What is the STETS course like?

What are its Overall Aims?

In general the STETS Course exists to:

• educate students to engage critically and constructively with:
• the resources of the Christian tradition and other systems of belief,
• the norms of Christian belief and practice,
• and their own place in the worship, life and mission of the Church;
• train students to exercise a skilful, reflective and empowering ministry marked by spiritual wisdom, empathy and compassion and exemplified in a capacity for collaboration, co-responsibility and mutual commitment with others;
• form students to participate responsibly in the mission of the Church by integrating their learning, ministry, and spiritual life within the particularities, complexities and adversities of their own lives and the lives of their communities.

The education, training and formation provided by the STETS Course is founded on three 'pillars':

• study of distance learning modules
• reflective practice; and
• centre-based learning

Local tutors play an vital part in helping to build and maintain the first of these 'pillars'. Of course a local tutor is not expected to be an expert in every area covered by the course - we expect theological literacy, but not omni-competency from our tutors! In a nutshell, we are looking for someone who can facilitate a group of adult learners, encourage them to think theologically, and stimulate them to make connections between their academic and ministerial formation.

 

 

STETS is an Associated Institution of the University of Surrey

The Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme - www.stets.ac.uk