Ordination training
At Trinity, we train men and women for ordination in the Church of England. You can train as a Bristol-based (residential) or context-based (non-residential) learner, and you can also train part-time. However you choose to study, you will be based - and immersed - in a context church throughout your studies.
Whether you're a Bristol-based (residential) or a context-based (non-residential) student, we will prepare you for ordination with a combination of excellent theological teaching, practical learning in context, pastoral support and spiritual formation.
At Trinity, we believe that God has given us the task of shaping leaders who live out kingdom values in community for a missional church. So that’s what you’ll be signing up for if you join us: becoming rooted in a diverse, lively, messy family of people striving to become Christ-like leaders, encouraging one another to pursue God and his kingdom, so that more people can know the joy of relationship with him.
Studying at Trinity
Our Bristol-based ordination training integrates reflection, study, and practice in context, as you participate in a community of passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our context-based ordination training allows you to benefit from a full-time Trinity education while remaining in your context.
Our part-time ordination training gives you the ability to prepare for leadership in the Church of England alongside other work and ministry commitments.
Do you feel called to become a future theological educator? Or, do you want to consider that as an option whilst training for ordination?
As an ordinand at Trinity, you can benefit from our large postgraduate research community. Our ordinands have the option to pursue a research programme (MTh or PhD) as part of their ordination training; you would simply complete both our usual application form and our research application form. Questions? Contact admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk. To learn more about postgraduate research at Trinity, click here.
The Elizabeth Pathway
The Church of England’s pilot Elizabeth Pathway is a new ordination training route designed for older, experienced lay leaders who are discerning a call to ordained ministry. It builds on participants’ life experience, faith, and leadership experience within the Church.
Trinity is excited to be able to offer the pathway. Elizabeth candidates will get to experience formation in our community, either as Bristol-based residential students, or via our part-time context-based route, which still involves a good amount of time worshipping and learning residentially onsite (four block weeks a year).
Eligibility:
Candidates must be aged between 53 to 65 (although approval can be sought for older candidates on an exceptional basis). They will be mature in their faith of at least five years, with at least two years of active engagement in a local Anglican church or equivalent, and expecting to remain in their local church context.
For instructions about how to apply, contact admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
Programmes
Modes of Study
Come and visit us
The best way to find out if we’re the right fit for you is to come and visit us. We have several Open Days and Open Afternoons during the course of a year. If those dates don’t work for you, don’t worry – we can arrange for you to visit another time. We look forward to meeting you!