The preparation of students for ministry in the church is a major responsibility for all those involved – STETS staff, local tutors, training ministers and placement supervisors. Training ministers are a vital part of this team We hope that training ministers will enjoy their part in developing the Church’s future ministry and mission and will see the time they give as part of their service of the wider Church.

Being a training minister means supervising the developing ministry of one or more of our students on our 3-year, part-time course. The work is shaped by a training agreement and supported by two 18-month Developing Ministry Modules which run alongside the 7-week academic modules.

Training ministers meet with their students for 60-90 minutes each month, to plan and review their student’s involvement in the ministry and mission of the local church. Training ministers with multiple training responsibilities sometimesdelegate aspects of the actual supervised training to others, but maintain pastoral oversight and meet with their student monthly

Methodist training ministers are normally the superintendent of their student’s circuit. Pastoral responsibility may be delegated within to a local circuit minister.

Training ministers have an important role in STETS’ reporting processes, offering the course a written assessment of their students’ developing readinessto fulfil their future ministerial responsibilities. These occur at the end of the first year, after 18 months, and towards the end of the course.

Participation in STETS training days is an essential aspect of the role of training ministers. These days are designed to help training ministers to understand and use our Course materials and processes, to reflect on aspects of ministry and ministerial training, to develop supervisory and mentoring skills and to provide peer support. Seven such days are provided for all training ministers over a three year period. These are held at Sarum College in Salisbury. Tutors share in some of these days, offering training ministers a good opportunity to meet and confer over students. Traveling expenses to College are reimbursed (including those traveling from the Channel Islands) and an excellent lunch provided!

Training ministers may claim a 10% discount at the Sarum College Bookshop on any items, not simply religious books, bought in the shop. Alternatively, these may be sent post-free at the normal price. Books may be pre-ordered by phone. While associated with STETS, training ministers are offered free use of the Sarum College library (borrowing membership normally costs £40 p.a.) The library, as well as offering normal services, will send books post-free to members who are distant from the College.