Embedded study lowers financial hurdles

Over the past few months, we have had the privilege of meeting with a number of young men from across the world who are applying for theological study at Westminster.

These men come from different countries, have different backgrounds, and often raise different questions about studying for the ministry. There is one issue, however, that consistently comes up: the issue of finances.

Three years of theological training comes at a cost, and not every applicant is able to support themselves from savings or part-time work.

We have therefore developed an embedded study programme specifically to tackle the financial obstacles facing men called to future ministry.

Students are invited to combine their theological studies with an internship in a partner Reformed church. The benefits from this are twofold: students can draw a stipend from their church internship to fund their studies, and can at the same time gain practical ministerial experience.

We caught up with Peter, a former student on the embedded MDiv programme at Westminster. Alongside his studies, Peter served for three years as ministerial assistant in All Saints Presbyterian Church, Newcastle.

“With a wife and two young children to support, the embedded study programme made it possible for me to complete my theological training free of debt.”

Peter's role at All Saints involved regular opportunities to preach, as well as lead the youth work and support the church in a range of practical ways. For Peter, a particular highlight of this embedded model of studying was applying his knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations.

“I remember being asked to preach once shortly after taking an extended class on homiletics. It was the perfect chance to take a body of knowledge from the classroom and apply it in a tangible situation.”

We are incredibly grateful to the generosity of our donors that make this financial support possible. If you would like to contribute towards the training and support of future gospel ministers, visit our donations page.

If you believe that God is calling you into ministry but are unsure of how to afford 3 years of theological training, please do get in touch with us.