Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is John Robinson, and I am a first-year ordination student. I’m self-employed with a dog walking business and hoping to be a useable tool in God’s plans.
What drew you to study at St Mellitus College?
After doing the Peter Stream here at St Mellitus, I'd been speaking with my DDO and my vicar as to where my calling sort of lay through the discernment process. After passing Stage 1 and 2, I did have a look at a couple of other colleges, but there is something quite unique about the feeling of St Mellitus.
Was it a difficult decision to step forward in ordination training?
Yes and no. It was something that I dug my heels in a little bit about at first. I didn't really want to do it because I don't feel like I'm good enough to do it. When you speak to some of these really academic people, your mind is blown with some of the things that they talk about. I didn't feel like that was for me, but I did feel like I should be doing something in God's church. So, I sort of dug my heels in a little bit. Then I actually started to realise that what I was doing was putting me on the path to ordination anyway because God's got a sense of humour like that. Now that I'm in it, it's like living the dream. It’s absolutely amazing.
How would you describe the culture at St Mellitus College?
One of self and group improvement through faith and theological understanding on a friendly and even playing field. The college is very good at making sure that even though you leave here to go on your own pathway, and you sort of go out in the in the world on your own, when you are here, you are very much together at that same moment in time. They also treat your academic awareness exactly the same, whether you're a bit further advanced or you are like me, a complete amateur novice. And they’re very very good at making you feel a part of that process and part of that journey together.
What difference have your studies at St Mellitus College made in your life and faith?
Well, my life has changed fully. Faith-wise it has been really affirming. My hope is that I continue to become a better equipped Christian to go out into the real world. There's such a vast amount to learn when it comes to theology that anything which can benefit me in preaching the gospel in the real world is really what I'm looking for.
What tips or advice would you give to prospective students?
Ask questions, pray, and look around everywhere. Stay in prayer, stay relaxed, and love your calling.
In three words, describe St Mellitus College.
Relaxed, joyful, and thought developing
