| Taking a year
out to come to Tilsley College does involve a significant commitment
of time and finance. We believe, however, that students will
benefit from the experience because of a number of features
of college life that are shaped by our values: |
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"Theology taught in class
comes alive when combined with practical experience of Christian
work"
Carolyn Baker, Practical Placement Tutor |
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1. We emphasize Personal Spiritual
Development
We do not want students just to gain head knowledge,
however important this may be. Our desire is that every student
grows in his or her relationship with God and becomes a more
mature Christian. Ultimately the success of the course depends
on personal spiritual growth and development.
2. We are committed to Individual Guidance
Each student will have regular mentoring
sessions with a member of staff. These meetings are designed
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to encourage students, provide pastoral care and give a positive
direction for their lives.
3. We believe in a Biblically-based Curriculum
We believe that Scripture is the bedrock
upon which every strong Christian life is built. We therefore
ensure that approximately one third of the lectures are devoted
to Biblical studies. Every section of the Bible is surveyed
and a number of books receive special attention. The course
seeks not just to communicate what people have said about
the Bible, but what the Bible itself says. |
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4.
We are committed to Evangelism
All
the staff have a deep commitment to evangelism and world mission,
and are actively involved in their own churches. This emphasis
can be seen in the lecture programme. There are specific classes
devoted to evangelism and these are complemented by regular
evangelistic outreaches. Each student also participates in weekly
practical assignments which give experience in youth work, children’s
work and some areas of social concern. These assignments will
expose the student to a variety of situations where they have
the opportunity to share their faith in a natural way. Students
also conduct an Easter mission somewhere in the UK. |
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5. We Promote Mission Awareness
At
Tilsley College we have a concern for the needs of our world.
Because of this we include world mission in our curriculum.
We also invite missionaries to come and share their experiences
with the students. Every week there is a world prayer group
and students are encouraged to discover mission needs and pray
for them. As Tilsley College is a ministry of Gospel Literature
Outreach, we are also uniquely placed to introduce students
to the work of GLO and any opportunities for service within
GLO. The student group will also be involved, in a mission awareness
trip and will spend three weeks working along side a full-time
Christian worker.
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Students on placement in France |
6. We offer
Cross-cultural Exposure
Each year students spend a week in a cross-cultural mission
situation, observing the work at first hand. There will be a
chance to participate in some evangelistic activities as well
as experience some of the joys and hardships of living in a
cross-cultural situation. Students also have in-depth discussions
with missionaries working in a variety of situations.
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Leo Isaac completed the course and
is now working full time in Naples |
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7. We see
the Value of Community Living
Tilsley College provides an intimate community in which strong
friendships can be fostered and Christian fellowship is warm.
We are committed to an atmosphere in which staff and students
mix freely and Christian love and understanding is encouraged.
Students come from many different cultural backgrounds and from
a wide spectrum of ages and experience. This adds to the colourful
nature of the community. |
8. We have
Strong Links with Local Churches
Each of the students is assigned to a local
church where they can enjoy fellowship, make new friends and
participate in the life of the church.
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9.
We aim to Develop Gifts
Students are encouraged and helped to discover
their spiritual gifts and given the opportunity to develop them.
They also take part in church services, morning devotions and
a range of Christian service opportunities. |
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10.
We are committed to the Refining of Practical skills
Each student is taught a range of skills
which are of practical value to church life. Time is given to
fine tune these skills and make them workable. |
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