Training for ministry in the diocese, for ordained and lay people, has been recognised and affirmed by the Church of England which carried out a periodic external review (PER) recently.
Oxford Local Ministry Training is part of the South Central Theological Education Institution (SCTEI) which also includes Guildford Local Ministry Programme and Winchester School of Mission. A PER is conducted by the Church of England to assess the quality of theological training. The reviewers can choose from three overall assessment grades, confidence, confidence with qualifications and no confidence.
The overall outcome for SCTEI was ‘confidence’ with commendations and a number of recommendations, none of which question the generally high standards found in the review. This means aspects of an institution’s life which show good or best practice.
The report commended SCTEI for ‘effective operation in being collaborative, sharing insights, good practice and enthusiastic vision’.
Phil Cooke, Dean of Lay Ministry, said: “We are delighted with the affirmation and encouragements of this external review. Walking alongside those who have discerned the next step in their faith journey to be stepping into ministry is a great privilege. It is vital that the resources and training we provide meets their needs and makes that journey as smooth as possible.”
Referring to the training offered in Oxford in particular, the report commended our ‘impressive candidates for licensed lay ministry (LLM) who are well-equipped, highly motivated and appreciative of their training’. It also recognised the ‘imaginative and energetic way in which the Oxford staff team have implemented new provisions and courses for discipleship and licensed lay ministry’.
Bishop Gavin added: “Congratulations to the whole SCTEI team who, I know, work tirelessly to ensure those on the ministerial pathway have the best support.”
Oxford Local Ministry Training includes training for lay and ordained ministry and forms part of the host of training courses and discipleship resources available on the Learning Hub.