Lisa | South West Student Story

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hi, my name is Lisa, and according to my railcard I’m a ‘mature student’ – a description I wear with joy! I am 54, known as Mimi to three gorgeous grandchildren and Mum to two beautiful daughters and a son. I am married to Tim, who has supported my long-held dream of returning to study especially theological study. 

Having never gone to university, part of me wanted to see if I could study at a higher level, but more than that, I longed to go deeper into the bible and into my faith, to ask questions that’s not always possible in a Church setting. Post covid, in 2021, almost everything in life seemed to shift all at once, we moved house, town, our children left home, Tim and I started new jobs, and we also began attending an Anglican Church. It was a wonderful Church to just be, during so much change. After a bit, I started to ask some deeper questions about faith and Church, our very patient vicar suggested I might attend a course he ran, that explored the basics in theology and ministry, it was there that this journey really began.

What first drew you to study at St Mellitus College? 

During that basic theology course, something re-emerged, my desire for theological study, it had been tucked away since my last attempt 10 years ago. I shared this with our vicar, he is a great ambassador for studying theology, and it was through him that I heard about St Mellitus. Unsurprising, I found myself at the Open Day. 

For the past nine years, I’ve worked in the migration sector, which has given me the privilege of encountering many cultures and traditions. I love diversity, so when I discovered SMC’s ethos of generous orthodoxy, I felt as though I had come home. At the Open Day, not only was I made to feel very welcome, but I found staff were speaking my language, offering little windows into the riches of study, which suddenly all seemed possible. I left that day very excited, the only challenge was the practical barriers to overcome, like reducing my working hours. To my amazement, every obstacle that had previously stood in the way, simply fell away. Even my interview with the Centre Director felt like a God-moment!

How has your experience at St Mellitus surprised or challenged you? 

This past year of study has felt like an epic adventure. Everything from exploring the vast theological landscape of my faith to wrestling with the aspects of deep reflection, the journey has been expansive, rooting, mind-blowing, and humbling. 

One of my biggest discoveries has been learning to understand my own journey of faith, how theology and worship has shaped me. I always knew we are formed by culture, people, what we read, and what we don’t read, but I didn’t have the narrative or the confidence to articulate my understanding, passions and beliefs. I am still on this journey, as new revelations are experienced each teaching module. 

As the historical and theological aspects of this course come together, I’ve begun to feel more deeply rooted, not just in my personal faith, but in the life of the church. It’s exactly the kind of expansive vision I had hoped for, but it has also been deeply confronting. Holding my past experiences and teaching with open hands, has allowed for challenge, affirmation and revelation. I am excited that God is rebuilding my faith with a broader understanding of him, his word and how I fit into the history of His Church.

Can you share a moment or experience at St Mellitus that has been particularly meaningful or transformative for you? 

During the year we are set assignments, including a few theological reflections. This has been the most challenging and transformative part of the course for me. Being asked to study the bible deeply, and then to examine why I believe what I believe or do what I do, can feel confronting. But it is in this place of honesty and vulnerability that I have encountered the Holy Spirit most powerfully, an invitation to press in and go deeper. You cannot remain unchanged after this kind of encounter. I have discovered the true gift of theological reflection is allowing theology to challenge your practice, and letting your practice be deepened and reshaped by theology. 

One such moment, was in a caravan, whilst on retreat, I had been practicing and thinking about the spiritual practice of silence and solitude. If you know me, that is not necessarily something you would expect! I would never have imagined when I started this course, that the practice of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, could relate to my spiritual journey in 2025!

How have your studies shaped your understanding of God, faith, or your calling? 

Studying has enlarged my understanding of God. At times it has been mind-blowing, I don’t always grasp everything I read or hear. But there is so much I do understand, and that’s what I love to explore. My prayer is that my faith will be deepened and stretched in new ways, so that I can be used by God in my work, my church, and among my family and friends. 

For those with poor eyesight, you may understand this little analogy: some days it like putting on a new pair of prescription glasses: what was once blurred comes into focus, and colours that had started to fade suddenly come alive again. It’s wonderful. Not only am I learning lots of new things, but God is deepening the love and passion I already have even further, my joy for diversity keeps on growing and my desire for unity continues to be strengthened.

What tips or advice would you give to someone thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus College? 

First, if you have a dream to study - go for it! Life’s too short to keep finding reasons to hold back. Trust that if God has put this desire on your heart, He will make a way. 

Second, surround yourself with some wonderful cheerleaders and prayer warriors. Their encouragement and prayers are vital, especially on the days when study feels hard or overwhelming. 

Third, get practical. A book that really helped me was From Topic to Thesis by Michael Kibbe, it gives clear guidance on how to read, take notes, write, and build an argument. Having been out of education for 34 years, I needed a step by step guide. 

Finally, treasure the gift of community at St Mellitus. The students and staff create a place where you can pray together, laugh, worship and learn together. We all need each other on this journey, and it’s in that shared life that study becomes truly transformative.

In three words, describe your time at St Mellitus College?

Transforming: My faith has been reshaped in ways I never expected, and I know the journey of transformation will continue as I keep studying and bringing that before God. 

Enriching: The depth of study, the fellowship of friends, and the richness of worship have been extraordinary, providing experiences I have never encountered before, each one adding new wisdom to my life and faith. 

Humbling: I have been humbled by learning with others, often feeling out of my depth, but also discovering that I have something to contribute. This has reminded me that we truly need one another on this journey.