CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY,
MINISTRY & MISSION
Reference form
with guidance notes for referees
St John’s College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS Fax 0115 943 6438
Admissions Hotline: 0115 968 3203 (answerphone) e-mail: [email protected]
Guidance notes for referees
Please read before writing your
reference on the candidate
St John’s Extension Studies
St John’s Extension Studies is part of St John’s
College, Nottingham which has been preparing
men and women for Christian ministry since
1863. St John’s belongs to the Evangelical
tradition of the Church of England, has been
influenced by Charismatic renewal and has a
tradition of being open to learning from others.
St John’s Extension Studies was created to make
high quality theological education open to all
and particularly those who need to study by
distance learning.
Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission
The Certificate in Theology, Ministry and
Mission is designed to provide a distance
learning programme of study for people who
wish to explore practical Christian ministry
within the framework of the rigorous and
accessible study of theology. The programme
introduces key areas of Christian doctrine and
ministry and therefore may be particularly
helpful to students who are exploring vocation
towards Christian Ministry, both lay and
ordained, or who are already engaged in such
ministry.
Support for students includes a module tutor for
each module who will help the student with any
issues arising from the distance learning module
materials and guide them through writing
assignments. Students also have a pastoral tutor
who helps them forward in their Christian and
ministerial formation.
Qualities in applicants
Give the nature of the institution and the
programme as outlined above, we seek to admit
candidates who will care capable of undertaking
this programme of study and will benefit from
studying it with St John’s. We are looking for a
number of key qualities and would ask you as
referee to comment on these in order to help us
consider this application:
1. Potential for University-level study
Candidates must have an interest in the subject
and an enquiring mind. Candidates need to have
the requisite educational background (including
one A level or equivalent). Your best judgment
on these matters is greatly valued.
2. Strong motivation
A part-time programme of study of this kind
requires significant ‘stickability’, and the
applicant’s motivation for doing the course will
be tested. We would be grateful for a referee’s
guidance on whether the applicant has
previously shown evidence of a sense of
application to a task they have taken on.
3. Genuine interest in Christian ministry
This programme of study is in Christian ministry.
Although candidates are not required to be
involved in Christian ministry (or indeed be
members of the Christian church) they must
have a genuine interest in Christian ministry in
order to successfully complete this programme.
We value referees’ frank evaluation of whether
this applicant demonstrates genuine interest in
Christian ministry.
4. Openness to Exploring Vocation
The Certificate in Theology, Ministry and
Mission is designed to help students explore
Christian vocation in its widest sense. Referees
are to comment on whether candidates
demonstrate genuine interest in exploring the
nature of Christian vocation and its implications
for themselves.
5. Ability to make the time necessary for study
The programme is normally completed within
two years of part-time study or one year full
time study. This is a significant study load to
carry, and we would value a referee’s advice
about whether the applicant has time available,
or is willing to commit the time necessary.
Thank you for providing this reference.
St John’s College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS Fax 0115 943 6438
Admissions Hotline: 0115 968 3203 (answerphone) e-mail: [email protected]
CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY, MINISTRY &
MISSION
Reference Form
REFEREE
Name
Telephone
Day
Evening
Address
Email
Name of Applicant
What is your relationship
to this applicant?
Please comment below on how far the candidate demonstrates the five qualities outlined above
required for entrance into this programme (potential for university study; strong motivation; genuine
interest in Christian ministry; openness to exploring vocation; ability to make the time necessary for
study):
Signed ………………………………………………………………… Date ………………………………………
Please return the completed reference form to the St John’s admissions department at the address at the bottom
of this page.
St John’s College, Chilwell Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS Fax 0115 943 6438
Admissions Hotline: 0115 968 3203 (answerphone) e-mail: [email protected]