Cranmer Hall, Durham is set to launch a new and exciting pioneering project – the Cranmer Urban Track. The track provides context based learning for ordinands who will train as vicars in challenging North East communities.
Starting in October 2015 Cranmer Hall will be opening two new training hubs, one in Shotton Colliery, part of the East Durham Mission Project, and one in Middlesbrough, both within travelling distance from Durham. Ordinands training through this track will live and work in and around their Hub church. They will be full members of the wider Cranmer Hall community, spending up to two days a week in college. The rest of the week they will serve in local parishes as Parish Assistants and join their Hub church community for Sunday worship. While in the Hub, ordinands will be supervised by specifically appointed ‘Hub tutors’. Hub tutors are parish priests who will supervise and oversee the training programme.
Ordinands on the Cranmer Urban Track will study for the Common Awards BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission over three years. Hub tutors will deliver, or oversee the delivery of, some module teaching in context. The majority of the academic teaching will be delivered in college.
Cranmer Urban Track students will also engage in placements in contrasting contexts during vacations, providing a breadth of experience and equipping ordinands for varied ministry within the wider church.
Revd Dr Kate Bruce, Deputy Warden at Cranmer Hall said, "We are really excited at Cranmer Hall about this new training pathway. The Cranmer Urban Track has context based learning at its heart. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Church to serve local communities and equip future leaders to serve in areas of great social need. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in training through this route.”
Speaking about the Hubs, the Revd Jennifer Croft, Hub tutor in Ormesby, Middlesbrough and Vicar of the Benefice of St Cuthbert, Ormesby said, “This context based training offers ordinands a unique opportunity to work on the front line of the missionary work of the Church. The Cranmer Urban Track is rooted in the reality of everyday life, and it provides contextual based training with real people in real situations – this is a rare privilege. The parishes join me in looking forward to working alongside students in the heart of the community. My hope is that this new project will inspire and enhance the learning experience for ordinands as they prepare for a future in ministry.”