What students say about studying for children's, youth and sports ministry with Ridley
"If you want to learn about God in a safe, loving and judgement-free environment, Ridley is the place for you!"
- Youth Ministry student
"A highlight has been spending time with people and learning from them in such a God-filled environment that Ridley Hall provides."
- Sports Ministry student
"It's developed a theological underpinning for my existing work; led to creativity in producing new resources and projects with children and adults; and created the space to reflect on what is of value and direction of ministry."
- Children's and Youth Ministry student
"It will add a different perspective to your ministry that will inform, challenge and motivate."
- Sport Ministry student
More student perspectives:
- How has the course helped you develop as a leader?
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How has the course helped you develop as a leader?
"It's helped my understanding of the Bible so that when young people ask difficult questions I have a starting point rather than just muddling my way through. It’s also given me a lot more confidence in my ability as a leader "
"Theological reflection was a major factor in allowing me to be able to work as a leader. It's allowed me to critique every aspect of what I am doing to make sure I am doing the best that I can do. I have found the most helpful parts have been with the focus on our ministry. When we discuss our spectrum such as youth or children's work and have been able to look deeper into these. It causes us to challenge our ideas."
"Understanding why and how other people think differently, helping me become more understanding and empathetic. Also emphasised the importance of youth work in terms of bringing up the next generation of leaders."
"It's developed a theological underpinning for my existing work; led to creativity in producing new resources and projects with children and adults; and created the space to reflect on what is of value and direction of ministry."
"Through the various practical learning I have done through my placements as well as the ability to learn new areas of my own faith and practise of youth work."
"It has taught me a lot about partnerships (schools, community centres, charities etc.) It has enabled me to reflect on discipleship and what leadership looks like from a Christian perspective."
"It has helped me to develop my skills as a leader by challenging me, by looking at scripture in different ways. And equipping me with ideas and skills to help me. It has also challenged me to look closer at my own unconscious bias, that I didn't know I had! And how different things have informed how I interpret the Bible. It has given me a deeper knowledge of the bible, which has given me more confidence in my placements. From one of my assignments I went on to organise a what's app group looking closer at Amos. It has since played a big part in were I feel God is calling me in my ministry."
"It has helped me look deeper into how I reflect, learn and grow in ministry and given tools that can be used to achieve this."
"It has helped me take a step back and hear God. This has been invaluable in calming any racing thoughts that could lead to impulsive actions. I am becoming a better leader and colleague because of it."
- What have been the highlights so far?
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"Academic input which has fuelled creativity in placements (church and schools); the visible impact on children of resources created with deeper theological understanding."
"The ability to mix with a wide range of different people and practitioners and to be able to bounce ideas and experiences off one another. Also learning new ways of doing youth work has been really interesting and beneficial."
"When essays really relate/inform my ministry. Sports sessions! Community."
"It has been beneficial getting to know others on my course and working out how to support and serve them."
"I have felt part of the Ridley Family from the start. Everybody is so friendly and supportive. I have found studying for a degree both challenging and rewarding in so many different ways."
"Spending time with people and learning from them in such a God-filled environment that Ridley Hall provides."
"Being immersed in the kindness and grace of everyone and feeling God working among us."
- What would you say to someone who is considering studying at our Cambridge campus?
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"If you want to learn about God in a safe, loving and judgement-free environment Ridley is the place for you!"
"It opens your mind to understanding the people impacted by your ministry and provides support through it."
"It's a chance to dig deeper into academic theological disciplines and opportunities for personal spiritual formation which impact directly on placement activities."
"You have the ability to learn through doing and gain that experience through various placements as well as a great community feel."
"It will add a different perspective to your ministry that will inform, challenge and motivate."
"The benefits of learning alongside others is invaluable."
"Inspiring, encouraging environment to learn in and the dining room looks like Hogwarts!"
"It opens your mind to experience the presence of God in ways you may not even have encountered yet."
"Because you feel God's presence and love from the first contact - everyone is valued and we are all growing in Christ together."
