The Ministry Training Course
MTC 2020-21 Notice
In light of government guidelines on public gatherings and Covid-19, the MTC is currently running online via Zoom, at least until February half-term 2021. We will monitor the latest guidance from the authorities as it is updated, and intend to return to teaching the course in person at St Barts as soon as this is permitted in a practical way. However, when this does become possible, the course will also continue to be delivered online for students not able to attend in person.
Who's it for?
The South West Gospel Partnership (SWGP) Ministry Training Course is a one-day-a-week course for those who want to understand the Bible better and be equipped to teach it to others.
The course runs every Thursday, from 9.30am to 3.30pm at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Bath for 3 ten week terms.
There is an optional second year which builds on what is learnt in the first year.
It is ideal for church workers and apprentices, preachers, gap-year students, youth and children's workers, home group leaders, women's workers and those in student ministry, indeed any who are actively involved in teaching the Bible and desire to be better equipped. It is not restricted to those in paid Christian work, but is also suitable for those in retirement or who are able to take a day out from work on a Thursday.
Structure
Each week is divided into four main one hour sessions (with an optional extra at the end of the day):
Bible Overview
Looking at how God's Word fits together from Genesis to Revelation. We study a different biblical book each week and students are encouraged to prepare by reading through the book beforehand.
Expositions
In-depth study of 6 Bible books from different genres, showing how to teach and apply them in the 21st century. In 2020-21 we are focusing on Genesis 1-11, Matthew, Revelation, Hebrews, Isaiah & Job.
Gospel Ministry
Practical training from a range of experienced pastors and Bible teachers. Subjects include Christian leadership, Discipling, Personal Evangelism, Postmodernism, Islam and Apologetics.
Workshops
A chance to gain experience in giving talks and leading Bible studies with feedback from ministers and preachers. After preparing passages in the first term, students practise giving talks or leading Bible studies in a group setting.
Hebrew (optional)
We learn Biblical Hebrew in an accessible and fun way - learning key words, basic grammar, memorising Bible verses and using songs.
We also have our British Museum Trip, as we spend a day seeing how archaeology supports the Bible and gives insight into the background of biblical events.
A typical day looks like this:
| 09.25-09.50 |
Fellowship Groups (Optional) |
| 09:50-10:00 | Prayer and praise |
| 10:00-11:05 | Bible Overview |
| 11.05-11.20 | Coffee |
| 11:20-12:30 | Expositions |
| 12:30-1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15-2:15 | Gospel Ministry |
| 2.15-2.30 | Coffee |
| 2:30-3:30 | Workshops |
| 3:35-4:20 | Hebrew (optional) |
Speakers
Charlie Ward is the course director. He studied at Oak Hill College before becoming Assistant Minister at St Bart's in Bath in 2006. He teaches the Bible Overview, Church History and a range of other subjects on the course.
Speakers who teach on the course include:
- Paul Mallard (Widcombe Baptist, Bath) - Amos, Acts, Doctrine of Scripture, Revelation, Workshops;
- Rupert Bentley-Taylor (Bath) - Isaiah, Judges
- Spencer Shaw (Emmanuel Evangelical, Chippenham) - Exodus, Hebrews
- Ian Lewis (St Bart’s, Bath) - Ephesians, Genesis 1-11, Postmodernism, Principles of Exposition
- Ed Moll (St George’s, Wembdon) - Preparing & Leading Group Bible Studies, How the Bible came to be, How to give a Bible Talk
- Doug Johnson (Yeovil) - Job, Joshua
- Ad Taylor-Weekes (Emmanuel, Bath) Reading the Bible 1-1, Workshops
- Mike Cain (Emmanuel, Bristol) - Prayer & Ministry
- Ed Shaw (Emmanuel, Bristol) - Same Sex Attraction
- Neil Todman (Headley Park, Bristol) - Church-planting, 1 Corinthians
- Michael Paton (Chippenham) - Islam
- Jem Hovil (St Bart's, Bath) - World Mission Matters
Term Dates
Term Dates 2020 -21
Autumn Term 2020 24 Sep - 3 Dec (Half-term 29 Oct)
Spring Term 2021 14 Jan - 25 March (Half-term 18 Feb)
Summer Term 2021 29 April - 15 July (Half-term 3 June)
Please note that there will be no MTC on 24th June 2021
'Taster' Day
If you are interested in finding out more about the Ministry Training Course, we hold a Taster Day each year. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to attend 3 sessions of a 'typical' day on the course.
To book a place, please contact the Course Administrator, Jane Clark: [email protected]
