Ragged School of Theology | A Conversation with Mez McConnell and Sharon Dickens

What is Ragged School of Theology, and why did we build it? As 20schemes has grown (now planting and strengthening churches across Scotland's schemes and rural areas), we’ve seen God save men and women from backgrounds marked by poverty, trauma, addiction, and educational disadvantage. But traditional training often assumes strong academic foundations, and it can be thin on practical theology for the realities of scheme and council estate life. Ragged School of Theology exists to change that. We’re building a biblical, accessible, contextual, and practical pathway for gospel ministry—training men and women in their own communities, connected to their local church, without leaving home for “bricks-and-mortar” seminary. YOU CAN HELP US! To build the digital platform and help students who can’t afford fees, we need to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2025 at 20schemes.com/give. MORE What we offer: Access to Theology (1-year): a clear Bible overview + discipleship built for real life BDiv in Applied Theology (3-year): Systematics + OT/NT plus training in trauma, addictions, mental health, women’s ministry, and more Master’s of Ministry (2-year): in partnership with Grimké Seminary, including church planting training Ragged is also a “catch-all” for friends around the world asking for 20schemes training, whether you’re from our communities, or you’re coming from outside our culture and want to learn how to engage and serve well.