Schooling in faith: Oxford’s theological colleges look to the future

As society changes so do the demands and expectations placed on our clergy. Yet the Diocese of Oxford still boasts a higher than average number of ordinands each year. Sally Jarman looks at the ministry courses available in the diocese and asks the colleges how training has evolved to ensure that ordinands are still prepared and equipped for their role in the community.

Bishop Colin writes: A few weeks ago I had the privilege of leading the annual Quiet Day for our Ministry Course.  What struck me immediately was the huge variety of people there. Different ages, genders, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, churchmanships, jobs and life experiences – yet all with a common desire to serve Christ. Most of them have had a particular calling to express that in ordained ministry and one of the things currently exciting me most as a bishop is the sheer quality – as human beings and as Christians – of those coming forward for ordination. It is always difficult to judge but I think they are every bit as good, and in some respects rather better, than when I started training thirty-five years ago.

So what are we to make of it? And what is God doing through this process? Certainly the task of the clergy – both Stipendiary and Non-Stipendiary – is even more demanding than it was in the 1970’s. As the number of stipendiary priests continues to fall the requirement to work collaboratively is a necessity, not an option. Spiritually the challenges are very great as we encounter many people who want some sort of spiritual reality but do not automatically look to the Church to provide it. Perhaps it is that facing such challenges requires special people to be the clergy to help inspire the Church to meet them. Let us thank God that he seems to be providing just that.