On our training courses, Christians of all ages from different Churches across Sussex and beyond come together for Biblical instruction and training, and warm fellowship. Through lectures, group work, class discussions and teaching workshops, students on the course gain the following:
The result is that they are equipped to be more effective in living for Christ and serving him in the church and the world.
The Sussex Ministry Training Course (SMTC) is run over three 11-week terms on a Tuesday, in Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, starting in September every year. The course day runs from 10am to 4:15pm at Cuckfield Baptist Church. Students who complete the first year have an option of continuing for a second year that builds on the foundation laid in year one.
Apply online to join the Sussex Ministry Training Course
The Saturday Morning Bible Training Course (SMBTC) is a cut-down version of year one of the Tuesday course aimed at those who are not free to undertake a week-day course. Students are required to attend once each month (excluding August) from 9:30am to 1:00pm and it takes two years to complete the course. To widen accessibility, the SMBTC is run in various locations across Sussex (East/Mid/West). The next course for 1st year enrolment is due to run from Hove (near Brighton) from September 2025 to Summer 2027; for 2nd year students the course continues from September 2025 to summer 2026 in Crawley. Students who complete the Saturday course have the option of taking year two of the Tuesday course. The lectures on all our courses are recorded so that students who miss a session are able to catch up on-line.
Apply online to join the Saturday Morning Bible Training Course
If you have any questions about either training course, please contact us.
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Bible Overview
Travelling from Genesis to Revelation, we get a bird’s-eye view of the Bible. Students find it very exciting and informative to learn how it all fits together from Creation to New Creation. This provides a vital foundation for a full understanding of each of the individual parts of the Bible.
Principles of Exposition
This is a very practical part of the course in which we learn how to understand and teach different parts of the Bible (such as The Gospels, Old Testament historical books, New Testament Letters) and then practise what we have learned in the Teaching Workshops.
Teaching Workshops
These are an important part of the course as they provide an opportunity for students to try out the skills they have been learning in a safe and supportive small group context. The workshop groups offer a very helpful learning experience for everyone from the complete novice to the seasoned Bible teacher.
Bible Books
We study at least three books in depth as well as taking a briefer look at some other books. This not only grows our understanding of the books we study, but helps to illustrate the Principles of Exposition. In recent years we have covered Matthew, Exodus, Colossians and 1 Thessalonians. There is an opportunity to study further Bible books on year 2 of the SMTC, including an in-depth study of Romans.
Christian Doctrine
This is where we examine what the Bible teaches about a number of basic themes. We look at a range of topics including the nature of God, the person of Christ, his death and resurrection, the nature of the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Further Christian doctrine is covered on year 2 of the SMTC.
Additional Topics
Both courses aim to equip students to be confident in handling the word of God, whether in the context of giving a talk, leading a Bible study or reading the Bible with a friend one-to-one. In addition, the SMTC provides further practical training for a wide range of ministry contexts, covering topics such as explaining the gospel, handling questions people ask, working in a team, men’s ministry, women’s ministry, youth work and church planting. Students who go on to year 2 of the SMTC also have the opportunity to cover topics related to leadership, Christian ethics and apologetics.
The courses are led by Spencer Shaw and Jon Hobbs.
Jon is the SGP's Associate Trainer, teaching on the training courses and speaking at training events. Alongside his role with the SGP, he now leads Grace Church in Haywards Heath following eight years in parish church ministry, first in Lindfield, and then in Maresfield and Nutley. Prior to taking up local church ministry, Jon had spent five years as a Regional Staffworker with the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) before training at Oak Hill Theological College in London. Many other experienced church leaders from the Sussex Gospel Partnership also speak regularly on the course. These include Will Cockram, Andrew Cornes, P-J Guy, Phil Moon, Graham Nicholls, Mark Redhouse, Mark Ventham and Philip Wells.
No particular academic qualifications are required to undertake the SMTC or the SMBTC. Course participants must, however, share our conviction that the Bible is the true and living Word of God, and have a commitment to Bible-centred ministry. Applicants will be expected to have the support of their church leader (who will be asked to supply a reference on their behalf) for their participation in the course. Course applicants may be interviewed before being offered a place. If you have any questions, please contact Vic Donougher, the Course Administrator via our contact us page.
Apply online to join the Sussex Ministry Training Course
Apply online to join the Saturday Morning Bible Training Course
If you need further information, please contact us hereTuesday Course Details and Brochure Download
We are now taking applications for the Sussex Ministry Training Course starting again in September 2026.
The course runs on Tuesdays from 10am to 4:15pm, for 33 weeks in the year (over three terms) at Cuckfield Baptist Church, Each term includes a half-term break corresponding with the school half term. Term dates are shown at the bottom of this page.
Fees are £792 for the year, payable in 3 termly instalments of £264. This covers all course material. (Participation in optional course outings may incur a small additional charge.)
Saturday Course Details and Brochure Download
We are now taking applications for the course running in Hove from September 2025 to July 2027.
Students will meet monthly (except August) from 9:30am and 1:00pm at Bishop Hannington Memorial Church, Nevill Ave, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 7NH.
Fees for the 2-year Saturday Morning Bible Training Course are £95 per term (total cost £570 with 6 terms over 2 years). This covers all course material.
| Autumn Term 2025 | Starts: Tuesday, September 23 Half term: Tuesday, October 28 Last day of term: Tuesday, December 9 |
|---|---|
| Spring Term 2026 | Starts: Tuesday, January 6 Half term: Tuesday, February 17 Last day of term: Tuesday, March 31 |
| Summer Term 2026 | Starts: Tuesday, April 21 Half term: Tuesday, May 26 Last day of term: Tuesday, July 7 |
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Autumn Term 25 |
Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 06 |
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| Spring Term 26 |
Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18 |
| Summer Term 26 |
May 16, Jun 20, Jul 18 |
| Year 2 dates 2026/2027 |
to be confirmed asap |
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