Our OLM Scheme aims

·        To provide a programme of basic Christian theology for mixed ability learners and for integrated ministry preparation, together with further theological study as appropriate.

·        To integrate theology, practice and faith development for those training for the ordained local ministry within the Church of England

·        To inculcate the valuing of life-long learning and reflective practice in the ordinand

·        To foster an approach to parish development as mission and deepening of discipleship 

The educational programme

The four main elements of the Scheme are:

A rolling programme of courses

• The ordinands' programme
• A parish/benefice development programme (all OLM parishes are expected to have Ministry Leadership Teams, (Servant Leader Teams) of which the OLM will be part).
• The building of two portfolios, one by the ordinand and one by the parish/benefice.  These are assessed to show the learning and development that has taken place.

Rolling Programme

            The Rolling Programme is organised by the Training Co-ordinating Team (TCT) which is part of the Training and Portfolio Team (TAP) within the Board for Stewardship, Training, Evangelism and Ministry (STEM).

            The taught courses of our Rolling Programme are open to anyone, and in particular, they help to provide evidence towards those gifts and competencies which are mandatory for anyone training for licensed lay ministry (Reader) as well as for the ordained local ministry.  They focus on academic learning related to practice and to local context, and are delivered across the diocese, in local centres, at Higher Education levels 1 and 2.

            In addition, the Rolling Programme contains a number of courses which are useful for those who need training for a range of lay ministries, for example as a lay evangelist, a lay pastoral minister, a children's or youth worker. 

            The Rolling Programme, followed by all OLM ordinands who are doing the Foundation Degree track, takes place over three years and is delivered on mid week evenings during term time.  Teaching is done by STEM staff, Ripon College Cuddesdon staff, SAOMC staff and suitably qualified laity and clergy within the diocese, from other Oxford theological colleges and from the Department of Theology in Oxford University. Some OLM ordinands follow other tracks leading to Postgraduate Diploma, BA etc. In some circumstances, the bishop may decide that an OLM candidate may study on a shorter course, or train for 2 years or less. 

The Ordinands’ Programme

In year 1                  An induction weekend at the beginning of training (usually held in July), a 24-hour retreat, and a weekend at the end of the first year in the summer term, shared with all years.

In year 2                  A 24-hour retreat and a weekend at the end of the second year in the summer term, shared with all years

In year 3                  Five weekends, the last of which is shared with all years.

In year 2                  A ministry placement, offering ordinands a different experience in a church of a different tradition from their home church(es).

In addition:

• Termly tutorials for 1^st and 2^nd year students
• One day a term working together on aspects of ministerial formation and leadership
• Meetings twice a year for OLM ordinands and their incumbents
• A study weekend in May each year for selected students

The teaching of this programme covers a number of the Foundation Degree modules not previously covered in the Rolling Programme. It seeks to build developmentally on the Rolling Programme. 

Support

• Ordinands are required to have a spiritual director.
• The incumbent acts as supervisor for practical aspects of ministry. The parish/benefice is considered to be a major ministerial placement.
• Each ordinand is allocated a Mentor to help them build their Portfolio. The Mentor does the first assessment (marking) of the learning demonstrated in the Portfolio.
• Ordinands are encouraged to build a support group around them in the parish.  In some cases, this may be the Servant Leader Team or other ministry team.
• Ordinands are further encouraged to network with each other, by email and phone.  Time is programmed for mutual prayer and support on tutorial days and at residentials.

 Parish development programme and parish portfolio.

• Part of the selection process involves work done on collaborative ministry and parish/benefice development in the candidate’s home parish/benefice.
• During the time of training, the parish/benefice is required to provide evidence of further development and to build a portfolio to show this (see accompanying document).
• Parishes/benefices may wish to contact the Principal for help with specific training needs, or they may seek the advice of the appropriate Archdeaconry Parish Development Adviser.

The Principal of the Oxford Diocesan OLM Scheme is the Revd. Beren Hartless MA, B.Sc.