NEWS SPRING 2017
Becoming More Contemplative
INSIDE: Why our postgrad programme might surprise you Learning to disagree …and lots more www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk Cover photo: Taken by ordinand Helen O’Sullivan during a Quiet Day, using photography as a means of reflection. carefully and prayerfully. I was so pleased In this issue Read more about contemplative living on p10. by the ways in which this community was able to model loving and thoughtful dialogue together—demonstrating real kingdom NEWS vision and values. You can read more in this newsletter about the plenary week in an From the principal 3 article written by one of our ordinands (p19). College news 4 From the principal As we continue to try to work through the challenges of community in order to learn Faculty news 8 together how to live and lead in a way that e have enjoyed a good year at Trinity Alumni news 21 models Christ’s coming kingdom, will you pray Wthis year—the large number of students for us? We are conscious of the fact that all here continues to bring vibrancy and blessing of our hard work on behalf of this community to the college community. It seems that in falls short when we do not look first to God FEATURES various conversations I have about Trinity and rely fully on his leading and help. around and about, the aspect that people From Ambition to Contemplative Mission speak about most readily is the quality of our Pray that God would lead those students to Trinity whom he would like to form A Q&A with alumnus Paul Bradbury about how community life. A recent email I received from a past student who came back to attend the through this community. Pray that money, contemplative living provides a foundation for our circumstances, or worries would not prohibit participation in God’s mission. alumni day and academic awards ceremony 10 expressed it like this: We will always be anyone whom God is encouraging toward grateful for the training that Trinity has given deeper theological study and the opportunity us; it is so much more than just a college, it is to be re-formed in community. 14 Four Facts About Our Postgrad Programme a place where I was really re-formed. Pray for our faculty and staff members, for That Might Surprise You With greater numbers it is all the more strength and wisdom as they juggle many New technology, new opportunities, and a growing important that we work hard to stay Christ- tasks, and for times of rest, refreshment, and encouragement in the good work they do. community of scholars who hope their research will centred and to allow his kingdom values to impact the Church. influence all we do here, particularly how we Pray for our students now finishing their relate to each other. That’s one reason why programmes and transitioning into curacies, Learning to Disagree I was so pleased this last February to watch that God would supply every need as their During a plenary week on the issues of gender and sexuality, and listen to the ways in which our students families prepare to move and adjust to new students had the opportunity to disagree with the respect and engaged together during their plenary week circumstances. 19 generosity born of studying within a close-knit community. on issues around gender and human sexuality. And, finally, pleasepray for the college’s The week was very well organised and hosted leadership, as we work to develop new by our theology and ethics tutor, Rev Dr Jon pathways in mixed mode and pioneer training, Coutts. Jon put a huge amount of careful that we would have wisdom and insight into thought into how to shape the week and who how we can best prepare and serve the should contribute to the programme. Thinking Trinity College is a theological training college located in Bristol, England, dedicated to needs of our students, and of a changing and about how divisive this issue has been equipping students to live like the Kingdom of God is near as they prepare to lead churches evolving Church. and Christian ministries around the world. The college offers certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, recently elsewhere, I gave a notice in chapel graduate, and postgraduate programmes to both residential and nonresidential students. ahead of the week encouraging the college We are thankful for your partnership! community to approach these sensitive issues Trinity College News is published twice annually by the college to inform, serve, and connect with grace and in a prayerful attitude, and it Trinity’s alumni, students, and friends. To contact the editor, please email Melissa Stratis, appears this was heeded. My impression is [email protected], or call + 1 (44) 117 968 0205, or by mail at Trinity College, that the community is sensitively aware of Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP. For more information about Trinity, including recent news and blog the pastoral issues, and most importantly was Rev Dr Emma Ineson posts, please visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter able to express views confidently, and yet Principal and Instagram. 2 33 evening in March to watch the whole gospel of Open Day Trinity NEWS Mark performed from memory by actor Max McLean. The video was followed by a live video Last February we welcomed more than thirty conference call to Max, direct from Broadway, prospective students and their families, who talking about his performance and taking spent a Saturday with us to learn more about Trinity on the BBC students’ questions. Max is founder and artistic about our kingdom values and what it means director of Fellowship for Performing Arts, a to study in community, to hear from current New York City-based company producing live students and faculty, and, for thirteen of theatre from a Christian worldview. them, to complete interviews. Changes to Nursery This spring we officially renamed our Changing Tunes Concert nursery Muddy Boots Day Nursery, to Last autumn, Trinity hosted a Changing Tunes reflect one of the nursery’s key strengths— concert at college for anyone interested in all of the outdoor time our children enjoy attending. Changing Tunes is a Bristol-based through the enclosed play areas and use of the college’s nine acres for a forest school. ministry that seeks to impact the lives of prisoners and ex-prisoners through music. In Within the nursery itself, our Ladybirds (3 addition to excellent music and testimonies, the months to 2 years) now have a Discovery evening included a talk from Trinity alumnus Room for pretend play, toys, music, and quiet Rev Tony Williams, chaplain at HMP Eastwood areas, and a Creation Room, for messier Park, and provided an opportunity for our creative play. Our Busy Bees (ages 2 to 4 In February, we were pleased to welcome Communications Skills students to learn more about prison ministry. years) have an Imagination Room for pretend the BBC to college for a few days to film play, looking at books, and quiet areas; an segments for an episode of Songs of Praise Workshop Marriage & Ministry Evening Investigation Room to encourage problem- that celebrated the ordination of the first During the November 2016 block week, our solving skills and opportunities to bring the women priests in 1994 at Bristol Cathedral. students enjoyed a communications skills Last January, our spouse group Connect outside world indoors for nature and science Presenter David Grant chatted with Trinity workshop with Christina Walker, as part of hosted a Marriage and Ministry evening for experiments; and an Invention Room for students Thea Smith, Laura Douglas-Bate, the week’s preaching module. Christina is a the Trinity community. Missiology tutor Rev creative, sensory, and artistic experiences. and Laura Whitmarsh about their journeys Dr Howard Worsley and his wife, Ruth, who is visiting lecturer in voice and communication You can view the new nursery website to ordination, and about their experiences Bishop of Taunton, and Trinity staff member who also works with business and private at www.muddybootsdaynursery.co.uk. as women preparing to become vicars. The Malcolm Bourne and his wife, Lucy, shared clients who want to improve their presenting Places are available for both our student wisdom and insight with students on how to BBC crews joined the Trinity community and vocal skills. She has more than twenty families and families from our surrounding maintain healthy marriages in the midst of for chapel, a prayer meeting, lunch, and to years’ experience in professional theatre, neighbourhoods. watch the women’s rugby team practice. You television, and radio, and a master’s degree in different ministry roles and responsibilities. can watch clips from their visit on Trinity’s professional voice practice from Birmingham homepage when you click on ‘Trinity on the City University. The students spent the morning BBC’ (www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk). with Christina, thinking about methods and techniques for designing and delivering New Approach to Mark a memorable message. They completed exercises that looked at communication and This year, New Testament tutor Dr Jamie Davies ‘energy’ in presentation. In the afternoon, she taught a new course on Mark’s gospel, which led the group through relaxation techniques to met in the daytime for full-time students and in help to prepare for preaching and also provided the evening for part-time students. The course breathing and voice production coaching. took a narrative approach, studying Mark as a story, and looking at the storytelling features Mark uses to shape his account of Jesus. One of the insights scholars have found when studying Mark in this way is that it seems to have been crafted as a book to be read aloud to an audience. So, as part of the course, both full- Thirty-three of our most recent graduates returned in March to celebrate the completion of time and part-time students came together one their programmes during a ceremony at St Mary’s in Stoke Bishop.
4 5 Trinity Hoodies Meet Our New Chaplains This winter, ordinand Rob Denton helped to This last academic year, we have introduced coordinate the production and sale of more three new chaplains into the college than a hundred Trinity hoodies to Trinity community. Each chaplain is in college students, alumni, and their families. ‘I wanted once a week, but can meet up with to give people a memento, something to students at other times as well. They offer bring us together while we’re here, and a listening, impartial ear to students, as well bring us back once we’ve gone,’ Rob says. ‘I as a willingness to pray with and for them, was delighted with them when they arrived. whether students are wrestling with personal There’s always someone wearing one in issues, or just needing a space to vent. college, and I know I’ll be enjoying mine and thinking of Trinity for years to come.’ Canon Ray Brazier Ray describes himself Students Bake Cookies for Mosque as ‘a retired vicar, but Last March, Trinity ordinand John White training for those who want to become never a retired Priest!’ He invited anyone interested from the Trinity bridge-builders in their local communities. is currently working in a community to join him in baking cookies number of areas of ministry Since beginning his placement, John has to share with a local Bristol mosque. support in Bristol Diocese, helped Syrian refugees find furniture for Twelve students joined him, eating cookies including vocations, their homes, attended a Sunday drop-in for together with those who met with them at mentoring, ministerial development, children, and participated in a PeaceFeast, the mosque. ‘It was very simple,’ John says, and spiritual direction. He loves reading, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews met ‘but it was the first time I’d ever been in a the arts (especially drama and theatre), together for a meal at a restaurant to mosque.’ John organised the gathering in spending time with family and friends, and discuss the theme ‘Love Thy Neighbour.’ A partnership with Bristol charity Bridges for is, he says, ‘excited by the challenges and vicar, imam, and rabbi spoke to the group. ‘I Communities, where he is completing the Greek Celebration opportunities facing the Church today.’ enjoyed hearing from a Muslim woman about community placement required as part of Last January, our elementary New Testament her experiences, and hearing from a female Miriam Goossen his ordination training. Greek class commemorated the completion Miriam is a trained spiritual rabbi,’ John says. ‘We were conversing for of their course and all their hard work on director. She says, ‘My In addition to connecting people of different the sake of mutual understanding. For me, it grammar with a gathering organised by passion is people, and I cultures and faiths to provide opportunities for has been really positive, to ask people about ordinand Joe Sellers, complete with kebab, see it as a great privilege friendship and better understanding, Bridges their faith. I can hold my beliefs sacred but ouzo, and the opportunity to smash plates in to listen to and accompany for Communities offers practical support for have conversation with them, and we can be celebration (after writing on the plates that others in their spiritual asylum seekers and refugees. It also provides mutually blessed by that.’ aspect of Greek which they’d found most challenging). ‘We went from not knowing the journeys as they seek to Greek alphabet to being able to translate gain a deeper knowledge of themselves sentences of the New Testament from Greek and a deeper knowledge of the Father.’ DDO Visit Day New Staff Members in the space of ten teaching weeks,’ says Rev Laura Ferguson In March, ten DDOs travelled to Trinity for our We have welcomed several new staff ordinand Laura Faturoti. Laura is a Church of first DDO visit day. The DDOs participated in members to college this year. Ade Ogunboro England priest and also chapel and lunch, met with tutors, and attended has joined our kitchen staff as assistant chef. a Trinity College spouse. a special seminar with Principal Emma Ineson, Samantha Sandy has joined our finance team She says, ‘I am passionate Executive Director Andrew Lucas, and tutors as finance assistant. In our nursery, Kathryn about vocations and Rev Dr Howard Worsley and Rev Sue Gent to Donlin has joined us as nursery nurse, and about how creativity and learn more about the college’s plans and the Isabelle Farrow has joined the nursery as the arts can be used to means through which we seek to educate our maternity cover. In our postgraduate research communicate and express the gospel. department, Sam Hands has rejoined us students—academically, experientially, and in Things I like include sketching, watching to help as the programme’s administrator, comedy, Ignatian spirituality, walking about community with one another. Emma Crick De Boom, is on maternity leave. and chatting with people.’
6 7 In April, Principal Rev Dr Emma Ineson led gave two short talks and led a discussion at Faculty NEWS a week’s retreat at Lee Abbey Devon with that church for area clergy and New Wine her husband Rev Mat Ineson on ‘Alleluia, leaders based on his recent book The New Christ is Risen...Now What?’ In March, she Passover: Rethinking the Lord’s Supper was the keynote speaker at a conference for Today. Several former Trinity students for Awesome, a group for ordained Anglican attended (pictured below left), including women. Later that same month, she was a Sarah Bird, curate of St George’s Stamford keynote speaker for the New Wine South (far left), and Beverley Charles, curate of Yate West leadership conference held in Bristol, (second from left). addressing the topic ‘Ambitious for the Kingdom: what Jesus said about success’. biennial workshops on Environment and Faith Emma and Mat led a February retreat for In February, Tutor in Christian Doctrine at their B&B in Mid-Wales this July. Bristol Diocese for clergy couples who are Dr Justin Stratis was invited to present a paper on the Trinity at a research seminar Tutor in Theology and Ethics Rev Dr Jon Coutts both ordained. Also in February, Emma spoke In early May, Dr David Wenham travelled to at the University of St Andrews. In March, he presented a paper on Dietrich Bonhoeffer at at the Truro Diocese Oversight Ministry Johannesburg Bible College, South Africa, and was similarly invited to speak on the Trinity at the Theological Ethics seminar at the University conference. In January, she taught at Bristol to the Institute of Bible Teaching in Bulawayo, a research seminar at Kings College London. of Aberdeen in April. Last November, he taught Diocese’s ‘Mission-shaped Leadership’ Zimbabwe, to teach New Testament. Last November, Ripon College in Cuddesdon ethics to Readers at Bath and Wells Diocese. course, and gave an address at the Church of invited him to preach to their students. Also in November, he, Rev Dr Emma Ineson, England Evangelical Council. Former Principal George Kovoor was installed and Tutor in New Testament Dr Jamie Davies as Rector of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tutor in New Testament Rev Dr John Nolland’s were invited to lead a training day in Gloucester Tutor in Missiology Darien, Connecticut (USA), last November. address on ‘The Bible and the Rainbow’, given to teach about preaching the gospel of Rev Dr Howard Worsley an a day conference in London last autumn, Matthew. Last December, Trinity hosted a book has published Sleeping will be published in an expanded format as launch for Jon’s book A Shared Mercy (pictured Beauty Awakens, part of a set of essays under the same title. Ever miss attending above), which included a reading from the which considers how He spoke at a May conference, Sexuality: A book and a Q&A session. to overcome the Friday chapels at Trinity? Pastoral Response, in Plymouth on ‘Jesus, Paul Church’s tendency to and Human Sexuality’. Tutor in Old Testament Rev Dr David Firth be separatist in how has written a new book, Exploring Old it operates its school In April, Tutor in Church History Rev Dr Nigel Testament Wisdom: Literature and Themes systems. The book Scotland preached at St George’s Stamford, (Apollos, 2016). This offers theological Lincolnshire, and, the following Monday, volume surveys reflection on the public recent developments space, considering in the study of Old how unity and partnership can overcome the Testament wisdom; rhetoric of fear and preference for separation. discusses issues In April, he published ‘Anxious tribalism and that have arisen the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel in Proverbs, Job Everett’s mission amongst the Pirahã’ in The and Ecclesiastes; International Journal of Missiology. examines the Song of Songs, Ruth and some Psalms as wisdom Associate and Former Listen to our faculty, as they texts; and explores wisdom and biblical Faculty News offer a sermon series intended theology. David also presented a paper on to challenge and deepen your ‘The Inclusion of Foreigners in the Book of Dr John Bimson appeared on a Netflix understanding of the Kingdom: Joshua’ to the Biblical Ethics group at the documentary, Patterns of Evidence: Exodus. www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk/ Society of Biblical Literature in San Antonio, You can see him (and Trinity) around 43:13. kingdom-sermon-series/ Texas, last November. He and his wife Maya again host one of their
8 9 From Ambition to Contemplative Mission
Trinity alumnus Paul Bradbury the weekend we gather for worship and has recently written Stepping also to connect with others. For example, on one Sunday a month we clean the local Into Grace, a book born beach and advertise that locally. Members of out of his experience in Reconnect are also encouraged to use what they love doing to connect with others. So we pioneering mission. Using have small communities emerging based on the narrative thread of all sorts of things: creativity, walking, film, and brewing, for example. the story of Jonah, the It was the experience of travelling this pioneer book argues for a ministry journey that led into writing the book. It has rooted in grace and more been a very challenging journey personally for me. I had high expectations and ambitions contemplative living—so that when I started out and through the process who we are becoming in of travelling this journey of mission I’ve learnt a huge amount for myself about what it Christ provides a foundation means to be a leader of mission. I was finding for our participation in the too that so much of what I was learning seemed to be quite countercultural to the mission of God. messages coming from the institutional church, particularly those around growth and how to go about it. So it felt increasingly What is your background in important to me to write the book to add a Q: ministry? What experiences different perspective that I think is crucial to led you to consider writing the well-being of church leaders, but also the this book? health of the church in general.
I’m now working as a pioneer minister in Poole. I’ve been Q: What is ‘contemplation’? A: here eight years, having been invited by the Deanery to start In the book, I start by saying something new in the centre of Poole that what contemplation is not. would be oriented toward connecting with A: A lot of people think that unchurched people. I now lead a community contemplation is a technique, called Reconnect which is about fifty to sixty a way of praying, one that some people adults and children. We gather in discipleship warm to, others less so, and one that some Images from Trinity ordinands, using photography as a means of reflection, February 2017. groups throughout the week and then at traditions embrace more than others. In fact,
10 11 contemplation is much deeper than that. God, connecting with and listening to the Thirdly, from reactiveness to responsiveness. to understand and practice this new It is a way of life, a way of seeing life and presence of God each day before embarking Richard Rohr said that the opposite of contemplative basis for ministry. Personally, therefore ministry as taking place within on what the day held. Intercession frequently contemplation is not action but reaction. That I am much more content and at peace with the grace and the presence of God. The emerged from this focus on stillness as I is the kind of hurried, anxious reaction we the ministry I am carrying out. The constant contemplative life begins with the premise perhaps sensed areas that were the focus of make when under pressure. Contemplation is feeling of urgency has gone, it is a day-to- that God is already present and active. It is God’s attention, not just mine. not about inactivity, but about activity based day joy to listen to God and allow him to set therefore related closely to practices that on listening to the Spirit and participating in the pace and agenda of my ministry. It has Secondly, failure. There were things that enable us to listen and be attentive to that response to him. also impacted Reconnect hugely. We have presence as much as possible. Our task just didn’t work, or which turned out totally found ways of practicing contemplation in Fourthly, from utility to humility. When the is to listen, be attentive and participate in differently to what I had hoped or expected. our decision-making. That has brought role of the leader trumps the activity of God’s the flow of life that is the grace of God in I wrestled deeply with the question of what about some surprising decisions that have Spirit in mission then we begin to see ministry the world. Too often we turn life into a very difference all my activity and effort was proved extremely fruitful. As a community through a utilitarian lens—it is all about what mundane affair in which we acknowledge making. Would it matter if I did nothing? What we are now seeking all the time to listen, God from time to time, but essentially we are was the relationship between my activity and can be achieved, how to get things done. take our time and reflect on what God is ‘practical atheists’, doing life by ourselves, my relationship with God? Then I discovered Those who are good at getting things done inviting us to do. We are seeking to be a unless things go wrong. And too often we a key insight that enabled me to find a middle become exalted in the minds of the church. contemplative church. turn ministry into an enterprise, with huge way in which any action on my part sought We cast around for heroes who can save emphases on vision, strategy, aims and to be a participation in the activity of God, an our little bit of the church. Contemplative objectives, targets and outcomes, and with activity which he has already initiated. This leadership is, by nature, humble. It invites us prayer oriented toward asking God to bless middle way is constantly sought through into a journey of downward mobility where our plans and our initiatives. But, as John contemplation, through attending to the our interest is not on what we can achieve V Taylor once said, ‘the chief actor in the presence of God, and asking how we can but how we can best serve what the Spirit is historic mission of the church is the Holy participate in what God is already doing. seeking to achieve in our context. Paul Bradbury Spirit’. He is already at work, he has already (Trinity 2004) is an initiated God’s mission in our context. We ordained pioneer need to catch up with what the Spirit is doing. In your book you mention the How do you think becoming minister in the So our key task is to try and listen to what the four key movements toward a intentionally more Diocese of Salisbury. Q: Q: contemplative has impacted Spirit is up to and join in with him. more contemplative life—can He is married to Emily you as a leader, and impacted you describe them? and together they your ministry? have two children, What has moved you in your Firstly, from hurry to hospitality. Jacob and Bethany. He and Emily have Enormously! The subtitle of the Q: own life and ministry toward a A: Hurry is a sickness of the soul planted a fresh expression of church in book is ‘moving beyond more contemplative life? which emanates from our need A: Poole called Reconnect. Paul also leads ambition to contemplative to be in control and to feel Poole Missional Communities, which is For me, I guess there were mission’ and that was very indispensable. Letting go of that, we begin to building on the experience of Reconnect two key movements. Firstly, much my journey. I was very ambitious and A: learn that the life of God’s Kingdom comes to help inspire, support and train others prayer became increasingly driven when I started. As I say in the book, to us and invites us to offer welcome to it. In in pioneer ministry. He works two days mundane for me when I I don’t think ambition is necessarily a bad that sense it’s a move toward an attitude of a week for Church Mission Society, was stuck in an intercession paradigm. As thing, but it needs to be brought under the hospitality toward the life and mission of God. supporting and advocating for pioneer ministry developed, I realised that praying will of God. At the beginning, my ambition for everything I was involved in, worrying that Secondly, from anxiety to attentiveness. was based around what I believed I could ministers across the south of England. if I didn’t pray for it then somehow that bit There‘s a great deal of anxiety in the church achieve, what I thought needed to be The rest of the time Paul can be found suffered, was a strange theology of prayer. at present. This pressurises us into ill- achieved, not necessarily what God was somewhere in Poole Harbour watching Increasingly I came to trust that God was discerned activity. The contemplative life seeking to achieve. This ultimately led to birds and foraging for mushrooms or at already involved in things, and my prayer invites us to embrace attentiveness to God as near burn-out and a crisis in my identity as a home baking bread. life shifted toward simply being still with the basis for all our action. Christian leader. Through that crisis, I began
12 13 As our distance students conduct their texts as well as for papers by visiting research, they meet regularly about their scholars, Trinity/Baptist College faculty, Four Facts About Our writing (via Skype or over the phone) with two and the students themselves. Last January, advisors—one Trinity faculty member, and a for the first time, the seminar utilised a new second who is usually a faculty member from video conferencing suite, allowing distance another university with added expertise in the students to call into the seminar and see, Postgrad Programme student’s area of interest. Trinity’s local and hear, and participate nearly as fully as local distance postgraduate students join together students. During that first session, students at college annually for a week in June to called in from the US (Tennessee, Texas, That Might Surprise You attend a postgraduate research conference, Colorado, and Kentucky), Spain, South Korea, during which students share research papers, as well as from within the UK (Devon and listen to a lecture from a senior scholar, Wiltshire) to discuss a text by theologian information and contacting my supervisor and enjoy meals and a sightseeing day trip Nathan Kerr together. New technology, new together—the most recent was to the British [Trinity New Testament Tutor Dr] Jamie Davies, I ‘The new video conferencing system is a opportunities, and a quickly realised this would be a great fit for me.’ Library to view the fourth century Codex Sinaiticus, with lunch at the famous Ye Olde massive improvement in my experience as a growing community of Doctoral student Andrew Stager is Christian Cheshire Cheese pub (once frequented by distance student,’ says Andrew, who regularly Life Coordinator and Theology and GK Chesterton, Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan calls in from South Korea. ‘It’s the next best scholars who hope their Philosophy Instructor at Yongsan International Doyle, and other famous literary figures). thing to being in the room with those present School of Seoul, South Korea. He is also in Bristol. I’m very thankful the college has research will impact an associate pastor at Covenant Church in focused on this educational technology.’ the Church. Seoul. ‘The advantage with Trinity is that I Trinity was recently awarded Joshua agrees. He had felt some of the can do the research programme part-time, a grant from The Burden difficulties of studying from a distance, and with an advisor who is interested in my Trust to purchase new video wished for more community engagement. ‘I research and able to guide me without being Our growing postgraduate was greatly relieved when I heard that new overly directive. The fact that Trinity is an conferencing technology to community hails from all 2 technology was being procured, and since institution that is committed to the service of enhance our postgraduate it has been put in place I have never had 1 around the globe. the Church and the Kingdom enables me to research seminars. an issue with it. It has greatly improved my do my work with those same commitments experience of the programme, especially as it in view. Yet Trinity’s research degrees are Trinity postgraduate research (PGR) students Research students local to Bristol come to allows all of the distance students to meet and validated by, and the degrees are granted are those students enrolled in either the Trinity fortnightly for discussions on assigned converse together. The postgraduate research Master of Theology (MTh) or Doctor in by, the University of Aberdeen, which means Philosophy (PhD) programmes at Trinity. that the work I’m doing will be academically rigorous and recognised as such.’ Of the 37 postgraduate students currently enrolled at Trinity, 25 live outside the UK.
How did these students first connect with Trinity? Doctoral student Joshua Heavin, who lives in Dallas, Texas, where he is a pastoral intern at a Presbyterian church, first learned about Trinity from a professor at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas. Joshua’s professor called Trinity ‘a place that took the Kingdom of God seriously.’ Joshua recalls, ‘I had just finished reading Herman Ridderbos’s The Coming of the Kingdom and NT Wright’s Jesus and the Victory of God, and my imagination was PGR students Joshua Heavin (left) from Research students meeting for a research seminar, with distance students attending through immediately hooked! After getting further Texas, and Andrew Stager from Seoul. video conferencing.
14 15 seminars have been wonderful, offering process, she wanted to remain completely distance students the chance to participate in open to whatever God might be calling her interdisciplinary conversations and learn from to do, but, she explains, as she had already our professors and one another.’ earned a master’s degree in education, ‘I knew I’d want to do something above the MA The new video conferencing capabilities have if I could’. Through the discernment process, improved the seminar for those attending in Anna was identified as a potential theological person as well. ‘I like hearing perspectives educator. Her DDO, who had himself from international students,’ says PhD student completed doctoral studies, took note of her Anna Creedon. ‘It’s amazing how good the interest and helped her follow up to consider quality of the system is. There’s no delay—the what her options might be. picture and sound are so clear in talking to them—you feel as though they are right there.’ When she arrived at Trinity on interview a year ago, she discovered that if she enrolled in the MTh programme she could potentially Our ordinands have transition into doctoral studies. Now at an option to pursue a the end of her first year as an ordinand at PhD student Kim Quak-Winslow, participating in a panel discussion on class and theology led by research programme Trinity, Anna has audited classes in worship, Trinity tutor Dr Justin Stratis (left) at Britain’s Society for the Study of Theology 2017 conference. 3 pastoral care, leadership, and Old Testament (MTh or PhD) as a part of their ordination training. studies, as well as a few classes particularly pointed her toward God. At Trinity, she found relevant to the research she is currently again that as she began to study theology, she Trinity’s PGR programme conducting on scriptural engagement and its soon wanted to explore it at a deeper level. connects its students with Trinity ordinand Anna Creedon was teaching transformative potential within small groups. ‘People are formed in different ways,’ she says. top scholars and important religious studies in a secondary school near ‘I can’t separate my worship of God from my 4 academic opportunities. Southampton when she suddenly had a sense Fellow ordinand Alison Walker has always study of him.’ Though initially she was simply that God might be calling her to ordained enjoyed learning. As a chemistry undergraduate pursuing the master’s programme at Trinity, ministry. As she began her discernment at Oxford, she discovered that rigorous study after she attended her first doctrine module, the The postgraduate research programme is discussion-based ‘Saving God’ class with Tutor led by Director of Postgraduate Research in Theology and Ethics Rev Dr Jon Coutts, she and Tutor in Christian Doctrine Dr Justin began additional reading on her own. Over the Stratis. Dr Stratis works to connect Trinity’s summer, Jon pointed her toward Willie James research students with key scholars in their Jennings’s book The Christian Imagination: fields to help supervise their research, whilst Theology and the Origins of Race. ‘I had never simultaneously working to organise a rota read theology word for word like that,’ she of outside scholars to address research explains. ‘I devoured it. Then, in my second year, seminars and a well-known scholar to I hit the MA running. I knew I had only a year to provide the keynote lecture for the June come up with a research topic for the PhD.’ research conference. Alison will continue in her doctoral studies Dr Stratis connected student Alison Walker through her curacy, with the blessing of her with her advisor, Dr Susannah Ticciati, who sending diocese. ‘Hereford Diocese has is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology at been really supportive—that’s been key. Kings College London, over a meal together Rather than creating a barrier, they have after a research seminar. ‘She is amazing,’ been very encouraging and flexible about Alison says. ‘She is a well-rounded and astute study arrangements in curacy. They want theologian, and it has also been helpful to people theologically educated to a good have her as a model, as a woman.’ standard. They are already thinking about how I can provide teaching for the training Dr Stratis has also worked to connect New video conferencing technology allows distance students to attend research seminars. opportunities they offer.’ our research students with opportunities
16 17 at national and international theology Trinity’s own June research conference has conferences. In Britain, where he serves on welcomed senior scholars such as Prof. the Executive Committee for the Society for Francis Watson (Durham), Prof. John Webster the Study of Theology, he arranged for Alison (St. Andrews), and Revd Prof. Walter Moberly to serve as the postgraduate respondent (Durham). The June 2017 conference will to plenary speaker Willie James Jennings’s feature Prof. NT Wright from the University paper at the 2017 annual conference. Fellow of St Andrews. At the conferences, students Trinity research student Kim Quak-Winslow present their own research as well, with the also participated in the conference as a top paper winning an annual research prize. member of a panel discussion led by Dr ‘The papers and workshops, and the worship Stratis on class and theology—the only and socialising together, helped me begin to student participant alongside professors from feel that I’m part of an academic community the Universities of Aberdeen and Leicester. who are all seeking to love and honour God with our mind as well as with our heart, soul, At last year’s Society of Biblical Literature/ and strength,’ says PhD student Fiona Gibson. American Academy of Religion meetings in ‘The visiting speakers have been world class, San Antonio, Texas, Trinity research students and very generous in sharing their wisdom Learning to Michelle Stinson and Mark Glanville both and experience as well as their knowledge. had papers accepted to present at the That has felt like a real gift.’ gatherings, with Mark presenting a total of Within the postgraduate community at Trinity, three papers—a serious achievement for any students and faculty model a concern that Disagree research student. excellence in scholarship is pursued for the sake of the Church, with many expressing the desire By Helen O’Sullivan that their research might impact both their own ministry practice and the practice of others. Fiona is vicar of three rural parishes in Last winter, Trinity students In February, as a college, we had the Bedfordshire, as well as a wife and mother, as participated in a plenary week that opportunity to engage with and reflect on she pursues her PhD. When she first began to the ethical and pastoral issues for the church brought together speakers with explore where to conduct her research, she today concerning the areas of gender and says, ‘The IME Phase 2 Officer in the diocese a variety of perspectives on the sexuality. The week was thoughtfully planned gave me some very useful advice. She said issues surrounding gender and and led by our theology and ethics tutor, Rev that doing the research through a theological sexuality to address our students, Dr Jon Coutts, and all students were able to college rather than a university theology who themselves hold a variety engage in some or all of the week’s activities. I department would be a good idea, as a was fortunate enough to be able to assist with of perspectives. As the week theological college would understand both the week alongside a group of other students, the idea of a dual vocation, and the reality unfolded, our students responded supporting logistical and technical aspects of the pressures of ministry life. Trinity was a by providing both those invited to of the week, as well as welcoming guest good fit, coming from an evangelical tradition, college and one another with the speakers. Learning, discussion, and reflection and what I’d read about the faculty and their space to have honest conversations, took place in large-scale lectures, pastoral work impressed me.’ groups, and presentations by visiting speakers. loving one another by listening Student Josh Heavin agrees, ‘Although with respect and humility, while There were many threads and challenges that there are many strengths at Trinity, such as maintaining a simultaneous concern arose across the week, and this reflection does the quality of the faculty and ecumenicity not have the capacity to do more than scratch Alison Walker, after presenting her research for biblical faithfulness. Ordinand paper at the Society for the Study of of the student body, I am perhaps most the surface of these. But for me, the themes Theology 2017 conference, with Dr Willie appreciative of the rare blend of academic Helen O’Sullivan writes about her of inclusivity and integrity were central to our James Jennings of Yale University. rigor and ecclesial formation.’ experience during the week. discussions—that as a Church we are called
18 19 to be inclusive and welcoming, and that we position they hold, for doing the hard work of about how to discuss and make choices with have a mandate to live with integrity and to theological and pastoral reflection. We need biblical faithfulness and humility. Alumni NEWS be biblically faithful as the body of Christ, the to use every hermeneutical and reflective For me this week was not so much about first fruits of the new Kingdom. But what do we tool at our disposal if we are to discuss these answers to a specific issue as about 1940s do when an ethical issue creates a feeling of issues robustly. I was challenged to realise developing a robust and sensitive approach Douglas Milmine (Clifton 1947), former tension between these two callings for some that if I don’t do this work, I am in danger of to issues that might ignite division in a church. Bishop of Paraguay, died on 28 February at but not others within the Church? either resorting to platitudes or proof texts or While it was both interesting and helpful to the age of 95. During WWII he was a bomber worse—lapsing into an uncomfortable silence I was reminded that none of the individual engage with the area of gender and sexual pilot in the RAF; he was shot down on his of indecision. issues we might discuss exist in a vacuum. ethics, for me, my main learning was around eighth operation and after six days on the run They are shaped and mediated for us by Elaine Sommers, a transgender person who how the church can better engage in general ended up a POW. other factors before we even begin to came to speak to us, highlighted this for me with challenging ethical issues. Looking to discuss them. For a start they sit within a by reflecting on her own perception and the future, as a church leader, I will have 1960s much broader biblical framework, which experience of hearing issues of gender and other divisive challenges to face and will Last September, Margaret Clarke (Dalton can support, challenge, and give structure sexuality spoken about in churches. Her need to have the skills and attitudes that will House 1962) passed away peacefully at the to conversations, and they are also located main reflection was that, despite the ongoing enable me to be responsible for my own age of 83, surrounded by friends, soon after within the cultural norms of our societies. We debates at national and international levels, opinions and to be willing to be vulnerable she received Holy Communion and Anointing. cannot engage in any of these discussions she has found an almost deafening silence in and humble enough to listen well to others After a successful career in nursing, Margaret except out of our own experiences and local churches around these issues. And yet and to God’s word. trained anew at Dalton House. She went on to be in the first tranche of women ordained understanding, and so we must always it is in local churches where congregations Finally, it was so encouraging that the week’s Deacon, and again in the first ordinations to acknowledge that we will only come with part need to be equipped to ask, ‘What is the conversations were framed in an attitude of the priesthood. Her contribution to the life of of the jigsaw, and that in order to begin to faithful thing to do in this time and place?’ respect and generosity, and as a community Oxford Diocese was recognised when she was wrestle with the bigger picture we are reliant How do those of us who lead, preach, and there was a desire for different views to be made the first woman canon of Christ Church on others to share their stories, experiences disciple in our churches ensure that, no matter heard and considered. The vision was for Cathedral. One hundred and fifty people and positions. With the challenges of the what views we hold, we speak about them a safe space where people could share attended a service to give thanks for her life at ‘social media bubble’ where I have found constructively? This week has helped me to their views as well as have the courage to Holy Trinity Bracknell. myself following and sharing stories with develop my understanding that to be able to try out new thoughts or changing ideas as those who generally think the same way as I speak constructively about divisive issues we the week progressed, which was visible in Ken Short (Tyndale Hall 1964) attended a do, and churches’ tendencies to gather in like- need to be able to share the same starting people’s engagement in discussions, the special reunion last May in Nottingham for minded tribes where we can feel comfortable points—robust theological work and engaged questions they asked, and the grace with those who had been at theological college and at home, it is easy to find ourselves pastoral reflection—enabling a shared which disagreements were handled. Our in Bristol in the 1960s. Ten attended the hearing only one side of a story. This week conversation with integrity and inclusivity. existing relationships as a college community reunion and enjoyed sharing memories and reminded me that, as with any issue, it is vital I was left with the challenge that both enabled courage and vulnerability to lie laughs together. Ken continues to preach that we make room for the voices of those for integrity and inclusivity are vital to the identity at the heart of disagreements rather than occasionally at various churches when the whom these issues are not simply theological of the church as the body of Christ and the a desire to win an argument. For me, this incumbents need cover. He enjoyed being points to be debated, or church policy to mission of God. While as the Church our showed the strength of holding these part of the Charlton Deanery productions for be developed, but for whom the issues are witness to the world is to be shown in our conversations in a community where local church and state schools last Easter personal and part of their everyday lives. love, this cannot justify avoiding taking a relationships are built around a vision of the and Christmas. Over the week, more than During the plenary week we had the stand on ethical issues. However, we must Kingdom as a people united in Christ. a thousand children saw the plays. The opportunity to hear from a range of different also recognise that debates on ethical issues Christmas play was interactive, and included speakers with a variety of experiences and are by their very nature integral to people’s Ken playing the angel Gabriel. positions on issues of gender and sexuality. lives and will be received in relational Their honesty, vulnerability, and humility terms. Inclusivity and integrity can only have Helen O’Sullivan 1980s meant we were able to engage with the meaning when enacted in a community is an ordinand from Rev Canon John Holder (Trinity 1987) left choices they have personally made in light of rooted in a given time and place. They Winchester Diocese Trinity to serve a curacy in Brockworth, their own biblical reflection and circumstances. become a reality in the way we relate to pursuing a Diploma in just outside of Gloucester. He had a very Their stories helped me to reflect on the fact God, the way we relate to the people around Theology, Ministry and large Sunday school and a very active that everyone has a contribution to make us, and how these two sets of relationships Mission. youth fellowship. His first living was in the to conversations in these areas; however, interact. In seeking to live out inclusivity and Cotswolds, just above Painswick. His main everyone also has to take responsibility for the integrity in our locations, we need to speak ministry was in his next parish of St John the
20 21 Evangelist, Cinderford, in the Forest of Dean. (www.theologicaleducatorsnetwork.org), study group on an outing), the carer of her Part of his ministry was as lead chaplain in which seeks to encourage and support all On our blog we’ve collected preaching parents—her father, Enoch, was the oldest the local cottage hospital. In the diocese, those providing theological tips from our alumni and friends—look man in Wales when he died at the age of 108. he was on the Board of Education and education as part of training for ideas and encouragement to help They spoke of her inner strength and calm chaired the FE Committee. He also helped for licensed ministry in the your preaching ministry: demeanour. Giving and forgiving. A practical strengthen the work of chaplains in this area Church of England. The http://bit.ly/2k6TLNr. and generous friend. Resolute, single-minded of service. His final post in full-time ministry work on lament which and unafraid to challenge wrong attitudes. was ministering with four small parishes just Simon started whilst at Strong convictions and a loving heart. A hard outside of Cheltenham. He also became the Jean Cooke, 1920 - 2017 Trinity has recently been worker. For ever putting others first. Always first appointed chaplain of the National Star Last principal of St Michael’s House Oxford published in a form suitable encouraging and an inveterate letter-writer. College, a residential college for physically In a lifespan of over 96 years, for the general church disabled young people aged 16 to 25 years. two years may seem a short She committed her life to Christ at the age of 17 readership as Songs for ‘This was a wonderful ministry and challenge,’ time. But a lot can pivot on and signed a declaration to the Lord, which she Suffering: Praying the he says, ‘learning about disability, and working those two years. Jean Cooke, kept in her Bible and to which she recommitted Psalms in Times of Trouble (Hendrickson, with people of other faiths.’ The chaplaincy who died in February, was herself on the first day of each new year. Many was a multi-faith chaplaincy, which is now 2017). Simon has developed a website to principal of St Michael’s of those who packed the parish church of overseen by the chaplaincy to the University of accompany the book (www.cryhard.org), House Oxford from 1966 until Milford-on-Sea to celebrate her life had been Gloucestershire. John is now retired and lives where he hopes to build up resources for its merger with Dalton House members of her Bible study and fellowship in Seaton. He has PTO in Exeter Diocese and lament in the life of the church—personal and Bristol in 1968. In that short groups in Cardiff and elsewhere. She took 2 leads services and is active in the local mission corporate, prayer and worship. Timothy 2:2 to heart and lived a full life. community. He is also with the Sea Cadet time she forged a link with Corps, is chaplain to TS Exmouth, and is about 2010s a band of women who were to have a major Her godson’s perception of her was that impact for the gospel all across the world. to be appointed district chaplain for Devon. Two former research students, ‘she walked the earth on her knees’. I am ‘My time at Trinity was a very good time,’ John Jon Swales (Trinity 2011) and Since that time, Jean faithfully convened an convinced that one of the things that sustains remembers. ‘I was given the tools to work in us and brings blessing to Trinity is the faithful Dr Dave Beldman (Trinity annual reunion of past students, latterly at God’s service in diverse communities.’ prayer of those like Jean. In the foreword to 2015) penned a chapter on Wycliffe Hall just a little way up the Banbury their history of St Michael’s House*, Jean and biblical theology in a book Road from the old college building. I would 2000s her co-author write of their hope that those recently published by Baker join them in recent years to bring news of Lee Barnes (Trinity 2003) was named in The who read their book might be “inspired to Academic, titled A Manifesto Trinity, the grandchild of St Michael’s through Bristol Post’s ‘The Bristol Cool List: The 50 pray for all who study now at Trinity College for Theological Interpretation. the union with Dalton House and then, three Coolest Bristolians Alive Today’. The article said Bristol, where the work of St Michael’s years later, with Clifton Theological College of him: ‘Poet, vicar and inspirational speaker continues”. Jean’s work is done. It still inspires Neil Robinson (Trinity 2017) and his wife Helen and Tyndale Hall. It was inspiring to meet with about his drug-laden past and subsequent a host of others who thank God for her. were featured on Jean and the others. Their passion for the transformation, Rev Lee runs two churches in the BBC and in the centre of Bristol, and is fast creating an arts Lord’s work remained undimmed and their Andrew Lucas, executive director of several newspapers and music hum at St Stephen’s, right opposite joyful anticipation of one day soon being with Trinity College last February as both the Hippodrome. He also ups sticks every him grew more and more evident as the years (who are profoundly * Jean Cooke and Joan Garwood (2000). A June to lead a huge church in the middle of went by. Even in her last years, while there was deaf) were able, Time and a Season: The Story of St Michael’s the Glastonbury Festival too.’ work to do, Jean was steadfast: serving the St through cochlear House Oxford. Cookham, Berks: The St Michael’s community and caring for her infirm implants, to hear Michael’s House Fellowship. Simon Stocks (Trinity 2004) continues as elder sister, who died only months before her. tutor for biblical studies and lay ministry at the one another for the very first time. You can (recently renamed) St Augustine’s College of watch the segment at http://bbc.in/2lpRcq5. While I am aware of the fruitfulness of two Theology, which delivers full-time and part- This was the first time a couple has undergone short years, others at Jean’s thanksgiving Keep in touch! time ministerial training pathways. In addition the procedure in the history of the University service spoke of the effect of that much We’d love to share news from your life of Southampton Audiology Implant Service longer life lived before and after. They spoke to his work in biblical studies, Simon oversees and ministry with fellow Trinity alumni. (USAIS), according to Southampton newspaper of a girl full of life and energy, a competitive Reader training provision for three dioceses in Send your news and photos to the South-East region. He also serves as chair The Southern Daily Echo. sportswoman (she learned to ice-skate [email protected]. of the Theological Educators’ Network (Photo courtesy of The Southern Daily Echo) at 70—so that she could take her Bible
22 23 OPEN DAY 4 November 2017
Do you know someone considering theological study? Join us for a day in Bristol to find out what it can mean to study in community. For more information call 0117 968 0254 or email [email protected].
Join us on 28 June 2017 to hear New Testament scholar NT Wright discuss ‘The Royal Revolution: Fresh Perspectives on the Cross’.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2ndEvvT.