Sean Sutton Explains Why The Bath Leadership Academy is Changing His Life!
Bath Leadership Academy student, Sean Sutton, who is about to embark on the second year of his three year course, tells us why this course is helping him reach a future in ministry. Sean who is expecting his second child any day now!.. says the close bond of the students, plus his passsion to serve others and direct confirmation from God have taken him on an exciting ride of discovery! Find out what Sean's future holds!
(PICTURES: SERVING HANDS, HANDS AND THE WORLD, MISSION AND THEOLOGY)
Please tell us about yourself?
I am 34 years old, a husband and father to two young children (second being due to be born as I write this). I attend Bath City Church, where approximately four years ago I felt drawn, after seeking a dynamic church, where I could become acquainted and continue my new walk with God.
In March 2009 I was baptised at the church and became a full member shortly after. I now work on the operations team helping to maintain the building.
How would you describe yourself?
....Good question...The way one views themselves may be completely different to the way another might, so here goes. I believe that I am a loving compassionate man who seeks to see the best in all people and in all situations; I love God 
foremost and from a place of knowing Him I seek to demonstrate his love to others.
I am very much a family orientated man who seeks to see both his wife and children grow in identity both as my family, but also themselves as children of God.
I am passionate about serving others and motivating people to realise that they are great and have worth. So in a sentence... a Christian man who loves God, family and people.
What stage are you at with the Leadership Course at Bath City Church?
I have just passed my first year and about to begin my second year.
How has this year been?
This year has been one of my most challenging years ever and yet one of my most rewarding.. God over turned many stones and obstacles in my life, in my spirituality, in my self awareness of who I am in God, my academic abilities and in improving who I need to be for my family.
Has it involved a lot of work?
Yes, yes and even more yes!
I have never studied or read so much in my life, there has been lectures, reading, essays, power point presentations, debates, preaching, placement assignments and loads more. Although the work load can be intense the teaching and placement staff are really great at assisting you with managing the work load.
What has that work involved?
The work is based upon the modules being studied, a mixture of practical hands on placement tasks, practical assignments and essays ranging from 500 words to 
4000 words.
Examples of the placement tasks have included researching missional techniques, the practical assignment have involved debating with another over moral issues, and essays have included analysing whether God is a missional God.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of the course has come direct from God, the revelations that he has given me through spending more time with Him and seeking Him through the work I am doing.
Getting to know the other students has also been great, we all have our own individual outlooks but through our combined efforts want to seek God we support each other.
The students are very close to one another.
Why did you start the course? What inspired you?
About four years ago I felt that God was telling me that He was about to enter me into a ten year training period where I would be prepared for ministry. About two years ago I started to contemplate studying theology but could not find the right course.
When this course was first advertised I was inspired by the focus of the course towards developing missional leaders and the logistics of the course being ran at my home church inspired me to consider applying.
After laying out a couple of fleeces I found that God replied and opened up doors for me to be able to access the course.
What do you hope to get out of the course?
I expect to grow in maturity and identity, prepared for the next part of my journey to where God is taking me.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I believe God is calling me to minister to families, to help them undo great hurts and help people find the love of The Father for themselves.
I expect to move and minister in the supernatural, to see people become healed and recognise my Saviour as theirs.
Would you recommend the course?
Yes…if you feel called by God to do it.
What have you learnt so far?
Wow where do I start, there is so much that to list it here would take up all your ink...