Dear Friends,
A look out the window tells me that a lot has changed through October – last time we wrote, the leaves still had their leaves and the sun set a lot later! A lot has changed in the College through October too – from being in the early weeks of term at the last time of writing, to now being over halfway through the term, all our new students have settled in and their learning is well underway.
Term so far
It’s hard to capture the richness of the SBC community. On one hand, it’s a week-by-week rhythm of classes that doesn’t change much; but on the other hand, the lives and stories of students that are weaved in and out of the community are inspiring. One student shared news of being appointed as a minister and taking up the role once his studies are finished; another shared that new people have come into his church for the first time in several years after reflecting on material from the mission class; and most weeks our students are involved in ministry with people all across Scotland, working with young people / students, leading worship, and preaching the Word. The Church is alive and kicking and week in, week out, our students are testimony to that.
While it doesn’t capture all the energy of the College, these few reels will give some highlights of the first half of term. If you’ve not seen them yet, you can watch them on Facebook here: community times; celebrating Steve’s 40 years in ministry; and finding out from our students what they’ve enjoyed so far.
One of the modules being taught this term is Reconciliation and as part of that class, we had visitors from South Sudan speaking to the students about the role of churches in peacemaking in post-conflict South Sudan. The visit was made possible by Christian Aid Scotland who partner with churches and projects across South Sudan with James Wani and Rev Tut (pictured below) travelling to Scotland to share about their work. It was a real eye opener to hear first-hand about global issues impacting churches and the hope that faith and Christian community is bringing to the young country.
Opportunities for Learning in 2027
Our Lay Training Award started in mid-October with around 20 people from across Scotland taking part in the first short course on Pastoral Care. The Lay Training Award consists of six short courses, each six weeks in length and covers the foundations of local church lay ministry. You can jump into the LTA at the beginning of the next short course, which will be Preaching, starting in Feb 2027, so if you missed this first intake, don’t worry, you can join early in the New Year. You can find out more information and how to register here or simply email graham.meiklejohn@sbc.uws.ac.uk
We will also be teaching our Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care module in January 2027. We’re actively looking for students to join, and we would love to hear from you or receive an application. It’s a great course for those involved in care settings, not just chaplains, but anyone who cares and counsels those in community and non-church environments. It covers the basic skills of chaplaincy and care such as listening skills but also considers the nuances of caring in a secular setting. You can get in contact with Graham for more information (graham.meiklejohn@sbc.uws.ac.uk) or apply via our website.
Open Day – November 2026
At this time of year those pupils leaving school in summer 2027 are often asked to submit UCAS forms or consider what they are doing after school. It’s an ideal time then for SBC to hold an Open Day to allow prospective students to get a taste of what the College offers and to see it as a viable alternative for Higher Education. The Open Day isn’t just limited to those leaving school but is an opportunity for anyone thinking about exploring studies in 2027 to come along and find out a little more. It’ll take place on November 26th between 10:30am and ending with lunch at 1pm. You can register here or email graham.meiklejohn@sbc.uws.ac.uk for more info.
Sunday Celebrations
This past Sunday, October 25th, was a good Sunday for the College. Part of the staff team attended and were involved in Paisley Abbey’s Education Sunday in partnership with UWS. Some other staff and students took part in or attended recent graduate, Bethany Tink’s induction as community minister for Mosspark Baptist Church. In different ways, both services were affirming of what SBC does through theological education – equipping students to participate in God’s Kingdom and becoming community changers through their ministry.
In the first of a series of student stories recorded earlier this term, Bethany also shared with us about her experience of studying at the College and how it has helped to shape her ministry – you can listen to Bethany’s story here.
We hope this month’s update has given you a glimpse of the lives and stories that make up the dynamic nature of SBC’s community. Through training and education, our students are shaped to make a difference in their world and it’s a privilege to be a small part of that journey. Please continue to pray for our students and support the work of the College so it can continue to do this important work for the Kingdom.
Prayer Points:
Please continue to remember us in prayer.
+ Pray for the staff and students as they are shaped through classes and discussions.
+ Give thanks for all our students who are moving into ministry.
+ Pray for the College and all that is needed to support its day-to-day operations and especially for finances.
+ Give thanks for the brilliant start to the LTA and the potential it has to impact churches across Scotland.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we continue to equip people to serve God’s Kingdom.
Ian Birch and the SBC Team
Donate to the College
The ongoing ministry of the College is not directly supported by BUS or Government HE funding. We rely on the generous gifts of individual and churches to help offer financially accessible and quality theological education to the next generation of Christian workers. You can give a one-off gift or set up a regular donation using this link: Donate via PayPal
Become a Governor
We’re inviting applicants to become a Governor on the College’s Board – you can find more information on our website. Specifically, we’re interested in those who have one or more of the following skills: running a small business, fundraising, Human Resources, marketing and media, and Higher Education. If you think this could be you, then please contact our Chair of Governors, Dr Joan McDowell (joanmcdowell92@gmail.com).
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