The pedagogical challenges of teaching theology and mission to students from non-traditional diaspora churches in Britain

ABSTRACT This paper reports the findings of a research project into Ministerial Theology Programmes (MTPs) at three Higher Education institutions in England. These degree-level courses provide practice-oriented theological education for students in positions of leadership in churches outside the mainstream historic denominations. Anecdotal evidence from MTP tutors is that the churches represented are overwhelmingly Charismatic-Pentecostal, and the students differ significantly from those in virtually all other degree courses, being mostly middle-aged and of African or Afro-Caribbean background. The research reported here is the first extensive and systematic investigation into MTP student bodies, their expectations and approaches to learning, and the implications for designing and teaching MTPs.