The Theology Network elective is designed to give theology graduates the opportunity to develop an approach to theology that is deeply rooted in the gospel, and which serves the church and reaches the world. The elective draws together often disparate threads in academic theology and works through some key issues that arise in the secular university context.
For those going into the world of work or ministry, the elective will help you apply your years of study in a constructive way to your life and service in the Church. And for those considering further study, it will lay down foundations that will serve you well in postgraduate study.
Not a theology graduate? This could still be right for you if you’re considering theological training after Relay. If you want to explore this further, email Michael at theology@uccf.org.uk.
The elective study is made up of a combination of books, articles, videos and podcasts, which should take up four hours of study time each week.
In the autumn term we’ll explore the gospel as the foundation for evangelical theology, the roles of tradition, reason, and experience in Scriptural interpretation, and the outworking of theology in church and mission.
In the spring term we’ll look at a small selection of issues that are common in academic theology. These will be drawn from issues in reading the Old Testament as Christians, Biblical Criticism and the New Testament, and postmodernism and truth.
In the summer term you’ll get put together your own mini elective, studying a topic of your choice. This can be an opportunity to work on something that will contribute to your post-Relay pursuits (e.g. a research proposal for postgraduate study,).
Unlike core study, which is supervised by your Staff Worker, for the Theology Network elective you’ll be supervised by Michael Williams, the Theology Network Coordinator. You’ll be part of monthly group supervisions via Zoom with other Relays taking the elective. Before each supervision you’ll be asked to work through the study materials for that month and prepare something – some reflections on a topic, an argument for a debate, a short evangelistic talk or a more formal written study response.
In the summer we’ll spend some time together reflecting on what we’ve learned during the year. This is also a chance to present on the project that you have been working on throughout the summer term. The dates for this years’ gathering will be set and communicated to you and your staff worker by the start of the Autumn Term.
Alongside the elective study material, during your year on Relay there are many other opportunities to get stuck in with the Theology Network as we seek to reach and disciple theology students. These include creating content for the website, supporting a local Theology Network hub, meeting one-to-one with a theology student, and attending the seminar track at Word Alive.
It’s important to us that you not only grow in your own knowledge and faith during your year as a Theology Network Relay, but that you’re also able to use what you’ve gained to serve others.
To join with the Theology Network elective, simply download a Relay application pack as normal and fill out the additional Relay Leadership Network application form.
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