Stephen Skuce reminds us that we all have more to learn…

Local Preachers come in all shapes and sizes and educational backgrounds. Some finish their theological study when accredited, others are keen to develop further.  One opportunity is at Cliff College where accredited local preachers are able to enrol for postgraduate certificate courses that can lead to an MA in three years of part-time study. Four Local Preachers tell their story of further study…

Who are you?

John Wilkins:
‘I started training as a local preacher in the Wembley and Golders Green Circuit and, since 1980, I’ve been in the Ecclesall Circuit in Sheffield.  After early retirement from the Civil Service in 2005 I had a little more time to study and enrolled for Cliff’s MA in Leadership, Renewal and Ministry.’

Dave Rerfern:
‘I belong to the Bedford South and Ampthill Circuit and was accredited in 1983.  I’m a recent returnee to Methodism having been in the new church movement for the past twelve years.’

Gladys Jose:
‘I’m a farmer and part of the Week St Mary circuit in Cornwall. I was accredited in 2005.’

Chris Stephens:
‘I’m a lay worker in the Middlesborough and Eston Circuit and was accredited in 1997.’
As a Local Preacher why study mission?

Dave: ‘Our chapel has undergone spiritual renewal and growth in the past 5 years.  I long to see the growth continue and deepen and to explore the reasons for this to see if they can be translated to other chapels.’

John: ‘It has opened up to me so much current Christian thinking.  For years I’ve been so busy with work, family and Brents Green church that I’ve not been able to keep in touch with what’s happening elsewhere.’

Has your further study helped your role as a Local Preacher?

John: ‘In one lecture alone I noted six sermon ideas!’

Gladys: ‘Immensely.  The MA has taught me a vast amount about the church and how to communicate the gospel in the 21st century.  It has taught me to question what we do and ask, “Are we fulfilling God’s mission?”.’

Dave: ‘Undoubtedly.  I have renewed confidence in my theological foundations and especially in what it means to be a Methodist.’

Chris: ‘The course has fed me in a way I have not experienced for some time, enabled me to engage with issues in mission and broaden my preaching,’

Has your further study helped you as a Christian?

Gladys: ‘Most definitely, I now have a very real personal relationship with the living Christ.’

Chris: ‘It has helped me refine God’s particular calling on my life.’

Dave: ‘The study weeks have been a great blessing.  Meeting with other Christians (lay and ordained) from a wide range of church backgrounds has deepened my understanding of other traditions.  During our times of worship, prayer and breaking of bread we have encountered God’s love and power afresh.’

Do you recommend further study to other preachers?

Dave: ‘My wife and I run our own business and have three children.  The modular nature of the programme means that your study can be very flexible and grow as confidence builds or you have more time available.  I originally enrolled for the certificate, soon extended this to the MA and am now seriously considering the proposed Doctorate in Ministry!’

John: ‘My study has opened my eyes to all sorts of exciting things that God is doing in the 21st century.  I would definitely recommend this to other preachers.’

Chris: ‘I am finding the course really useful – to my surprise I am enjoying the challenge and strongly recommend it to others.’

Since September 2006 Cliff College has been able to enrol accredited local preachers, who do not have a first degree, onto any of its three postgraduate courses (‘Mission and Evangelism’, ‘Leadership, Renewal and Mission’ and ‘Emerging Church’).  There are a number of undergraduate courses on a wide range of areas related to mission also available.

For further details please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.cliffcollege.org or
Tel 01246 584200.

Stephen Skuce is Postgraduate Tutor at Cliff College