1. Rooted in reflective practice, 'contextual' linked with real churches 2. Not complacent or fearful. Prioritises cause of God over tradition, prepared to be ground-breaking. 3. Inclusivity 4. Links with wider church through working with other colleges in Luther King House
I have had a connection with NBC/NBLC for around fourteen years (time flies!) during which a lot has changed both in the college, the union(s) and in my own understanding of faith and ministry.
What I continue to value is that the college accepted me I was, and allowed me a safe enough space to explore ideas without prescribing what I should conclude which allowed me to leave better equipped for the challenges of ministerial life. That NBLC (or any other name it may opt for at osme point) continues to affirm its commitment to prepare for ordination women and men whom God has called irrespective of their financial status is something very precious.
I appreciated the ecumenical nature of training (just as well being the only undergrad Baptist in my intake...) and the strong commitment to building relationships.
Doing my NAM studies with NBLC and being involved in various TiMM modules as a trainer/facilitator has been good.
Even now I'm virtually an ex-pat I value having an English college in commutable distance!
Having a learning centre in the North of England remains an important priority within our denomination. Not only does it make lay and ministerial training more accessible but it also helps to nuance leadership development to take into account the particular cultures and contexts of the north. In particular there are important challenges facing the church in our urban areas.
I have always been impressed at the commitment of the staff to be Jesus in our generation. The examples of servant leadership I have seen modelled through the years has been inspirational. The churches with which I have been involved have appreciated the generous self giving of the college/community seen in the development of the church based patterns of training and the learning opportunities provided in the local churches through BTP CLN TiMM and any other initials you can come up with.:-)
As someone who never had any dealings with NBLC till I became a minister in the area I appreciate the Library. I also think it is important having a college (learning community) engaged in church life in the North of England.
Having only been studying at NBLC since September, I value the following; 1. The willingness of both Co-Principals and other tutors to go the extra mile in supporting my learning I my call in the way that is most appropriate for my situation. 2. The inclusivity. 3. The environemnt to explore without censorship, without having someone else's view imposed upon me. 4. The fact that the college is here in the North and almost on my doorstep. It would be very difficult for me to learn anywhere else. 5. The ecumenical teaching has been rewarding and eye opening and models tolerance of other's viewpoints - essential for future ministers in my view.
... and I'm sure as I go on with my learning there will be lots more to value.
We value the fact that it is there serving the North of the country. It is important that there is a college in the North - both for accessibility for those in the area and in order to bring better understanding of the northern context. I also consider the links that the college has worked hard at developing with churches in the Associations it serves to be a real strength.
1. Rooted in reflective practice, 'contextual' linked with real churches
ReplyDelete2. Not complacent or fearful. Prioritises cause of God over tradition, prepared to be ground-breaking.
3. Inclusivity
4. Links with wider church through working with other colleges in Luther King House
Thanks Nikki. I would add to your list flexability of courses has been very important for me in my journey with calling and ministry.
DeleteI have had a connection with NBC/NBLC for around fourteen years (time flies!) during which a lot has changed both in the college, the union(s) and in my own understanding of faith and ministry.
ReplyDeleteWhat I continue to value is that the college accepted me I was, and allowed me a safe enough space to explore ideas without prescribing what I should conclude which allowed me to leave better equipped for the challenges of ministerial life. That NBLC (or any other name it may opt for at osme point) continues to affirm its commitment to prepare for ordination women and men whom God has called irrespective of their financial status is something very precious.
I appreciated the ecumenical nature of training (just as well being the only undergrad Baptist in my intake...) and the strong commitment to building relationships.
Doing my NAM studies with NBLC and being involved in various TiMM modules as a trainer/facilitator has been good.
Even now I'm virtually an ex-pat I value having an English college in commutable distance!
Having a learning centre in the North of England remains an important priority within our denomination. Not only does it make lay and ministerial training more accessible but it also helps to nuance leadership development to take into account the particular cultures and contexts of the north. In particular there are important challenges facing the church in our urban areas.
ReplyDeleteI have always been impressed at the commitment of the staff to be Jesus in our generation. The examples of servant leadership I have seen modelled through the years has been inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThe churches with which I have been involved have appreciated the generous self giving of the college/community seen in the development of the church based patterns of training and the learning opportunities provided in the local churches through BTP CLN TiMM and any other initials you can come up with.:-)
As someone who never had any dealings with NBLC till I became a minister in the area I appreciate the Library. I also think it is important having a college (learning community) engaged in church life in the North of England.
ReplyDeleteHaving only been studying at NBLC since September, I value the following;
ReplyDelete1. The willingness of both Co-Principals and other tutors to go the extra mile in supporting my learning I my call in the way that is most appropriate for my situation.
2. The inclusivity.
3. The environemnt to explore without censorship, without having someone else's view imposed upon me.
4. The fact that the college is here in the North and almost on my doorstep. It would be very difficult for me to learn anywhere else.
5. The ecumenical teaching has been rewarding and eye opening and models tolerance of other's viewpoints - essential for future ministers in my view.
... and I'm sure as I go on with my learning there will be lots more to value.
We value the fact that it is there serving the North of the country. It is important that there is a college in the North - both for accessibility for those in the area and in order to bring better understanding of the northern context.
ReplyDeleteI also consider the links that the college has worked hard at developing with churches in the Associations it serves to be a real strength.