MA Mission (Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality (WTS))

MA, Diploma and Certificate (full or part time)

This programme is for people who want to study the theology of the Wesleys and spirituality of early Methodism, as a way of reflecting on the challenges of mission-shaped discipleship today. The teaching is designed for lay or ordained people of all traditions, and examines the relationships between spiritual growth, using spiritual disciplines, sharing small group fellowship and engaging in witness and service. John and Charles Wesley are approached as spiritual mentors who pass on the wisdom of ancient Christianity through the pathways of mystical, Puritan, Pietist and revival spirituality. The resulting Wesleyan vision of discipleship provides a lens through which to explore patterns of renewal and mission in the contemporary Church. If you are looking for a course that will go wide in its grasp of the subject, deep into some key themes, and will prepare you for the challenges of our day, then this is the course for you!

Course Details

There are two core units of study, which covers a range of themes:

WTS1: Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality: Historical and Theological Foundations

Main themes include:

Wesleyan Roots

• Context of 18th century England
• John Wesley’s spiritual journey

Wesleyan Evangelism

• Spreading the faith: revival and evangelism
• Organising the faithful: the growth of a movement

Wesleyan Salvation

• The grammar of salvation: justification and sanctification
• The way of salvation: nature of faith and the means of grace
• The end of salvation: holiness and Christian perfection

Wesleyan Discipleship, Practices and Developments

• Worship in the Wesleyan Tradition
• The development of Wesleyan spiritualties in the nineteenth century
• Theological ethics, responding to poverty and striving for justice

WTS2: Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality: Influences and Contemporary Expressions

Main themes include:

Streams of the Spiritual Life

• Patristics: the way of discipleship and deification
• Mystics: the way of intimacy and communion
• Pietists: the way of faith and grace
• Puritans: the way of devotion and discipline
• Revivalists: the way of proclamation and conversion

Contours of the Spiritual Life

• Journeying: salvation and discipleship
• Suffering: the sovereignty and mystery of God
• Stewarding: simple living and sacrificial giving
• Wrestling: spiritual struggle and depression
• Serving: the combination of prayer and work

Contexts of the Spiritual Life

• Societies: covenant service, love feasts, watchnights
• Groups/one to one: Christian fellowship, pastoral care, spiritual direction/mentoring, journaling
• Homes: family religion and the nurture of children
• World: science, spirituality and Primitive Physick

Disciplines of the Spiritual Life

• Prayer and fasting
• Spiritual reading
• Lord’s supper
• Mission

Students who successfully complete these two units will obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Mission (Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality). Students wishing to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Mission (Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality) may take these two units and any two other units from the programme, plus a dissertation for the MA.