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 Apologetics Apprenticeship

STUDY | EVANGELISM | SERVICE

In our secular culture, Christianity is often maligned, marginalised, or ignored altogether. A careful and reasoned response is essential for the intellectual life of the Church and its engagement with the culture.


To address this, Christian Heritage runs a 10 month apprenticeship programme in apologetics and evangelism. It provides training in all the main apologetics issues, as well as practical experience in outreach. Set within the Christian Heritage community, the programme is a focused time of study, discussion, prayer and practical work. It also emphasises involvement in the life of local churches and makes full use of the myriad of resources that Cambridge has to offer. These include prominent Christian ministries such as Tyndale House, The Jubilee Centre, and KLICE, as well as University lectures and Cambridge galleries and museums. The programme will be of particular interest to recent graduates who are considering full-time ministry, a life in academia, or the arts.

“The apprenticeship has already made a tremendous impact on me, both intellectually and personally. The tutors are excellent guides in my study and research, and the community of Cambridge offers a vast array of artistic, academic, and historical resources.” Jon Thompson

From David Illman, Director of apprentices

"At Christian Heritage, we set aside individual time for spiritual, intellectual, and personal counsel for the apprentices' development into more fully-rounded persons. The Apprentice Tutors are responsible for facilitating this personal formation, as well as leading group study, seminars and discussions."

 

David was raised in California and attended Covenant College, where he studied English and History. David received a Masters of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary and went on to serve as Chaplain for a Christian school while teaching Gospels, Apologetics and Ethics for secondary education. He also served as a part-time professor at Birmingham Theological Seminary in the subjects of New Testament and Apologetics. David is married to his lovely wife, Sarah and they have two children. David directs the apprenticeship programme and spends many hours debating and discussing with apprentices.

 

Apprentice tutors


Ranald Macaulay Ranald  read Law at Cambridge University and there he met Francis and Edith Schaeffer. As a result he interrupted his theological training and joined them in the work of L'Abri in Switzerland. He also married Susan, their second daughter! Ranald completed a second degree in Theology at London University and together they founded a presbyterian church in Ealing, London and English L'Abri, where they stayed for 13 years, and where Susan wrote 'For The Children's Sake'. In 2001 Ranald became responsible for the Round Church built in 1130 and Christian Heritage was formed.  
Ian Cooper Ian studied History at Cambridge and African Studies at Edinburgh. After a radically secular interlude he refound a more considered Christian faith at L'Abri Fellowship, where he was on the staff for 6 years. This led to helping in the work of Christian Heritage, where he is currently tutor.  Ian enjoys country walking, looking round historic cities and reading.

Andrew Carter The Rev. Andrew Carter is Pastor of Therfield Chapel, which is situated about 15 miles south of Cambridge. Here he has served for six years and leads an eldership team. He trained at King’s College, London, taking an MA in Systematic Theology. Prior to this he took undergraduate studies at Oak Hill Theological College, London and in his early twenties a BA in Economics and Politics. Prior to becoming a pastor he taught economics for 13 years both in London and Mombasa, Kenya. He is married to Julie and has four children, Edward, Isaac, Lydia and Charys.

Programme

"The life-blood of the apprenticeship is community and fellowship. A great deal of learning occurs through discussion and making memories in the process of working together. Therefore, whether it's sharing ideas through our discussion oriented meals or visiting various lectures and events, we strongly encourage participation in our full and varied programme of study, service and evangelism."

 

> study

(2-3 Days Per week)


Apologetics Seminars

 

Led by Ian Cooper. We also have a number of excellent guest speakers and seminar leaders. In 2011-12 these included: Dr Denis Alexander, Dr Adrienne Chaplin, Dr Peter Williams, Paul Gardner, James Orr and Dave Gobbett.

 

The course has been provisionally structured to consist of 10 sections of 3 weeks, with a last section of 5 weeks to produce an extended essay on a topic of individual choice:
These topics will be covered by:

Biblical & systematic theology Seminar

 

Systematic Theology: Andrew Carter

Biblical Theology:David Illman

additional Study Opportunities:


> Service

(1-2 Days per week)

> Evangelism

(1-2 Days Per week)

> Work and Play

Working (1 day) [UK/EU only]

Day off (1 day)

Meals (1+ evening)

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weekly timetable

This varies from apprentice to apprentice with differences in the time spent in the church, weekend scheduling and work days. Morning devotions, seminars and discussions are fixed points for all apprentices.

 

Sample timetable 2011-12

 

Practical details



Candidates

(Author: David Illman)
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