Equipping the Next Generation of Gospel Ministers
Oak Hill College was set up in 1932 to train men for ministry in the Church of England. The vision was to provide biblically orthodox training within a denomination that was becoming increasingly liberal. Sadly, over 70 years later the context is unaltered. At the same time we are grateful to God that the College remains true to its historic roots in training gospel-centred pastor-teachers.
What has changed is that Oak Hill now also provides training for many from non-Anglican churches. It also equips those who have a vision for a life-time of gospel ministry among children and young people, and in a cross-cultural context. From modest beginnings, the College now has over 130 full-time students.
Biblical training for contemporary ministry
The College’s current programme combines the academic with the pastoral and the spiritual, to provide a common core of training that is essential for all gospel ministry. Since we believe that the Bible is God’s fully sufficient, final and liberating word for us, we want it to govern our thinking and behaviour. The study of Scripture is therefore at the heart of all that we do as a College and we expect students to develop an intellectual rigour in their approach to the great issues that it raises. Subjects such as Church History, Doctrine, Worship and Ethics help us to discover how Christians throughout the ages have interpreted Scripture and how we might apply it today. What we call ‘Church and World’ modules seek to understand people and the contexts in which they live, so that we can minister to them more effectively.
The College takes mission and evangelism seriously and their theory and practice are a vital part of the programme. We encourage students to develop a healthy and enquiring mind, coupled with the practical skills required for a variety of ministries. On-the-job experience is a high priority and we are able to provide a variety of church placements.
Integrated learning
One of the special things about Oak Hill is the way it integrates all these areas of learning. Starting from a broad base in the first year and moving towards more specialisation in the later years, the aim is to relate the different subjects together and work hard at application. Our commitment to develop a holistic biblical and systematic theology that will help students to see the relevance of all that they are learning.
But above all, we want to provide students with the opportunity to grow and develop together as disciples of the Lord Jesus. That is why we believe that residential training is so helpful in developing effective leaders.
As a College we are delighted to be associated with Affinity and to build links with all those who are ‘Bible-driven’ as the fundamental expression of our unity.
Published on 04 July 2006 by Oak Hill College
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