Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the LCTP? What is the LCTP?The LCTP began life as the Carlisle Diocesan Training Institute in 1978 when the late Arthur Attwell was asked to pilot a scheme of non-residential training for ordination for people who lived in the Diocese of Carlisle. Non-residential training was already in operation in the Church of England, but it remained a very difficult option for people living in the Diocese of Carlisle for geographical reasons, the nearest course being based in Manchester. Within 10 years, the course was beginning to attract small numbers of people to train from the surrounding areas of the northern parts of the Diocese of Blackburn and from the western extremity of the Diocese of Bradford. In 1996 this was formally recognised when the Institute was renamed the Carlisle and Blackburn Diocesan Training Institute. Nowadays students come to study with the LCTP from all over the region. The Institute exists primarily to prepare men and women for all categories of ordained ministry within the Church of England; stipendiary (SM), non-stipendiary (NSM) and ordained local ministry (OLM). It is also provides training for Methodist students training for the ministry and has provided training for people from the Baptist and URC traditions prior to being ordained. As well as ordinands the LCTP also provides training for trainee Readers in the Dioceses of Blackburn and Carlisle. It also provides a theological education for independent students regardless of their denominational allegiance. The LCTP is a non-residential course. This means it has no buildings, though it does have an office at Carlisle. For weekend courses and study days it uses Rydal Hall which is a great privilege and delight. The Hall is set in the heart of the Lake District and is adjacent to where William Wordsworth lived at one time and where he wrote some of his most famous poetry. What is the aim of the course?To ensure that those who minister are firmly grounded in the faith of the Church of God in order to visibly be people of prayer. To enable growth in the theological understanding of those who minister so that they will be effective proclaimers and teachers of the faith. To equip those who minister to be effective in leading the fully Eucharistic life of the church where they are called to serve. To enable those who minister to be self aware so that they will be disciplined and responsive in their ministry, a ministry to which they are called by God in Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit. How much time will it take?Courses normally last 3 years (prior to ordination) or 2 years (prior to being licensed as a Reader). They are designed to be undertaken by someone in full-time employment. This does not mean they are easy. What is does mean is that they will be arranged in such a way as not to preclude someone in work. Each module of the course will involve attending tutorial groups, preparatory reading and the completion of a number of written pieces for assessment. This will mean that students will need to probably stop doing some things in order to create the necessary space for the course. What is the authority of the course?The course has a double authority. First, it is validated by the Church of England and Methodist Church and others (as required) to train people for ordination and to be Readers. Secondly, it is validated academically through St Martin's College, Lancaster. How do I qualify to join the course?There are no educational qualifications required in order to join the course other than a willingness to learn. The course is committed to providing training for all who have been recommended for training by either national selection for ordained ministry or Diocesan selection for Reader ministry. Independent students should contact the Principal in the first instance. Who to contactThe Principal: Canon Tim Herbert Secretary: Tricia Turner Office Address: Church House Telephone 01228 815 405 E-mail: admin@LCTP.org.uk |