reflective practice supported by liturgical journaling.
Another important part of the Pastoral Studies curriculum concentrates on Anglican identity, considering the wide diversity of traditions which have formed the Church of England and the Anglican Communion that we have today.
In the final year of study before Ordination to the Diaconate, all students at the College take a not-for-credit Pastoral Studies module entitled Till Christ be Formed in You. The module brings together a number of topics in pastoral and doctrinal theology, as well as a range of practical issues with which ordinands need to have some familiarity as they begin parochial ministry. The module is led by the Principal and taught by a team of experts from within and outside the tutorial staff.
Topics covered this year include:
- Canon Law and the parish clergy
- Keeping registers and interacting with the Diocese
- Financial planning for clergy
- The role of the Church Commissioners
- Relationships in the parish
- Communications in the parish
- Relationships between parish and school
- Pastoral use of the Sacraments
- Monastic community and the common life of the parish
- The relationship between Christ’s ministry and ours
- The ministry of the baptized
- Diaconal and presbyteral ministry
- Discerning gifts within ministry
- Sustaining self in ministry