The Need
Churches thrive when those in them are thrilled by the Lord, want to serve others and are equipped to do so. People are converted and grow as God’s Word is let loose in the power of the Spirit in youth groups, old people’s groups, homegroups, sermons and informal conversation. The South Central Ministry Training Course seeks to serve churches in providing training to this end.
The Course
Since 2005, the Ministry Training Course has been running on Tuesdays at St Ebbe’s Church in Oxford. Our aim is that each week will cause those attending to have a greater view of the Lord, a fresh desire to serve Him and be equipped to pass on God’s Word to others.
After beginning the day in prayer and song, the elements of the course are as follows:
- Bible Expositions. Different church leaders from the region open up six books of the Bible.
- Doctrine and Practical Ministry. Across the year we will study and apply two big doctrines, consider principles for Bible teaching, look at foundations for ministry, reflect on pastoral and contemporary issues as well as hearing wisdom from those serving in different contexts.
- Workshops. Students give talks or lead Bible Studies in small groups and receive feedback. The groups also provide the heart of the community life of the course.
- Bible Overview. A year long course exploring how the Bible fits together.
Those staying for a second year will have the opportunity to explore different aspects of pastoral work, Biblical theology and church history.
The course is one day per week (Tuesdays 10:15 – 3:45); running for three x 10-week terms (starting mid-September). Current and upcoming term dates can be found here.
ways to study
- In person. Attend MTC in Oxford on a Tuesday. The more ‘lecture’ sessions will be all together in St Ebbe’s main church building, and your small group will meet in one of the adjoining rooms from 1:30-2:30pm. This is an accessible space with accessible toilet facilities. Should you require further assistance to access the course please let us know in your application form or by contacting us.
- Online. This may be an option for a limited number. For the ‘lecture’ sessions you are welcome either to join live on Tuesdays in a Zoom meeting (giving the option to interact with others in breakout rooms and ask questions) or to watch video recordings of the sessions in your own time. We are hoping to provide workshop groups on a Tuesday afternoon.
The Participants
MTC draws around 60 students each year from around 20 different churches. The course is open to men and women of evangelical convictions of all ages who want to grow in their faith and minister God’s Word to others.
It is ideal for church workers and ‘apprentices’ but we are also thrilled to welcome those from different stages in life who want to grow in their faith and learn how to pass the Bible on to others.
One of the strengths of the course is that we come from different evangelical churches, giving us the opportunity to learn from each other, celebrate our unity in Gospel essentials and learn to engage charitably on secondary matters.
Fees
Students are asked to pay £220 per term for the course. Fees are due on the first day of each term. If you are a Church Worker, your church may be willing to pay all or part of this fee.
The fees we charge do not fully cover all the costs of MTC, so if you would like to support the work, you can find out how to do so here.
In addition, we provide bursaries to those who would love to do the course but would be prevented from doing so by cost. Please mention this in your application form if this is the case.
What is the course like?
Here are several MTC students talking about their highlights from the past year:
Next Steps
Complete the application form for 2024-25.
Andy Robinson
Ministry Training Course Director
Term Dates
View current and upcoming term dates here
Contact us
Please do be in touch if you have any questions about MTC
Programme
Download the Summer 2024 programme (PDF)