Tell us a bit about yourself.
After being married to a vicar for over a decade, I was fairly sure that ordained ministry wasn’t for me. I had seen it all — the good, the bad, and sometimes the very messy! I was quite happy in my role as the vicar’s wife, keeping out of PCC meetings and away from disgruntled parishioners! When our children were born, it became clear that they would need significant support with their additional needs, and I felt even more sure that I wasn’t called to ministry. In fact, it seemed completely impossible. So you can imagine my surprise when, in no uncertain terms, God made it clear that this was something he wanted me to explore. Out of obedience, I began to test that call and started pushing doors which, to my constant surprise, kept opening! What once felt impossible started to become a reality. Along the way, we’ve seen mountains move and God’s provision come in unexpected ways. Now, here I am in the third and final year of training, with ordination drawing close. I still don’t know exactly what curacy will look like or how ordained ministry will work alongside our family’s unique needs. But I’ve learned that I don’t need the full map; I just need the next step. God has never failed to show me that, and I trust that he always will.
What first drew you to study at St Mellitus College?
When I came to the open day at St Mellitus East Midlands, I immediately felt the warmth of the community. It was such a welcoming space, and I knew straight away that this was the kind of environment in which I could flourish. Sitting in on a lecture that day completely blew my mind and made me hungry to learn more; it gave me a glimpse of the richness of study that lay ahead. Since then, the college has played a huge role in making my training possible. The staff have understood the areas where I face limitations and have always helped me find ways through. That package of support is what makes St Mellitus such a special place: there is always someone to answer a question, always someone to pray with, and on the tough days, a shoulder to cry on. I feel so blessed by the friendships I’ve formed here, and so grateful that this is where God led me to train.
How has your experience at St Mellitus surprised or challenged you?
So much of this journey has been unexpected. I still have to pinch myself to believe this is actually happening; somehow, through the grace of God, I am a third-year ordinand! I have learnt the faithfulness of God and the way he equips those he calls. The provision I have seen happen for my children has been nothing short of a miracle, and has allowed me the time and space to be able to study. There have been so many answered prayers along the way. Since disability is the reality I live at home, and theology is the focus at college, I have been so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring those two areas of my life together. I have loved learning about disability theology, and I have become really passionate about it. If all goes to plan, I will write my dissertation in this area. That’s the wonderful thing; theology has scope for us to explore our own passions too, and to see the ways God is at work and speaking into those areas of life.
Can you share a moment or experience at St Mellitus that has been particularly meaningful or transformative for you?
I’m a part-time ordinand, which means I get to be at St Mellitus for three years! But lots of my friends were on two-year pathways, so they finished at the end of the last academic year and went off to be ordained. I can’t describe the feeling of joy and hope I felt as we prayed for them as a college and they stepped out into their new adventure. I saw just how much God had been at work in each of their lives, and I knew they were off to serve curacies and become church leaders. It made me feel so excited about the future of the Church of England. I can’t wait to see what God does through that amazing bunch of people, and St Mellitus is full of people just like that! All on different pathways, yet with the same heart — to seek to know the Lord better and to serve him with their whole lives.
How have your studies shaped your understanding of God, faith, or your calling?
I have definitely been stretched through the study of academic theology, and it has at times made me let go of lots of the things I thought I knew! I didn’t know I was capable of understanding the complicated thoughts of different theologians and making up my own mind about something. Being taught to think theologically really shapes my ministry outside of college too, giving me the resources for some of the difficult conversations I have in church life. I am so grateful for the way St Mellitus has equipped me to do ministry in real life. That is one of the huge strengths of learning this contextual way; it can’t just be theory, because the second I am back in my placement, I get to actually live it out. This is so deeply formative and has really shaped me.
What tips or advice would you give to someone thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus College?
First of all, I would say that if you want to understand more about God and your faith, this is an amazing opportunity for you! Theology is an academic subject, sure, but at its heart, theology is worship. I have learnt to do it humbly, on my knees and with a heart full of devotion to Jesus. God has revealed so much more of who he is to me through studying at St Mellitus — through my friends, through the staff, and absolutely through the topics I have studied. I think committing time to study this way is life-changing, and God really moves through it. So if you are thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus, go for it!
In three words, describe your time at St Mellitus College.
Stretching: I have been stretched in the juggle of family, work and study. This type of juggling made me careful with my time.
Nurturing: I have felt so looked after during my time here, the support is next level.
Formational: The past 2 years have shaped me beyond words, though challenging at times it is more than worth it.
