Too often we in the church (especially in seminaries) find it too easy to separate what we do in our own comfortable world from what goes on in the world out there. At Bexley, we’re not letting that happen. We won’t accept a dichotomy between doctrinal orthodoxy and radical social engagement. Or a division between learning and prayer.

Christian formation must take place in a committed, disciplined, and scholarly community. By refusing to draw lines and compartmentalize theological education, something quite different and dramatic can happen.

Worship, Silence, and Direction

Each academic year begins with an extended off-campus retreat for students and faculty, directed by a skilled leader. A considerable portion of the retreat is silent and the remainder focuses on community formation and on spiritual direction.

Worship is an integral part of daily seminary life. Morning prayer is offered daily, Evensong is sung at least once per week, and a Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. As a student, you’ll serve in every non-ordained liturgical role, from thurifer to lector. And for those who are ordained deacon after their Middler Year, they will have many opportunities to perform the liturgical ministry of deacons.

All faculty members have agreed to a Rule of Life and have signed a statement to that effect. We also ask students to commit to a rule, in conversation with a member of the Bexley faculty. Spiritual directors outside the faculty are available, and you can take part in a directed Anglican prayer group that meets regularly.

Formation for Real World Ministry

Weekly opportunities for formation for ministry abound. You can join with the faculty, Bexley graduates, and members of local churches to analyze the problems and opportunities in sharing the Gospel in a secularized culture.You can confront issues of diversity in all forms: racial, gender, class, and ability. We embrace the phenomenon of diversity from our understanding of its origin in the otherness inherent to within the Holy Trinity.

Our requirement of at least a year of field placement (supervised work in a local church or agency) will include your theological reflection about that work. Bexley Hall provides you with all manner of opportunities for placements in urban, suburban, and rural sites.