Helping you to grow and develop in a supportive environment whether as a minister, deacon, reader or priest
“ My formation as a minister was nurtured at St Michael's in an environment that was both challenging and invigorating. More surprising was gaining real, lasting friendships that are marked with warmth, sincerity and a healthy sense of fun. ”
Ian Drew-Jones, Ordinand
Ordination Training
Students on the non-residential ordination course are usually training for non-stipendiary ordained in the Church in Wales or for presbyteral ministry in the Methodist Church. The course is designed to allow people to maintain their full-time work or other commitments whilst training for the ordained ministry of their church. The course is specially adapted to ensure a high standard of theological and practical training in ministry, whilst being flexible enough to meet the demands of a full-time job or other commitment.
Our part-time training route for ordained ministry includes studying for a Cardiff University Diploma in Practical Theology and takes three years to complete. It is taught in three regional centres in Wales: at St Michael's College, Llandaff (Cardiff); at Trinity University College (Carmarthen) and at Glyndŵr University (Wrexham). Students travel for weekly lectures to their nearest centre. In addition there are various residential weekends and an annual week-long summer-school when the students from across Wales get a chance to come together to share their experiences in learning, worship and fellowship.
Our ordination training on the non-residential course is designed to help our students become proficient in a wide range of skills (theological, personal and practical) which are demanded by effective Christian ordained ministry today. In addition, we aim to train reflective practitioners who will be able to adapt their ministry to the demands of a changing society and culture. We strive for theological excellence, but we also want to inspire a generation of future leaders with vision, adaptability and creativity. We hope they, in turn, will work with the church communities they lead to inspire the kind of dynamic church life which results in growth and the ability to transform the wider world with the values of God's Kingdom.
Next steps
Interested? First speak with your local parish priest. Find out more at joining the course.