BU Further Studies Grants - One Man’s Experience
Chris Hawley (Hillsborough Baptist Church)
“I can’t quite believe that I am a student again! It has been 20 years since I finished my BA in theological studies as part of my training to become a Baptist minister. I have now just finished the first year of my (part-time) MA in Christian Mission. When I ask the question, how did this happen? I would have to say one of the main reasons was the introduction by the Baptist Union of Continual Ministerial Development for all Baptist Ministers. One of the things that it encouraged me to do was to explore the possibility of doing some further study. As I wasn’t quite sure how I would get on I signed up for a one week short course, with an option to do an assessed piece of work at the end of it. To my surprise I got a decent mark on my course work, and was encouraged by the college to think about doing an MA (part-time). I initially dismissed this as I felt that I wouldn’t have the time or the money to be able to do it.
This is when the support of my church and the wider Baptist family kicked in. Following conversations with my deacons and a couple of regional ministers, a plan began to take shape. My church agreed to me doing the MA which would include using the sabbatical time that I was now due, they also agreed to help with the funding. I was also made aware of grants that were available from the wider Baptist family including the YBA grant for Post Graduate Studies. I am so grateful for all the support I am receiving and I could not have even dreamt of doing this further study without it. I am enjoying the input of study weeks, the challenge of doing the assignments and learning a lot from the lecturers and other students who are on the MA. The timing feels just right at this point in my ministry, being able to reflect on the experiences I have already had and looking forward to practically implementing what I am learning. The units I have done so far have focused on Christian mentoring and leadership, mission and ministry. The lessons of which I am already able to apply in the supporting of existing leaders as well as raising up new leaders. I am particularly looking forward to practically mentoring others within the church using skills I am learning from my ongoing studies. If you are thinking about doing further study I would encourage you to explore the options that are out there and the support available from the YBA!”
For further information about Further Studies Grants please click here: ministries@baptist.org.uk