Tilsley College offers two short programmes that are designed to offer increased accessibility for students wishing to study theology without committing to our one-, two- or three-year programmes. These short programmes stand alone and yet can be used as credit for further study with Tilsley as time and opportunity allows.
Foundations in Bible and Mission
This 16-week full-time programme introduces students to Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and Mission. It runs from September to January.
Bible overviews and a systematic survey of each book allow students to grasp the big story of the Bible as well as some of the detail from individual books. Biblical studies classes cover both Old and New Testament content. You will learn about the reliability of the Bible and be taught how to read and understand its message faithfully. You will be led in a detailed study of the book of Romans.
Alongside biblical studies, systematic theology will be taught to help summarise the Christian faith. In this foundational programme the focus will be upon God, Creation, Humanity, the Fall, Christ and Salvation.
This short programme is also concerned with applied theology – we want you to understand that the Bible and its teaching are matters to be lived out practically with the help of the Holy Spirit. You will consider the implications of the Bible’s message in classes on discipleship, evangelism, and intercultural studies so that we can reach the communities around us – locally and globally.
Mentorship will help support and guide you as you work these things through for yourself.
Growing in Leadership and Ministry
This 14-week full-time programme will explore the joys and challenges of leading and serving in Christian ministry. It runs from March to June.
Biblical studies focus on the wisdom and poetic books such as Job and Psalms, where Christians often turn in troubled times. An in-depth study of 1 Corinthians will allow you to grapple with some of the challenges that face the Church and how leaders ought to respond as shepherds of the people of God.
A close look at the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and the end times will allow you to understand our dependence upon the Spirit of God for effective ministry as well as to provide comfort and hope for tomorrow.
These elements of the programme will be applied as you are led through studies in defending the faith, understanding other world religions, cults and new religious movements. Considerable time will be given over to thinking about church planting, pastoral care and leadership, and Christian counselling. The Church is at the heart of these applied studies but the missional impetus of the Church will be encouraged through some practice in preaching and evangelism.
Spiritual formation will be encouraged through a supportive mentoring programme.e
