For many years the South Central Ministry Training Course has been equipping people from churches across the region to serve within their fellowships and beyond. But, given it takes place daytime on a Tuesday, we’ve been aware that many people could not access it. So in October 2024 we started the Saturday Ministry Training Course, meeting nine times a year on a Saturday morning at St. Ebbe’s in central Oxford. The full course lasts for three years but people are free to join for a year and start at any point.
Who is it for?
Everybody is welcome but it will be aimed at those involved in volunteer ministry within church (e.g. youth leaders, small group leaders, elders, occasional preachers), those who may want to serve in this way in the future and those who are wanting to mature in their faith. Our aim is to know and delight in God more and be equipped to serve others, inside and outside the church.
What will be happening?
The core of the morning will happen from 10.00am-12.30pm with two main sessions. Our aim is to study the whole of the New Testament and apply it to our own lives and ministry. We’ll also do a series looking at the Doctrine of the Cross, have open days on prayer and the church as well as various one off sessions.
The programme is as follows:
3rd October | The Gospels | The Gospels | ||
7th November | Acts | Considering the Cross | ||
28th November | Romans | The Doctrine of the Cross | ||
9th January | Reflecting on the Church | Reflecting on the Church | ||
6th February | 2 Corinthians | Cross-Shaped Lives | ||
6th March | NT letters: The Skewed Gospel | Time and Busyness | ||
24th April | A Morning on Prayer | A Morning on Prayer | ||
22nd May | NT letters: The Christian Life | A Passion for Mission: Life of Hudson Taylor | ||
19th June | Hebrews | Revelation | ||
3rd October, 9th January and 24th April are designed as open mornings to give people a chance to get a taste of the course.
For those who want practice in giving talks (and possibly leading Bible Studies) we are aiming at providing an optional workshop group either from 8.45-9.45am or 12.45-1.45pm, depending on numbers.
The bulk of the course will be taught by Andy Robinson, Director of Training for South Central Gospel Partnership.
Additionally, we will provide access to the recordings of the Tuesday MTC.
What does it cost?
Fees will be £200 for each year. There are bursaries available for those for whom the cost would be prohibitive. Please just mention this when applying.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying, please get in touch with the SCGP Administrator, Maddie Furlong at partnership@scgp.org.uk
What are the dates?
The course will meet on the following Saturdays in 2026/27: 3rd October, 7th November, 28th November, 9th January, 6th February, 6th March, 24th April, 22nd May, 19th June. These have been timed to avoid school holidays. If you miss sessions, you should be able to catch up on an equivalent session from the Tuesday MTC.