Current & Upcoming Courses
NOVEMBER
Matthew's Gospel – preaching through the lectionary
Zenas Heritage Tours
A lawyer’s guide to Oxford’s Christian Heritage, the Bible and Archaeology
‘The Bible in the British Museum’ (Nov 22nd 11-3pm)
STARTING IN 2026
Good Call
Location: Kingham Churches Benefice, Chipping Norton
We make decisions all the time – often under pressure because of time constraints, or the expectations of people around us. How can we be sure that the decisions that matter are good decisions? How can we be sure that these decisions are made well, that good outcomes are sought, and that the decision-making process honours God and respects those around us?
This course explores ethics for the local church and aims to equip individuals and churches to make good choices. It outlines some of the key ethical principles relating to making moral (good/bad) choices, and the riches that the Christian church brings to the task of doing ethics.
Facilitator: Rev Dr Stephen Goundrey-Smith
Explorations in Faith and Theology
Foundations of our Faith
Continuing Greek
Location: Online
A new series of 10 sessions, alternating grammar and translation – beginning Tues 9th Sept, weekly for one hour (7.30-8.30pm) by zoom.
Facilitator: Rosie Button
Oxford Walking Tour
Date & Time: 10-1 Oct 11. Cost: £10
We are once again partnering with Zenas Heritage Tours to provide a special ‘day out’ and walking tour.
The Oxford Christian Heritage walk, is a guided tour around Oxford’s incredible Christian history, Medieval, Reformation, and modern. You’ll see the places associated with John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, the Oxford martyrs, Wesley, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and others who all lived or spent time in Oxford, learning about each as we go along.
In addition, GTS will provide a special taught session on ‘the English Reformation in Oxford’, giving further insights into the historical background of the people and events of that tumultuous time in our history. This is currently scheduled for Thursday, 9th Oct, 7pm. You can join either or both.
Hebrew Reading Group
Location: Online
The two Hebrew groups will re-start in September, more information to follow.
Facilitator: Phil King
Creation, Climate & Christianity
Gateway Forum - Nicene Creed
Date & Time: Friday 26th Sept from 7-9pm.
Location: St Andrew’s Church, Churchdown,
The forum will provide an opportunity to come together every 2-3 months for a fascinating talk on a contemporary theological issue delivered by an expert in the field. There will be Q&A time to follow, and all with refreshments and a bit of socialising. What could be better?
The forum is still in the planning stages, but to kick things off, Dr Daniel Button will deliver the first topic on ‘The Nicene Creed at 1700’
First talk by Gateway’s Dr Daniel Button celebrates the 1700th anniversary of the council of Nicea, an event filled with mystery, intrigue, theological brawls, and the beginnings of a Church-State relationship still in place today – for better or for worse. Around the world Christians still repeat the Nicene creed as a benchmark of faith, yet we often know little about how it came to be, or the strange events around its formation. A chance to find out more.
Ageing Gracefully
Time & Date: 6 sessions, Wednesday 2-4pm, Starting 5th March.
Venue: St George’s, Cam
Facilitator: Dr Ian Donald
A six week course for Christians who wish to explore some of the theological issues raised by an ageing society. Together we will explore how Christians might respond to the challenges we often face towards the end of our earthly life and what might it mean to remain fresh and green still bearing fruit into old age.
Israel – Palestine: Past and Present
Dates: Starting Thursday September 26th 7-9pm, 4 Sessions
Location: Christchurch, Abbeydale
The horrific Middle-East conflict between Israel and Hamas continues with no end in sight. It seems almost impossible to understand what it’s all about. Why is the world so up in arms over a tiny strip of land?
What has caused such fierce animosity between peoples, regions, & nations? God loves the Palestinians and the Israelis, and with that premise, this course traces the history of both peoples, exploring the deeply complex background of the conflict in 3 sections: Ancient history; from Rome to British Palestine; and Modern history.
PARTNERSHIP COURSES
The Difference Course
Every Wednesday until 7 February 2024,
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Navigating a divided and complex world can be hard. This course is about equipping us to cross divides, navigate disagreement and pursue a just and flourishing world. Over five sessions we will listen to stories of people facing conflict, consider the way that Jesus engaged with difference and division in the context of prayerful discussion.
Zenas Heritage Tours
A lawyer’s guide to Oxford’s Christian Heritage, the Bible and Archaeology
Spring 2026 public tours:
The Bible in the Ashmolean Museum Tour
Saturday 21 March 10:00 – 13:00
£10 per person
Meet at the entrance
The Bible in the British Library and the British Museum Tour
Saturday 11 April 11:00 – 15:00
£15 per person
Meet in the foyer of the British Library
Oxford’s Christian Heritage Walking Tour
Saturday 16 May 10:00 – 13:00
£10 per person
Meet at the Martyrs’ Memorial
GTS has been running the Ageing Gracefully course with Dr Ian Donald for several years, but Ian has recently developed this course into a stand-alone study course that can be done using recorded videos and a study guide.
This will make it much more widely available to churches or groups located anywhere – but you’ll still see Ian teaching and facilitating through the videos.
There’s a designated website to explain how this works. See Ian’s new website: Ageing Gracefully
‘After being challenged to grow in my own understanding of the Bible I recently completed the GTS course, ‘Unlocking the Bible.’ It was so accessible, well-paced, and fitted in well with an already busy schedule. What an amazing resource, right on our doorstep!’
Ollie Bennett, Pastor, Kingfisher Church Tredworth