New appointment for Extension Studies

13 February 2009

As part of our vision to broaden the access of our training programmes, Trinity College is to set up an Open Learning programme which will work towards making some of our current courses available in a distance-learning format. In addition, by teaming up with Interactive Christian Extension Studies (ICES) we will be able to offer a range of courses that will help church members to be equipped for ministry and mission in their own context.

Trinity College has taken a step of faith by appointing Dr David Ball to oversee this department in the task of equipping churches in the UK to become God-centred, biblically-based communities of mission. As a faith-based appointment of Trinity College, this position will need the financial and prayer support of people who are committed to proclaiming 'Christ, the hope of glory' and 'presenting everyone mature in Christ' (Colossians 1:28).

David Ball has had long experience of working with The Association For Theological Education by Extension (TAFTEE) in India, probably the biggest such extension studies provider in the world. He has been a mission partner with Crosslinks through this time.

David was born in Kenya, where his parents were BCMS missionaries. He studied Biblical Studies at Sheffield University where he went on to do his PhD and where he met his wife Angela (Angie), who is also from a missionary family. David and Angie joined Crosslinks as Mission Partners in 1993 and went with their first son Timothy to India to work with TAFTEE early the following year. Their second son, Jonathan, was born in India. David was in charge of developing TAFTEE's Masters Level programme for full-time Christian workers. He worked closely with Westminster College Oxford and later with the University of Wales to enable TAFTEE to offer internationally recognized Masters programmes in Applied Theology. David has written three TAFTEE courses and has worked closely with course writers and tutors in developing an integrated curriculum to serve the needs of pastors, missionaries and development workers. As TAFTEE's Academic Dean, David was also involved in restructuring TAFTEE's degree programme which has more than 500 active students throughout India who seek to grow in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus and the Bible and in skills for mission and ministry. 

Could
• your church could benefit from training people for ministry and mission in your local context?
• you or your church partner with us in this exciting project by prayer and financial support?

If so, contact Open Learning at Trinity to find out more. Email Open Learning

For more information on what is already available, visit the ICES website.