St Paul's Theological Centre
St Paul’s Theological was founded in 2005 with the aim of helping bring theology back into the heart of the church. Based in Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London, it has aimed from the beginning to place excellence in theological teaching and exploration within the context of a vibrant local church, rather than a university, residential college or diocese. HTB provides a very special context in which to offer theological training. Its global profile, due to the Alpha Course and related resources that have become widely used worldwide, draws speakers and students from around the world. At the same time, its many different ministries (family life, social transformation, youth and students, worship central, etc...) and its wider network of church plants, and other associated communities also make it an ideal context in which people can learn the kind of practical theology and skills which are so necessary if the church is to flourish into the future. It aims to articulate, develop and teach a theology that embraces the best of orthodox, classical theology throughout the church worldwide, whether Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal or more.
In 2007, SPTC was invited to become one of the constituent founder members of St Mellitus College alongside the North Thames Ministerial Training Course, and since then has been an integral part of this exciting new development in theological education, working very closely with NTMTC.
SPTC runs an ordination training programme called 'Full-time, Church-Based ordination training'.
For more information on SPTC see SPTC's website.
The Bishop of London Richard Chartres
“At a time when fragmentation and partisanship can appear to threaten the credibility and effectiveness of our ministry, St Mellitus represents a bold step of faith and trust. We believe that as we pursue the harder path of unity in diversity, the College will prove to be an instrument of the Spirit in equipping the whole people of God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford Stephen Cottrell
“As we seek to train men and women for ministry and mission in a rapidly changing context, St Mellitus College offers the Chelmsford Diocese a flexible and inclusive approach for theological and ministerial education and formation. It is very exciting to be part of this pioneering initiative.”
The Dean Revd Dr Graham Tomlin
“St Mellitus College is a very exciting place to work. It brings together students from across the spectrum of the church to learn about and prepare for mission in the contemporary world, in a way that tries to be open to the Spirit of God and learning from each other. We have a fantastic group of students, a great staff team and it is a privilege to be part of it.”
Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, David Ford
"One of the most important experiments to have happened in British theology and church theological education for a long time. The way it is bringing together academy and church, including church at the grass roots - that collaboration is just full of potential for the future and I feel everyone should watch this space. What it can do is something that really no other theological institution in the country can achieve at the moment."