Friends Theological College Kaimosi, Kenya A Ministry of Friends United Meeting Affiliated with St. Paul's University - Limuru

Friends Theological College (FTC) is an institution dedicated to the training of Friends pastors, as well as to the academic progress, personal development, and spiritual growth of its students. Located on the Kaimosi Mission in Kenya's Tiriki Division, since 1942 FTC has worked to fulfill its mission statement: "to prepare and equip leaders for Christian ministry who meet recognized professional and academic standards and are able to challenge society to live by the teachings of Christ." Together, the FTC community seeks to integrate faith, Scripture, and knowledge in training the future leadership of churches in East Africa; and to foster, in individual hearts and lives, the process of maturing in Christ.

For current information about the unrest in Kenya, visit www.quakerinfo.com.

For information specific to Friends United Meeting's Africa Ministries, and especially to contribute, visit www.fum.org.

About Friends Theological College
FTC Campus and Facilities
FTC Library
FTC Programs
FTC Staff
FTC Students
FTC Publications
FTC Alumni and Friends
How to Support FTC
How to Contact FTC

About Friends Theological College

Founded in 1942, and located in the highlands of Western Province in Kenya, Friends Theological College prepares Friends for pastoral ministry and Christian leadership in East Africa. FTC is a ministry of Friends United Meeting. In 2007-2008, Friends Theological College has 74 residential students and another 54 students in the short course certificate program, who come from all of the Friends Yearly Meetings in Kenya. Our independent Board of Governors encourages academic excellence and spiritual growth, seeking to integrate faith and learning, while focusing on the process of maturing in Christ, from a Friends' (Quaker) perspective.

FTC sends forth pastoral ministers who will be: thoughtful listeners, effective evangelists, dynamic preachers, informed educators, models of integrity

Some FTC students are recent secondary school graduates, but most are adults with substantial experience in pastoral ministry. Instruction is in English.

Affiliation with St. Paul's University-Limuru

St. Paul's University, Limuru, provides FTC students with an accredited diploma through external examinations. All the coursework is done in Kaimosi at FTC, but the exams are marked and moderated by St. Paul's faculty in Limuru. This enables our graduates to pursue further study with less time and expense. Most other colleges will now require only two additional years to complete a bachelor's degree.

Corresponding Membership with ACTEA

In 2007, Friends Theological College achieved Correspondent Member status with the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). This is an important milestone on the path to full independent accreditation for FTC's Bachelor of Theology program. This year, FTC has received its first students in the B.Th. program.

Friends Theological College adopted a new logo in 2004. Representing the Risen Christ in the African context, the logo was designed by Larry Clarkberg, of Ithaca, New York. Along with former FTC Principal Patrick Nugent, Larry was active in 57th Street Meeting of Friends and the Quaker House Community in Chicago, Illinois, during the 1990s. The college is grateful for his generous contribution of skill and creativity that produced the FTC logo.

FTC Campus and Facilities

Friends Theological College is blessed to be situated on the original Kaimosi Friends Mission, founded in 1902 and situated between Cheptulu and Shamakhokho markets, adjacent to the road between Kisumu and Eldoret. Part of the campus is used for agriculture to support the activities of the college. The college also hosts some indigenous trees adjacent to small pockets of indigenous forest that remain within the Friends Mission.

FTC Facilities

The beautiful FTC campus is maintained by several teams of non-teaching staff organized into departments as follows: Dining Hall, Security, Farm and Grounds, Office, and Library. The college has two dormitories. The men's dormitory has a capacity of 54 students; the women's has capacity of 24 students. The other buildings include an administration block, classroom building, library, dining hall, 9 staff houses, 4 staff apartments, and dairy boma (livestock enclosure).

FTC Growth

Plans are underway to expand the campus facility to accommodate up to 120 students and to offer a bachelor's degree. Phase 1: 2006 Meetinghouse: Build a multi-purpose worship space between the gate and the classroom building Phase 2: 2007 Dormitory & Administration: Build a new administration block and convert old one into additional men's dormitory Phase 3: 2008 Library & Classrooms: Build a new library and convert old library into 3 additional classrooms Phase 4: 2009 Staff Housing: Build space for 3 more staff families

FTC Library

The Edith Ratcliff Memorial Library at FTC has 7,500 holdings, including books, periodicals, pamphlets, audio cassettes and CDs. The library building was renovated and expanded under the supervision of former FTC director Sandra Davis. The Board of Governors of Friends Theological College decided to name the library for Edith Ratcliff in the year of her death, 2004. Her faithful service as a missionary to Kenya for more than 50 years focused on health ministry, but she made great contributions to theological education and the training of Friends for pastoral ministry. Students are allocated textbooks from the library for certain courses, particularly the English reading and writing courses and Quaker studies.

Anyone may come to the campus and use the FTC library; however borrowing privileges are only granted to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff. Currently there is no charge for day use of the FTC library facilities

Textbook program

FTC launched a new textbook program in 2003. Until then, the college had no textbooks for any courses. Through a generous gift by Western Yearly Meeting, FTC was able to purchase the first textbook, The Christian Theology Reader, by Alister McGrath. Gradually other textbooks have been added to the collection; it is hoped that FTC will be able to purchase a textbook for use in each course. Students borrow the textbooks per term, and the library retains the books for use by future students.

Coming soon: List of available textbooks

Friends Theological College is proud to provide a unique Amani na Tumaini collection, which contains materials on peace, social justice, women's issues, and human rights. This special collection was created with a large donation of books by Dr. Paul F. Knitter, Professor Emeritus of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Knitter taught both Patrick and Mary Kay as undergraduates, and the college is grateful to both Paul and his wife Cathy Cornell (pictured at right) for their generous gift in 2003.

The collection has since been expanded and enhanced with the purchase of books made possible by the Pennies for Peace Fund administered by the United Society of Friends Women in Indiana Yearly Meeting, especially West Richmond Friends Meeting.

Friends who wish to contribute new or used books in good condition may send them to Kenya via M-bag. Contact your local Post Office for details.

Financial contributions for library cataloging supplies may be sent to Friends United Meeting earmarked for "FTC Library Materials." Please inform us of your gift by email or letter.

FTC Programs

(1) Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

Designed as a solid introduction to pastoral ministry for pastors at the village meeting level, or evangelists, youth leaders, and USFW pastors at higher levels. The certificate includes courses as follows: Introduction to Theology, Bible Survey, Intro to Pastoral Ministry, Intro to Pastoral Counseling, Intro to Quakerism, as well as two English courses. Students with KCSE of D+ or below enter this certificate program. It can serve as a bridge to the Diploma program upon passing an examination. For other students, this certificate is sufficient, and they return to ministry upon completion.
Length of study: One year

(2) Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (Short Course Option)

The Certificate program is also offered as a series of short courses during the school holidays. Students must take six modules over two years. The program is intended for those in active ministry and church leaders, but not as a bridge to the diploma.
Length of study: Two years

(3) Diploma in Theology

Designed for students with KCSE of C- or above, or those who perform well on the St. Paul’s SEE entrance examination, the Diploma provides a rigorous theological education and intensive preparation for pastoral ministry or further study.
Length of study: Three years

(4) Advanced Diploma in Peacemaking and Community Development

Designed for pastors and others who already have a diploma in theology or a related field. Includes coursework designed to help pastors serve as agents of peace-building and community organizing in their local communities.
Length of study: One year.

(5) Bachelor's Degree in Theology

In 2007-2008, Friends Theological College initiated this degree program of training for pastoral service or for further study. For students with a KCSE C+ or higher, this is a four-year program of study. Those who already hold a Diploma may qualify for the Bachelor of Theology Diploma upgrade; please consult the qualifications chart.

In 2003, FTC developed a new Theological Reading & Writing sequence of courses for diploma students. Using primary theological texts, and centering on class discussion, these courses progressively develop the following skills:

· English language reading and writing ability
· Critical thinking skills
· Textual analysis
· Basic theological literacy
· Familiarity with theologians, texts, terms, and concepts
· Small-group work
· Summarizing

Most FTC students have stronger verbal than written English ability. In order to succeed in FTC’s curriculum, and in order to be effective in pastoral ministry in Kenya today—particularly in urban areas—students must strengthen their Enligh language skills.

Students join forces to make presentations on particular texts, identifying key terms and concepts, and summarizing a reading. Working with primary sources, students are exposed to a broad range of writers and thinkers across the centuries. This sequence of courses provides a solid foundation for the diploma curriculum and serves as an excellent preparation for preaching and homiletics.

In addition to traditional pastoral activities, many Kenyans in ministry must develop the ability to plan and document various sorts of projects, such as working with AIDS orphans and widows. These courses are also intended to develop adequate English language skills for such activities as grant-writing and reporting on service projects.

At FTC, every student participates in two major co-curricular programs throughout their studies:

(1) Spiritual Formation

Every Wednesday is devoted to a Retreat in Everyday Life, with prayer, reflection, Bible study, and a Convocation lecture series. A faculty mentor helps students identify their gifts in ministry, meeting with them in small groups for discussion and sharing. The chaplain facilitates a time of prayer, sharing and Bible study for non-teaching staff as well, every Wednesday afternoon.

(2) Practical Ministry

In the first two years, students are provided with an opportunity for practical ministry in a local Friends church (or congregation of their own denomination). Diploma students in their third year undertake an attachment for eight weeks in the field. In addition, all students are required to complete two workshops: in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, and in peace and conflict resolution skills.

Visitors are always welcome at the college, to browse and read in the library, to attend events such as convocation lectures, or to participate in the weekly spiritual formation activities. Occasional workshops are offered on campus and in Friends Churches throughout Kenya. To request information on current programs this semester, or to request a team of faculty and students to provide continuing education in your area, contact the administrative team: ftcinfo@fum.org

Prospective students must have a recognized calling to ministry, with at least one year of service to their local church or Friends meeting. Students from all denominations are considered, but Friends are given precedence. FTC encourages women to apply. Students with a C- or above enter directly into the Diploma program. Students with D+ or below enter a preparatory year, which culminates in the St. Paul’s Special Entrance Examination (SEE) and the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry; qualified students may enter the diploma program in their second year, or continue one more year to earn a second certificate in Basic Theological Studies.

FTC Staff

Friends Theological College employs approximately 35 staff members, with an administrative team, eight faculty, and about 25 non-teaching staff.

Administrative Team

Ben Richmond, Principal
Jacob Asige Chaulimu, Dean of Students
Angeline Masitsa Savala, Academic Dean
Josphat Lime Jiveti, Finance Officer

Faculty

FTC Faculty: Margaret Amudavi Simon Bulimoh, Director Certificate Program Jacob Asige Chaulimu Pamela Igesa, College Chaplain Benson Khamasi (on study leave) Margaret Makokha, Director Diploma Program Kennedy Kerreh Mayabi Fredrick Mushira, Librarian Ben Richmond Jody Richmond Hezekiah Obwoge Angeline Masitsa Savala Elizabeth Yano (on sabbatical leave)

Friends United Meeting Field Staff based at FTC

Friends Theological College is a ministry of Friends United Meeting. At the request of East Africa Yearly Meeting and the FTC Board of Governors, since 1997 FUM has provided Global Ministries Field Staff to serve as Principal at FTC. These American expatriates provide their own financial support for ministry.

Ben and Jody Richmond, FUM Interim Field Staff from August 2007. Currently, Ben Richmond serves as Principal at Friends Theological College.

Ben and Jody's ministry is built on mutual listening and learning with Kenyan Friends to:

** provide a place of hospitality and conversation for all Kenyan Friends

** implement a stronger, expanded curriculum, and an accredited diploma

** enrich academic life, through lecture series and discussions

** foster spiritual growth, with a day each week devoted to prayer, reflection, Bible study, and discernment in small groups

** provide faculty development and assist faculty toward earning advanced degrees

** expand the college library collection

** develop income-generating projects to support college programs

** increase financial commitment from Kenyan Yearly Meetings

** train all students in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, as well as peace and conflict resolution skills (Alternatives to Violence Program, AVP)

** create publications for Friends in East Africa through Kaimosi Friends Press.

Jesus said: Happy are they who hear the word of God and obey it. —Luke 11:27-28

For information about how to support the ministry of Ben and Jody Richmond with Friends United Meeting’s Global Ministries: http://www.fum.org/contributions/index.html.

FTC Students

FTC Publications

Kaimosi Friends Press

Kaimosi Friends Press is a ministry of Friends Theological College, publishing pamphlets, tracts, and other materials on topics of particular interest to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), especially Friends in East Africa. It borrows its name from the historic printing operation in Kaimosi in the mid-1900s, noted for the production of the first hymnals in the Kiswahili and Kiluhya languages.

Kaimosi Friends Press provides readers with insight into the questions and concerns of Friends in East Africa today. Combining voices of African, European and North American authors, Kaimosi Friends Press brings Africa to your heart.

Hill of Vision Pamphlet Series

The Hill of Vision Pamphlet Series is named for the place in Tiriki, Kenya, where Friends first decided in 1902 to create a mission station, near the present location of the college and press. From there, the message of Jesus Christ was spread by Friends throughout East Africa. Today, the Hill of Vision is a place of repentance and hope for the renewal of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The first Pamphlet was written by Dr. Robert Carter and was produced in 2004.

Current Titles Available from Kaimosi Friends Press

Quaker Leaders for the 21st Century by Robert Carter, MD
Physician who served at Lugulu Friends Hospital for many years reflects on the essentials of servant leadership in his graduation address from 2003. HVP-1

Widows & Orphans: "True Religion" for Friends by Simon Bulimoh & Patrick J. Nugent
Two FTC faculty members examine biblical and cultural approaches, then consider the church’s response to this crisis, extending a message of hope: "Jesus was an orphan, Mary was a widow. God shares the suffering of the widow, and pours out his love for you." HVP-2

Quaker Origins, Worship & Identity: Reflections from Kenya by Donald B. Thomas
From his unique experience as a Kenya citizen with roots as a British Friend, Donald Thomas enables us to examine our origins and diverse means of worship, and to consider our identity as Christians who are distinctively Quaker. HVP-3

Signs of a Healthy Church: Pathway to the Future for Friends by Mary Kay Rehard
Jesus came to offer us love, food, freedom and life. His saving love and nourishment is available to everyone. With Mary Kay Rehard, FUM Field Staff based in Kaimosi, Kenya, explore the adventure of following Jesus in today’s world. HVP-4

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Three thematic reflections on ministry in Africa, by Mary Kay Rehard, former FUM Field Staff based in Kaimosi:

Acacia Reflections: the First Year in Africa
Discover one family's lessons in trust and obedience, and deepen your own faith as you learn more about Friends' mission work in East Africa today. AR-1

Stars in Africa
Journey with Mary Kay into the world of East Africa, looking at many kinds of stars there: Stars in the heavens, Rain that brings life, Snow on Mt. Kenya, and Smiles of Friends--the warmest stars of all. AR-2

Simple Gifts: Household Ecology in Africa
Enter the rural home and village with Mary Kay to learn how Kenyans handle many household tasks, living simply. Find out what can be carried on the back of a bicycle in Africa, the many lives of a plastic bottle or newspaper, and all the ways "water is central to any ministry in Africa." AR-3

FTC Alumni and Friends

On Saturday, 3 December 2005, FTC’s most recent graduates launched a new organization called “Angaza,” which means “Shine” in Swahili. The alumni chose the name to refer to the words of Christ himself:

“You are the light of the world! A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before all people, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven!” (Matthew 5:14-16).

You can read more about Angaza, in this brochure:

Angaza brochure - MS Word format

Angaza brochure - pdf format

How to Support FTC

Friends are encouraged to support FTC through annual giving, and those who contribute will be recognized annually at Donor Appreciation Day. Visit the campus, have tea with the students, attend our Convocation lecture series, tour our library, and bring your contribution along. Karibu!

Financial contributions may be made through Friends United Meeting - specify Friends Theological College.

Here is a detailed Wish List, should you prefer to support some specific need.

Prayer support is always needed!

How to Contact Friends Theological College

Kenya

Ben Richmond, Principal
Friends Theological College
PO Box 9, TIRIKI 50309 KENYA
0734-728-564

USA

Ben and Jody Richmond
Friends United Meeting Field Staff
101 Quaker Hill Dr, Richmond IN 47374-1980 USA
765-962-7573

How to Apply

Write to FTC by the end of September the year BEFORE you wish to enter. We will send you an application packet. You will need to submit your supporting documents in order to be invited for an interview the following February. These include: KCPE and KCSE school leaving certificates, letters of recommendation from church leaders, and health examination form. Classes begin each year at the end of August. Visit the campus or contact the Principal at:

Ben Richmond, Principal
Friends Theological College
PO Box 9, TIRIKI 50309 KENYA
0734-728-564
ftc1 - at - fum.org

FTC Publications

Order through Quaker Hill Bookstore or contact Mary Kay via email, ftc1 - at - fum.org

Click here for the current FTC Brochure.

Questions, comments, suggestions about this web page: Susan Jeffers, susan@read-the-bible.org.