Explorations

Having visited Ffald-y-Brenin (sheep fold of the king) in the autumn, this weekend some of us journeyed to L'Abri in search of shelter. Founded in Switzerland in 1955 by Francis and Edith Schaeffer to show forth by demonstration in life and work the existence of God, their legacy lives on in communities around the world who are committed to the truth that God is involved in every aspect of our day.

We joined in the daily rhythm of work and study, getting our hands dirty gardening providing a chance to reflect and enjoy God's creation, a visiting korean choir lifting our hearts in worship, and dinner table discussions engaging our heads in fresh ways of thinking. The community is comprised mainly of 'students' seeking answers to life's big questions in a context which believes that truth must be demonstrated as well as debated.

Some of us have been thinking about the importance of the environment in which we study theology and the warm welcome, conversation around the meal table and reading in front of a roaring fire provided a wonderful context in which to wrestle with life's questions.

A new era

Renaming

What’s in a name? In many cultures a name speak of the nature and character of a person, is informed by circumstances surrounding birth and express hopes, aspirations and expectations. Names inform us about the present and form future direction.

King’s Bible College (KBC) was birthed in 1983 to train men and women in the Word of God. Different people have been entrusted with this task on the ground but it has always been The King’s college and set apart for his purposes.

In 2001 the College moved to Oxford and with the addition of ‘Training Centre’ to the name we became KBCTC (try saying it really fast, it’s a bit of a tongue twister!). This marked a shift in the nature of the practical training we were offering, a marriage of theology and ministry, of ‘thinking theologically, living reflectively and making a difference in the world’.

In September 2011 KBCTC is being renamed as King’s Theological College (KTC) a moment to mark and recognise who we have become and to reflect our current emphasis … a distinctive 10 month immersion in both Word and Spirit leading to in-depth character formation in the context of a passionate worshipping community who are pursuing wisdom, transforming heads, hearts and hands, forming healthy habits and connecting theology with all of life. As we seek to live up to our name we’re excited about entering a new era, the journey continues!