How Regents helped my ministry journey
Regents Training College Principal Michelle Nunn tells how her own research into women in ministry in Elim has led her back to college full time!
As a church leader and chaplain, about ten years ago I decided I could do with stretching myself and doing some more learning. After considering my options I decided to start a master’s programme in Theology.
Whilst the study took longer than anticipated – as I had to pause due to ministry and life pressures – it is something I am glad I took time to do. The master’s programme gave me the opportunity to consider more deeply subjects related to my ministry in church and chaplaincy, for example theological perspectives on euthanasia and disability.
My dissertation enabled me to undertake meaningful theological research which involved interviewing Elim national leaders, church leaders and women ministers, as well as convening focus groups of women in churches. Having explored the experiences of women in ministry and the leadership challenges within Elim, my dissertation identified the issues women experienced in ministry and identified how we could better empower women in the Elim movement.
This and other research, such as Jamys Carter’s master’s and PhD studies into women in ministry in Elim, later helped Elim’s Women in Ministry Review Group in our work, in collaboration with Elim’s National Leadership Team, to improve the experiences of women in ministry in the movement.
At Regents, we offer a full- or part-time master’s programme, validated by Chester University, that enables ministers and others to study applied theology. The programme, led by Dr Martin Clay, is designed to be accessible and to suit ministers, missionaries and those working full-time in other spheres. Martin explains: “At the heart of the postgraduate courses at Regents is a passion for nurturing clarity of thought, depth of theological understanding and discerning reflection on ministry experience and practice.
The flexibility of the module options allows students to shape their learning journey according to their own unique needs and interests. Whatever your ministry vocation – from church leader to chaplain, paid or voluntary ‒ the course will help resource you towards fruitfulness for the Kingdom over the long term.”
Feedback from our students is very positive and indicates that study of the master’s is beneficial for individuals, providing personal and ministry development, informing practice and increasing focus and confidence.
If you would like to develop yourself and your practice, it is worth considering the master’s programme at Regents which offers Pentecostal study modules including Pentecostal Spirituality, Leadership Development, Chaplaincy and many more.
This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.