Over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed hearing Andy Robinson preach in our various services. Andy runs the Ministry Training Course in Oxford, which meets either all day on a Tuesday, or one Saturday morning a month. It is also possible to do the course online. Two of our church family have written to tell us how they have found it. If you would like to try it for a day, Ian Miller will be attending their day conference on Tuesday 19th May, so please contact him if you would like to go too.
Rachel Meynell
The South Central Gospel Partnership Ministry Training Course (MTC) is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Christ and equip yourself to serve him better. I have been attending the Saturday course since September, and it has been a wonderful experience. But in case you’re not convinced, I will try to address some questions you might have.
But I don’t want to work in ministry?
That might be true, but if you have ever wished you had more confidence when it comes to speaking about Jesus. I think this course is for you. Whether you’re talking to a non-Christian friend in the pub or leading a small group, it never hurts to be better equipped to do God’s work.
But what if I don’t have time?
The course I do is one Saturday a month. As a tradesperson, I’d say I’m a pretty busy man. But this course works perfectly for me. I can equip myself to serve without having to rearrange my life.
Don’t I need to be a Bible expert?
Absolutely not, the teaching on a Saturday is very accessible. Andy Robinson, the course leader, is a great teacher. The lessons consist of a detailed Bible overview followed by applied doctrine. It has really helped me see the Bible as a whole book and how it applies to our modern lives. Being a relatively new Christian, I may have spent the least amount of time in God’s word out of all the students, yet I find it very approachable. You don’t need to be an expert to get the best out of it.
This course has really boosted my confidence; the atmosphere is safe and supportive. I feel so much more equipped as a disciple and as a servant of Christ. So come along in September and join in. I can’t recommend it enough.
Josh House
I did the first year of the MTC course from 2024-2025. I was looking for a way to hold myself accountable to studying God’s word in a more structured way. The course is for any Christian who wants to grow in their knowledge and understanding of our God.
The course I attended ran every Tuesday during term time. As a nurse working shifts I wasn’t sure at first how easily it would fit around my schedule, but it worked really well. It was an absolute joy to attend in person and be part of the smaller breakout groups and I really appreciated the option to join online on weeks when my shift pattern meant driving to Oxford wasn’t possible. Being able to catch up online when I couldn’t attend live meant I was still able to benefit fully from the course, mostly. The only sessions that aren’t available online are the afternoon workshop groups, which I was very sad to miss. They are very practical and a good opportunity to get to know and love a smaller group of people more deeply.
The mornings always began with a prayer and a song of praise. After this the day was filled with studying the Bible, with tea breaks and lunch along the way. There was expository teaching through specific books, an overview of the Bible, practical gospel ministry and workshops that helped us gain experience in giving and leading Bible studies. Andy Robinson and Vaughan Roberts explained things so clearly and we also had other experienced pastors and Bible teachers who led some of the sessions over the year.
I would recommend MTC to anyone, even if like me, you aren’t serving in a ministry that it links to directly. It was the highlight of my week and I learnt so much.
Elizabeth Gilbert