Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Amy. I’m a second-year independent student, majoring in MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission - Biblical Study. It’s been 21 years since I completed my first Masters’ degree in London (MSc International Finance). I could not have imagined that so many years later, I’d do another distinctively different subject - theology. It is not a coincidence that I’m here today. This is really God’s deeds and His calling. I firmly believe that God is a God who does new and amazing things always in our lives (Isa 43:19). Following God’s lead is always the right choice. I’m very grateful to the St. Edmund Course I completed between 2018-2022, which laid a helpful foundation for me to join the MA course here at St. Mellitus College.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful husband and lovely son for their very much needed support, without which, I wouldn’t have gone so far on my faith journey. And I thank God for their growth in faith alongside me. I sincerely hope that my story below encourages others and glorifies God.
What first drew you to study at St Mellitus College?
I have been interested in systematic theology and Christian apologetics for many years, especially since I started leading a Bible study group in 2020 during lockdown. I felt a hunger and thirst for God’s Word. I cannot pour from an empty cup. I need to be filled with His living Word and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Understanding God’s Word and expounding it properly propelled me to seek the opportunity to study His Word in depth and systematically. I went to one of the St Mellitus College Open Days in 2024 and was immediately attracted by the warm and friendly environment. The morning worship was very inspiring! The trial lectures were fantastic!
Dr Hannah Steele’s humorous yet profound speech, and her uplifting and encouraging message, impressed me greatly. I decided with excitement at that very moment that this is the place God leads me to know Him better. So I joined this MA course in September 2024. I’m glad that I did.
How has your experience at St Mellitus surprised or challenged you?
What surprised me most at St Mellitus is the rich Bible knowledge of all the lecturers and their devotion to teaching, prayer, and worship. Their academic publications are amazingly insightful and invite deep reflections on who God is and His relationship with us. Many of the resources on our reading list also bring surprise, excitement, joy, and sometimes a challenge.
There are plenty of resources to help me grow here: the teaching, seminars (for some modules, each student leads one seminar session), Formation Group meetings, academic skills support and worshipping together as a loving community in Christ. College Away Days are full of reflection and joy in God’s Word, and they provide close contact with classmates and teachers so we can learn from each other and care for each other.
All these experiences deepen my understanding of Scripture and help me grow stronger along my faith journey. During my study at St Mellitus, I’ve learned how to discern my own thoughts from God’s calling. I’ve learned to wait in quietness in prayer for God’s direction. I feel my inner being has been reshaped and reoriented toward conforming to Jesus day by day and making prayer and worship my lifestyle.
Can you share a moment or experience at St Mellitus that has been particularly meaningful or transformative for you?
I recall the moment when I was consoled by a teacher at the college. The sympathy and compassion he showed me mirrored Jesus.
It was last summer that I lost my beloved mum. On my return to college, I was overwhelmed by heavy and unbearable grief. I just could not get over it. My FG tutor, classmates, and other staff prayed for me, which I appreciated very much.
During one of the lunch hours, a teacher who knew my situation sat with me on a long pew upstairs in the church. He listened to me sympathetically and patiently as I told him how much I missed my mum, how much pain I felt, and how many things I should have done but had not done yet and had forever lost the opportunity to do. He gave me time to let my tears stream down. He gave me time and space to let my wound heal. Before we parted, he offered a most touching and comforting prayer for me. I was consoled by the presence of God as he prayed. Eventually, God’s presence turned my tears into a testimony.
My message on this occasion is that this college not only teaches knowledge, but they care about every student’s wellbeing, every brother and sister in Christ. Here, I feel at home. Here, I don’t need to hide my weakness and my vulnerability. I can show my need for God’s mercy, grace, and presence, and for the help of others. Here, I can be my natural self.
Why do you think theology matters for everyone, not just those in church leadership—and how has your time here shaped that conviction?
I believe every Christian should be a theologian. Everyone should be a defender of sound doctrines. My time of study here at St. Mellitus has affirmed my belief. The college teaches right doctrines, gives guidance on our spiritual growth, and equips us to expound God’s Word in truthfulness and faithfulness.
Theology matters. It should not be the privilege of the church leaders and scholars. When we “put on full armor of God,” we can “stand firm” in faith and every battle - seen and unseen, actual or spiritual, and not be “tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine.” And indeed, we will be able to teach others the right doctrine.
What tips or advice would you give to someone thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus College?
Open your heart to God and let Him take lead. If God calls, he leads and equips. Intently listen to God’s gentle but clear voice. I am here because it was a submissive surrender to His plan.
I continue to pray for friends who are thinking of studying theology or joining St. Mellitus College. I’d love to “go and tell,” and I’d also love to invite friends to our College Open Day to “come and see.” They will feel and see for themselves that this place is not just a college of imparting knowledge, but also a character formation classroom, a place to encounter Jesus, and a nurturing missionary field that draws many people closer to God practically - in placement, in serving each other, and in worship, and equip them to be sent out to serve the Lord for the Kingdom’s sake.
In three words, describe your time at St Mellitus College.
Inspired: St. Mellitus further raises the awareness that learning is a lifelong journey. God is so vast and rich. His living Word is new and active every day, and is for everyone who is willing to accept it. The college provides me with the useful tools, critical thinking, hermeneutics, and methodology to learn continuously even after my graduation.
Enriched: My theological knowledge is very much enriched here at St. Mellitus College. So much I did not know before now I’ve found answers. Most importantly, I realise that we do not have to have the unified answer to every question, every doubt. I do not need to pretend that I understand if I don’t. The mystery of God sometimes is unsearchable.
Transformed: My inner being has been transformed by this course, not only nurtured by the knowledge of knowing God. The negative feelings and thoughts used to creep in have been dispersed by the transformed and renewed faith in Jesus Christ. I will never be the same when I come out of St. Mellitus College because I have changed from a “what if” mentality to “even if” attitude - even if something happens, I am rest assured that “God is with us and for us.
