As LWPT ’ s mission of change continues , we ’ ll be launching a series of research programmes to talk directly to supporters and beneficiaries .
The aim is to make sure our pipeline of forthcoming developments helps us to provide the right support for the next generation of preachers
Research and Development Programmes
in the UK . We recognise that without our donors none of our hard work can take place , so we ’ ll also be gathering the opinions of our benefactors .
The research will take the form of one-to-one interviews and focus groups .
If you ’ d like to take part in the research , please email us at
lwptoffice @ lwpt . org . uk . Please put “ Research ” in the subject line .
Grants update : Hannah Richards
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at St Mellitus College , studying for a graduate diploma in theology , ministry and mission . My first module of
Hannah Richards the year was the book of Revelation which was illuminating . My chosen essay title was on worship in revelation and I really enjoyed exploring how the book exemplifies worship and how that can inspire our worship in our churches today .
My second module was church history and involved an intensive teaching week in London with students from around the country . It was a great time of immersion and deep study as well as opportunities to ask questions and engage with current topical issues and how they affect our churches today . The essay title and period of history I chose was the Lutheran Reformation and Radical Reformers and how they relate to the priesthood of all believers and ordained ministry . This essay enabled me to really explore how a doctrine such as the priesthood
of all believers was shaped and established by social , economic , historical and geographical concepts as well as spiritual ones . I could really see how this history has shaped our thinking in my particular context of a free church .
My final module for the year was a dissertation of my choosing . I wanted to explore storytelling in the gospels and relate this to evangelistic conversations . I chose to look at Luke 15 and the parables as a model for our conversations with not yet Christians . It was really engaging to study how the parables impact every day life , as well as looking at them in their original context .
I have passed all my essays for this year ! However more importantly I feel I have grown in my faith and this has particularly stimulated my preaching within church . I ’ ve had several comments from our members that my preaching has become more confident and shown a greater depth , which is very heartening as I can feel this course is shaping my faith life and my theology .
I am very grateful to LWPT for giving me money towards this course and I can wholeheartedly say that I have greatly benefited from this year and I look forward to my second and final year of study on the course starting in September !
Hannah
We give vocational grants to those needing financial help to pursue their ministry . Grants can be used towards fees and materials for any recognised course that enables the applicant to explore or develop their preaching skills . Find out more at
lwpt . org . uk / vocational-grants
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