FORMATION PROGRAMME
Through the formation programme (Ordination track), SPTC students can combine their theological studies with robust, practical training and workshops on all aspects of ministry and leadership, along with small group mentoring and supervision. Each student also serves in some way within their local church, whether full-time or in a volunteer capacity.
Alongside our degree programme, this provides a recognised form of preparation for lay and ordained leadership in a number of church denominations. But it is designed with everyone in mind, providing a way for all students to grow in the skills of preaching, pastoral care, leading teams, sharing faith, facilitating groups and doing ministry.
The teaching on this programme is provided by a wealth of experienced practitioners from HTBB, the wider Alpha Hub family and beyond. Alongside the courses, SPTC provides one-to-one and group support to each candidate, and works with placement churches to facilitate ministry opportunities and review learning, so that students can continue to serve where God has called them to be.
THE FIVE C’S
The formation programme helps students to grow in five overlapping areas, laying foundations for a lifetime of ministry:
Calling
Growing in the sense of who God has made us to be, what he has called us to do, and the transformative relationship with God sustains both.
Focus Areas: Hearing God’s Voice, Humility, Identity, Presence, Purpose.
Character
Growing in love, holiness, self-awareness and integrity in the likeness of Christ.
Focus Areas: Trust, Strength, Courage, Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Resilience, Moral Courage, Character Awareness, Humility, Being at Peace with One's Self, Biblical Exegesis and Character Study.
Competence
Growing in skills and competencies necessary for effective service and leadership.
Focus Areas: Decision Making, Constructive Feedback, Delegation, Management of Others, Managing Expectations, Ability to Influence, Ability to Present Confidently, Conflict Resolution, Forming Vision, Turning Vision into Action, Communication.
Charismata
Growing in our giftings, and in a sensitive and fruitful exercise of our gifts ministry in the Spirit, for the building up of the church.
Focus Areas: Spiritual Intelligence, Walking in the Power of God, Personal Discipline, Gifts of the Spirit, Biblical Overview, Ministry, Prophecy.
Chemistry
Growing in relational, emotional and cultural intelligence, and in the skills necessary to lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Focus Areas: Relational and Emotional Intelligence, Understanding Others, Empathy, Soft Skills, Increasing Your Leadership Impact.
Example Formation Sessions:
YEAR 1
Expectations in Formation
Rule of Life
Teach Others to Preach Level 1 (Series)
Self & Others: Leadership (Series)
Pastoring through Content
Distinctives in Christian Leadership
Character Death Star
Prayer Ministry Training
Pastoral Care Introduction
Switch How Things Change
YEAR 2
Teach Others to Preach Level 2 (Series)
Lead Like Jesus
Chaplaincy
Inside Alpha
Why Evangelism?
Women in Worship
Discernment & Accountability of Calling to Christian Ministry
Stakeholder Management
Why Worship is Central
Connect Groups
YEAR 3
Teach Others to Preach Level 3 (Series)
Life of David (Series)
Digital Church
Pastoral Care for Youth
Baptisms & Confirmation Services
Holy Communion
Funeral Services
Wedding Services
Trauma
Social Action
Sustaining Vision