Ministry Division
Mixed-Mode or Context-based Training
The following resume is the result of a request to colleges/courses for information on
what is offered and who it is for. Mixed-mode can mean several things depending on
the college/Course:
1. combination of college and course training – this is especially where there is a
partnership between a college and a course and ordinands are available to
study during the week e.g Cuddesdon/OMC, Queen’s Foundation,
Mirfield/YMC
2. full-time residential training where there is a combination of college-based and
context-based training with part of the week in college and part in the
placement context, (more commonly known as context-based training)e.g.
Cranmer Durham, Trinity, Ridley, St Mellitus, or blocks of study in college
and blocks in placement e.g. Queen’s
3. training before and after ordination – there are only 2 validated routes where
this is possible: Queen’s Foundation offer a mixed-mode pathway with
training continuing through the title post; Yorkshire Ministry Course has a 4
year pathway for those following the Foundation degree route (the 4th year
being post-ordination).
Some of these routes are already approved by the Ministry Division. A candidate’s
access to them will be line with the outcome of the points and banding system. Other
routes, where indicated below, need the individual agreement of the Ministry
Division, either via Candidates Panel or Ministry Division staff.
If you need further information please contact the college or course directly, or Hilary
Ison, the Training Pathways Adviser, at Ministry Division on:
0207 898 1424
hilary.ison@c-of-e.org.uk
Cranmer Hall, Durham
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
We have a number of models running:
1. Ordinands considered to be training residentially who need a significant
ministry component to their training, which is larger than the usual amount
offered through term-time attachments, or placements (which take place in
university vacations). This is often for formational reasons. In these cases the
number of hours on attachment is increased (sometimes to full-time for a
term). The attachments are organised by Cranmer, usually within the North
East region. This ministry is well supervised in situ, and the ordinand writes a
reflection which is assessed. In HE terms, this written reflection could be at
level 1, 2 or 3, or MA.
2. Pioneers or fresh expression ministers who are located for a good element of
their time in a particular context. This is commonly one half or one third of
their time, and could be located anywhere in the country, though the context is
often close to their home or sending church. For this element of their training
they are supervised in situ, and an assessment of written work relating to the
context might be an assessed part of their learning programme. The ordinand
is present in Durham for the other part of their training, commonly on a one or
two days per week basis during term time. The ordinand might be working for
a diploma, BA or MA in this time.
The shape of the training plan is worked out in conversation with the ordinand and the
DDO, and can differ greatly from person to person. These pathways are always well
documented before they start for approval by key gatekeepers.
Not all of the pathways have led to academic awards, although the ordinands are
always learning at a prescribed level. Some are not in training long enough to earn
sufficient credits for an award.
Ministry Division note: these routes are not formally validated and need
approval by Candidates Panel or Ministry Division staff
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of
course, point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
This differs from candidate to candidate.
For example a Church Army Officer might do a one year, context based programme
prior to ordination, where as a Pioneer ordinand might train in this way for two or
more years, depending on age, experience prior learning and so on.
Who is it for?
e.g. any particular focus - candidates sponsored as Incumbent or OPM?
Church Army identified as ordinands, Pioneer Ministers, ministers working in fresh
expressions but not designated as Pioneers, ordinands with particular formational
needs.
Ripon College Cuddesdon/Oxford Ministry Course
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
We offer a programme designated ‘Mixed-mode’, which has now received formal
approval. For Cuddesdon/OMC, mixed-mode means that the student accesses both
Course and College formation and teaching, i.e. the ‘modes’ which are ‘mixed’ are
residential and non-residential learning. Most candidates will complete the Oxford
Brookes Foundation Degree in Arts (Ministry) – but higher degrees (Brookes MA,
Oxford MTh) are possible for those with previous theological study. Both College
and Course students are regularly registered for the same Brookes FDA, which
makes the completion of some modules through RCC provision and some through
OMC provision easy.
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of
course, point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
The programme will normally last two years, and most mixed-mode students would
be ordained deacon at the end of this time. The programme is designed to be flexible:
each student will have a tailored learning pathway worked out with a member of staff.
Typically it will involve a mixture of some weekend and Tuesday evening learning
with the OMC, supplemented by time alongside residential students at RCC – perhaps
one or two mornings/days a week, and/or joining in Themed Study Weeks Monday
to Friday two to four times a year. But we have had e.g. two mixed-mode students
able periodically to spend blocks of a few weeks at a time in residence. OMC
involvement means students normally live within striking distance of Oxford. Almost
all students will have the non-residential OMC body as their primary learning
community, and integrate well in patterns of shared worship, teaching and friendship,
but many will also make good learning companions in eating, worshipping and
classroom engagement with residential RCC students. Our Brookes programmes are
especially good at recognising and crediting AP(E)L. In terms of placement learning
and in having local support provided students usually but not always follow OMC
patterns.
Who is it for?
e.g. any particular focus - candidates sponsored as Incumbent or OPM?
Typically a mixed-mode student will not be able and/or want to be a residential
college student, but will have some more time or flexibility than a normal nonresidential Course student. However other than that there is no particular focus.
OPM and candidates for stipendiary or self-supporting ministry are equally welcome
to come and talk to us.
St Mellitus
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
St Mellitus offers a mixed-mode course, called ‘Full-time Church-Based Training’,
delivered through the St Paul’s Theological Centre (one of the two constituent
member institutions of St Mellitus, alongside the North Thames Ministerial Training
Course). It leads either to a FDA/BA in Theology and Ministry through Middlesex
University, or for theology graduates, an MA through King’s College London
alongside ordination training at St Mellitus. Both of these are fully approved routes
for ordination training under Bishops’ Regulations.
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of course,
point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
Candidates basically spend half of their time working in local churches or mission
contexts (a primary placement), with a local supervisor, and the other half of the time
on academic study. Each ordinand needs to be able to give the equivalent of at least
two days a week to a primary church/mission placement, and at least two days a
week to their academic work. The other day (or two) each week can be spent on
either of these, depending on whether a candidate needs to focus more on the
academic or the ministerial focus of their training. The primary placement usually
involves part-time paid employment within a church, however it can be voluntary if
finance allows (one or two students also do a day or two a week of part-time secular
employment to help augment income). The rest of the maintenance payment comes
through a combination of diocesan contribution and Vote 1 funding (please contact
Ministry Division or St Mellitus for more detailed guidance.)
The Middlesex FDA/BA course takes three years, although theology graduates take
two years, and study for an MA in Theology and Ministry through King’s College
London. Ordinands are ordained deacon in the normal way at the end of this period.
Students come into the SPTC teaching centre at St Paul’s Onslow Square, London
SW7 for an intensive day’s teaching on Mondays through each term. These days
include worship, academic theological input, some focus on leadership and the
exercise of theological reflection which brings together their growing experience of
ministry and the theology they are learning. They also need at least one other day
per week for their own private study. In addition to Mondays, they also attend seven
residential weekends and one full residential week each year, alongside NTMTC
ordinands and Readers in training. There they engage with a wide range of styles of
worship and spirituality.
Who is it for?
e.g. any particular focus - candidates sponsored as Incumbent or OPM?
The course works best for those looking for a missional focus to their future ministry
and who want to combine learning theology alongside the practice of ministry. It is
open to anyone recommended for incumbent status or for OPM candidates.
Full-time training for incumbent/OPMs with part of the week in formal teaching and
part in the parish/fresh expression context. N.B.This F/T pathway requires a
combination of paid parish employment (diocesan responsibility) and part Vote 1
funding. Please contact Ministry Division or St Mellitus for more detailed guidance.
College of the Resurrection, Mirfield
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
In collaboration with partners in the Yorkshire RTP and elsewhere, we contribute to
two pathways with substantial elements of context-based learning:
1) a short experience of residential training for those training on a non-residential
course;
2) an intensive two year pathway combining residential and non-residential
components.
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of
course, point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
1) We offer short periods of residence (generally of around one semester in
length) to students undertaking course-based training. Often these students are
training with the YMC, though in recent years we have also offered this
possibility to students on courses in the Southern Province. The College
specializes in providing bespoke courses, tailored to the individual training
needs of the students. In addition, students are given the opportunity to join a
residential formational group for a period.
This is a validated route, and provides a flexible means of adding value to the
training experience of candidates where the sponsoring bishop, the course, and
the college judge this to be right. Since this route provides flexible and
bespoke courses, it does not aim to cater for a particular group of students.
However, in practice, we note that it has been used mainly for older candidates
on special programmes of study. Candidates remain the responsibility of the
non-residential course, and the College provides a written report to the course
at the end of the student’s time at the College.
2) This is a validated route for the Yorkshire RTP. Students spend two years in
training. Throughout this period, they attend all YMC evening teaching and
weekends/residentials, and spend at least one day per week with the college,
attending lectures and worship and participating in the life of a residential
formational group.
This route permits students to complete ordination training in two years, and
most often to complete Level 3 at the point of ordination. It provides
additional flexibility within the RTP’s provision and allows students to
combine a number of the advantages of both residential and non-residential
formation. It is aimed at ordinands for whom the YMC course is the correct
mode of training, but whose personal circumstances mean that they are also
available during the day and who wish to use this time to complete their
training in two years.
Who is it for?
See above
St John’s Nottingham
Mixed-mode - with blocks of study in college and in the parish, and training before
and after ordination. The basis of this mixed mode course is that the ordinand is
employed in a lay capacity for 4 years in the parish into which they will be ordained
and continue to train for a further 2 years to complete IME 1-7. The diocese is
responsible for the employment/housing of the candidate throughout this process.
Please contact the college for further information.
Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham
Mixed-mode (mix of college and context based training) with training before and after
ordination and especially for OPMs. Please contact the college for further information
on its training pathways.
Ridley Hall, Cambridge
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
1. Mixed mode term study. Attend college one term per year for 3 years usually,
with the other two terms in the parish context. This course is open to anyone
nationally.
2. Mixed Mode day study. Attend college 2 or 3 days per week with the rest of the
week in the parish context, for 3 years usually.
This course is restricted to people living within an hour’s travel of Cambridge.
Both courses currently lead to a Diploma in Christian Theology at Anglia Ruskin
University. Prior learning or practice may make it possible to gain a Degree in the 3
years. With the launch of a new Foundation Degree, it may be possible for more
candidates to achieve this in the allotted timescale.
Ministry Division note: These routes are not formally validated and need
approval by Candidates Panel or Ministry Division staff on a case by case basis.
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of
course, point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
We work on a 50/50 split of study (though not all while in attendance at Ridley) and
work in the church context, which will usually be some type of fresh expression of
church. The study includes a Social Context Placement & Church Context Placement
which for those on term study would happen away from Cambridge. It would also be
expected that some essay writing and reading would happen outside their time at
Ridley. It is particularly important that students do not separate ‘work’ and ‘study’, as
the course is predicated on the basis of contextual theological reflection.
There are community & formational expectations when at Ridley such as Chapel &
Staircase group attendance, and they are allocated a Ridley Pastoral Tutor like all
other students. For those on Term study they would be helped to find a local
supervisor who would assist them integrate their church experiences and studies.
It is usual practice for them to be ordained after completing this course, though if a
diocese has a creative understanding of training in relation to IME 1-7, there is good
reason for some candidates to be ordained during the programme.
Who is it for?
e.g. any particular focus - candidates sponsored as Incumbent or OPM?
These courses are restricted to OPMs
Trinity College Bristol
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
We offer ordination candidates the opportunity to pursue their training through a
"context-based" track or mode. This is available for students regardless of the
academic qualification that they are pursuing for their ordination training. In other
words, students who are pursuing any of the approved academic routes, may do so in
a context-based training mode.
What are the key components?
e.g. how does it work, balance of residential and context-based training, length of
course, point of ordination in relation to training, etc!
Students on the context-based track follow the same academic programme in the same
timescale as residential/college-based students. The main difference between the two
routes is the way in which learning through practice takes place:

The community and church placement elements of the programme are met
through the involvement of the student in the church/community of the parish in
which they are located as a member of a group of Trinity students (up to 10
students) throughout the time of his/her training.

The students live in the context and are jointly supervised by the incumbent(s) of
the church(es) in the context and the Trinity tutor who has responsibility for that
group of students.

The students attend lectures and other college activities on 2.5 days per week. One
day is set apart for personal study and the other days for purposeful involvement
in the church and community as directed and facilitated by the supervisor.

Through supervision, the completion of a portfolio and participation in regular
collective theological reflection, the college ensures that the student has had
opportunities to develop and achieve the required ministerial competencies for
ordination.

In addition, the students will have been able to reflect on the experience of being
immersed in the life of the local church and community and will have had
opportunities to observe and exercise leadership in that context.
Who is it for?
e.g. any particular focus - candidates sponsored as Incumbent or OPM?
Currently we offer the context-based option to all ordinands. We have recently
appointed a Tutor for Context-based and Pioneer Training to develop our contextbased training and to investigate and initiate a training programme for ordinands in
pioneer ministry. There is significant resonance between our context-based and
pioneer ministry training and it may be that some or all of our contexts will provide
exciting pioneer ministry opportunities that OPMs will be able to pursue. In addition,
we have links with a number of pioneer projects in the Bristol area which we are
investigating for the purpose of offering them as training ground for future pioneer
ministers.
No formal mixed-mode routes:
St Michael’s, LLandaff
No mixed-mode training.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill generally defines mixed mode as referring to a course where practical
experience is integrated into the academic programme by a process of reflection. In
our understanding, that process of reflection should be assessed, attract credit and be
subject to the normal appropriate quality assurance. At present, we do not offer a
mixed mode option, but are engaged in a review of our courses which includes
consideration of how and for whom mixed mode could be beneficial.
St Stephen’s House
No mixed-mode training.
Westcott House, Cambridge
What do you offer in terms of mixed-mode, or context-based, training for
ordination candidates?
e.g. course title/qualification awarded, or other descriptor
No ‘formal’ mixed mode, but custom-made programmes usually with ERMC, part
residential, part non-residential. ALL ordinands spend a full term in a parish, and
several a second term on an overseas placement.
Ministry Division note: These routes are not formally validated and need
approval by Candidates Panel or Ministry Division staff on a case by case basis.
Wycliffe Hall
We are working on our Mixed Mode Training. Please contact Wycliffe directly for
any further information.
Ministry Division note: These routes are not formally validated and need
approval by Candidates Panel or Ministry Division staff on a case by case basis.
Hilary Ison, Ministry Division, March 2011