The Ministry Council has awarded its highest accolade of ‘Confidence’ to the Sarum Formation in Ministry following its recent review of the College’s ministry training programmes.
Inspectors commended the Centre for Formation in Ministry for the ‘impressive quality of the learning community’, describing it as an ‘excellent model of collaboration, continuing spiritual life and further study’.
The review also praised staff for ‘teaching and modelling a generous respect for diversity within the church’, and ‘helping all students reach their own innate abilities’
‘As a team of students and staff, working together within the Sarum Centre for Formation in Ministry we welcome the recent Ministry Division report,’ says Sarum College Principal, The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward.
‘We are delighted that many of our particular strengths have been both recognised and affirmed, especially through ‘helping all students reach their own innate abilities. We remain committed to formation which models “a generous respect for diversity within the church.”‘
‘The process helped us to reflect how we can continue to serve the Church to equip a new generation of lay and ordained ministers. While acknowledging that others have seen the many strengths of what we do here at Sarum, we are aware that there is much to do in a world and church that is embracing change and development. There is no room for complacency. We will continue to build upon our strengths and commit ourselves to deepening and enlarging our model of formation that is imaginative, flexible, empowering and supportive of the nurture of Christian wisdom.’
‘We look forward to working with our colleagues in the sector, the team in Ministry division and our sponsoring bishops and Directors of Ordinands in this vital work of education and formation, he concluded.’
‘The outstanding report from an external, expert body confirms the high quality and imaginative formation for ministry being offered by Sarum College,’ says The Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, Chair of the Sarum College Board of Trustees.
‘This is a great endorsement of Sarum’s teaching quality, the preparation and support through the sponsoring dioceses, and the calibre of those preparing for ministry. We invite all who are seeking to test a vocation to ministry in the church to explore what we can offer.’
The Ministry Division inspects Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) every six years to oversee the selection, training and deployment of ordained ministers, ensuring the Church is well equipped to serve God in living out its mission for many generations to come. It aims to renew lay and ordained ministry throughout the Church of England by providing advice and support to dioceses, the CofE’s Bishops, and TEIs.
More information about the Sarum Centre for Formation in Ministry.
View the full report of the Ministry Division’s Ministry Council: Periodic External Review Report of the South Central Theological Education Institution.
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