Background to Capernwray/Torchbearers

The Torchbearer Trust of New Zealand has its roots in the UK. It was formed immediately after the Second World War as part of the broader movement for reconciliation between nations that had been at war. Although clearly a Christian organization, the British government sponsored hundreds of German young people through the Summer camp programme which had just begun at Capernwray Hall a large property near the Lake District National Park. One requirement of the sponsorship programme was that the German young people be given one hours' lecture per day on the values and benefits of a democratic society.

In addition to this, the staff at Capernwray gave Christian instruction and a whole range of sporting and social activities. Many of these young people adopted the Christian message and returned to Germany with the desire to reproduce the same values and convictions among their friends and school-mates. They asked for training towards this and hence a short-term Bible school training programme began alongside the camps and conferences. They formed a loose association and called themselves Fackeltrager (Torchbearers) hence our generic name which is now Torchbearers International.

The movement spread quickly in the 50's and 60's around Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific. A work began in the late 60's in Howick, Auckland with a mixture of holiday weeks and Bible training schools. This later moved to Henderson in 1981 and in 1995 to current base at Monavale Homestead in Cambridge.

The Bible training school aspect has been registered as a Private Training Establishment with NZQA since 1990 with the course Bible Training and Preparation for Christian Service being approved and Capernwray Bible School being accredited to offer it. With its international reputation and the attractiveness of New Zealand to overseas people looking to combine a training course with an 'overseas' travel experience we have a majority of overseas students attending the course.

In addition to the full Bible School course we also offer a six week Adventure Bible School (ABS). This involves many of the basic principles of the full course but particularly focuses on personal development, leadership training and understanding team dynamics. The course is made up of a range of teaching formats but is conducted in the outdoor context using climbing, kayaking, caving, tramping, abseiling and other adventure activities. Those leading the course are fully qualified under the New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association (NZOIA). Many of the students attending stay on after the ABS programme and complete the full Bible School course.

We are also in the process of offering a Business Studies and Leadership (BSL) in conjunction with the Academy of Business Studies and Leadership (ABSL). This ten week course will not only equip those wanting to go into the cut-throat world of business and commerce with a foundation in Christ and His Word but also anyone aspiring to leadership in any enterprise, be it secular, church or mission. Again, those interested in taking this course can combine this with taking the regular Bible School course for the balance of their time if they so wish.

There are now over 20 different Torchbearer (Capernwray) centres around the world and at any one time there are approximately a thousand students going through the courses. We are excited to be a part of this growing and vibrant ministry that God has chosen to establish. We trust He may direct you to experience it first-hand too.

Ckick below for a more comprehensive story of the the Major and how Capernwray came about .

Major W.Ian. Thomas Story pdf