What is distinctive about training at Queen's?

At Queen’s we recognize that Christian ministers today lead and serve diverse congregations, in the midst of communities with increasing cultural and religious diversity. That’s why it’s vital to be able to hold our own belief and practice with total integrity, while exhibiting God’s grace and generosity in our relationships inside and outside the church. The Centre for Ministerial Formation is the place to learn how. We form ministers for work in the real church, with all its complexity and messiness, by shaping students who are not afraid to ask difficult questions or be challenged about their own assumptions.

A global perspective for contextual ministry

The Queen’s community draws members from five continents and sits in the middle of an extraordinarily diverse city. We see global diversity as a key formational feature, helping you to see the big picture of what God is doing in the world beyond our doorstep. Only when we can step outside our own context can we see it with fresh perspective, and those from other parts of the world help us to do that.

We also encourage ministerial students to use our international connections to enhance their training, with opportunities for short-term exchanges and other international visits. Click here for more information about our Global Christianity opportunities.

A passion for holistic mission

At Queen’s we see mission as God’s business, and we encourage students to get involved in that mission in its broadest form – not just welcoming and nurturing new believers, but also bringing God’s reign nearer by challenging the unjust structures of our world. We provide encouragement and opportunity for ministerial students to develop as leaders in prophetic mission, unafraid to challenge the powerful and to speak and act for the kingdom.

An expertise in interfaith dialogue

Queen’s has unrivalled expertise in and resources for interfaith engagement. Two tutors are specialists in this field and their knowledge and first hand engagement with other faith communities in Birmingham mean that you will not just gain a critical appreciation of Christian approaches to religious plurality in theology, biblical interpretation and spiritual practice, but you will have significant experiences of other faith traditions, exploring the impact of this upon your own Christian self-understanding.