Courses Leading to Ordination into the Holy Ministry

The core of the work of Westfield House is the preparation of men for the Holy Ministry of the Lutheran Church. The ELCE, in planning Westfield House as its place of theological learning, envisaged an ideal combination of two quite different modes of tutelage. Theology as taught in universities that are not controlled or directed by any religious denomination is complemented by seminary tuition established for this purpose by the Church.

Accordingly, a programme of studies is provided that combines reading for a university degree in theology with the specific Lutheran orientation and practical training required for the Westfield House Diploma in Theology. This programme is normally completed in five years.

 The university degree component may be either:

• i. For the student offered a place at Cambridge University, Part 1 and Part 2 of the Theological Tripos (or, in the case of a graduate, Part 2 only) for the B.A. Honours degree.

or

Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge

 The requirements of the Westfield House Diploma normally entail two years of study in addition to the three years spent completing the degree. This period may be reduced in particular cases with mature students. These requirements include courses in exegetical, systematic, historical, and practical theology. One of these years is usually spent at a seminary overseas. While at Westfield House, opportunities are provided for practical work in the local Lutheran parish, in the daily services held in the Chapel of St Titus, and from time to time in other parishes of the ELCE.

There follows a period of pre-ordination training and service under the Executive Council of the Church, during which written papers are prepared. At the end of this period, the candidate is examined my the Church's Examination Board. The Board's recommendation permits the candidate to be ordained into the Church's ministry.

Application Forms

The following forms are available in pdf format.

Westfield House Application Form for British Applicants

Westfield House Application Form for Other (Non-British) Applicants

You may require Adobe Reader to open these files. The Adobe Reader software is available free from Adobe. If you have difficulty downloading and printing these forms, you can request to be sent a paper copy.

Before applying to study at Westfield House, please consider the following:

All successful applicants will:

•  Have the appropriate qualifications to meet the minimum standard required for entry into the traditional British universities. In the case of a student coming through the English or Welsh education system this will be two subjects at GCE A level and at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE O level at grade C or above or, three subjections at GCE A level and at least one further subject at GCSE or GCE O level at grade C or above or, two subjects at GCE A level and at least two further subjects at AS level.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of ability in English.
  
• Satisfy the admissions board that they are suitable candidates to enrol on a course of training for the pastoral ministry. In the case of a student applying within the ELCE, this approval will be sought from the Executive Council. The ELCE will usually not sponsor an applicant who has not been an active member of one of its congregations for at least two years. Mature applicants will be encouraged to complete a course unit with Westfield House by correspondence before enrolling.
• Be responsible for tuition and, where applicable, lodging fees. Applications for bursaries from the Friends of Westfield House will only be considered if submitted by church bodies, and not from individuals.

Acceptance at Westfield House does not constitute an offer of employment within the ELCE or a partner church body. Those completing the requirements of the course of studies and wishing to proceed towards ordination may be placed in a parish for a period of supervised curacy, and may subsequently be extended a call under the direction of the ELCE's Executive Council. Please read the Policies and Procedures for Student Registration, Non-Arrival and Non-Attendance.