Formation for Licensed Ministry

In short, yes! We have had experience of all kinds of people starting to train for ministry with us, even those who have left school decades ago with no qualifications. All you need is a willingness to learn. We will support you every step of the way, and we also have learning needs support if you need it from a dedicated tutor.

Part time training takes around 15 hours per week. This includes placement, theological learning, residentials and formational cells. It is very important that you consider very carefully if you are able to make this sort of a time commitment before starting the discernment process and training. We will however work with you to help you prioritise your time if you are sponsored for training by your bishop. You will also need to consider whether you are able to devote the time to a week long residential and three residential weekends per year. Training for ministry is an important commitment to make, and do we are always happy to discuss with you what the training involves.

No. The Church in Wales also provides grants for people training for ministry. For part time candidates this is currently £435 per year and expenses are provided for travel. For full time candidates see the answer below:

See the question above. There is no charge, and grants are available, for full time candidates, to cover basic living costs. This grant is calculated individually dependent on housing, household income and other living costs. Once St Padarn’s receives a candidate’s sponsor form from their sending Diocese the information is passed on to the Church in Wales Finance department. They will send out more information about grant entitlements and forms to be completed in order to apply for grants.

As each person’s circumstances is different, please contact Kathryn Delderfield, our Director of Operations who handles grants, and she will be very happy to help.

Email:Kathryn.Delderfield@stpadarns.ac.uk

Main: 029 2056 3379

Each candidate will have their own tutor who will work with them on their formation in regular meetings. There is also support for those with learning needs, and all of the tutors are approachable and friendly and very happy to help. The wider team at St Padarn’s are also very happy to help with all kinds of practical queries from financial questions to help with accessing our library and other resources.

It is our responsibility to help you flourish as a lay or ordained minister and serve God’s people to the very best of your ability and to grow into the person God is calling you to be. There is always something new we can learn – in fact at St Padarn’s we see lifelong learning as a normal part of discipleship. In certain circumstances we can develop bespoke programmes for those with a very unique set of experiences. Many of our candidates have trained already with us for lay ministries and are training for an ordained ministry. In those circumstances we will help you develop further and build on the training you have already received. However, openness to learning, and to continuing to grow and develop in faith is crucial in ministry.

Do make contact with us so that you can start thinking through any practical or other arrangements. You are very welcome to come and visit the site at St Padarn’s Cardiff if you are exploring training full time. Look out for any introductory courses that may be happening locally. Have a look at the welcome sheet we send out to all new candidates [preparing for St Padarn’s sheet] as there is information here about books to read as well as other advice.