The Ragged School of Theology (RST) exists to train ordinary, everyday people for the extraordinary work of spreading God’s kingdom.
RST is a campus of Vocational Bible College, Australia, and aims to provide Christian ministry training that suits those who learn best practically and actively. The Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology (10433NAT) is offered in year 1 with Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications available in years 2 and 3.
Why the name Ragged?
The first or ‘original’ ragged school in Edinburgh was established in 1847 in a small room on the Castle Hill led by Thomas Guthrie, a Scottish preacher and philanthropist. It was a place where those from lower & working-class families could learn since they weren’t welcome in other institutions.
Of the Christian education provided at the ragged school, Guthrie said “the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible; the Bible without note or comment – without the authoritative interpretation of priest or presbyter – as the foundation of all its religious teaching, and of its religious teaching to all.”
Like the original ragged school, the Ragged School of Theology seeks to make ministry training more accessible to ordinary, everyday Christians.
What makes the Ragged School of Theology different?
RST training suits the gifts and abilities of people who love to learn practically and actively compared to most ministry training that is academic and suits those who’ve been to university.
Qualifications are delivered through the Vocational Education and Training sector, where training focuses on what you can do rather than what you have read and how many words you have written.
Courses are delivered in Edinburgh, Scotland at Niddrie Community Church through a blend of small discussion groups and include a ministry placement in a local church. Assessments mimic ministry activities with presentations, simulations, reports, and portfolios.
Tuition Fees
Certificate IV in Christian Ministry & Theology
-one year course
£2500
Diploma
-one year course
£3000
Advanced Diploma
-one year course
£3000
You can help provide training for a student by giving to the Ragged School of Theology here
Questions?
Email Steven Hutchison, the principal of the Ragged School of Theology,
*The Ragged School of Theology is a campus of Vocational Bible College RTO Id 41496: vbc.edu.au/centres/edinburgh