Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Malin and I am 39 years old. I am originally from a small village in the Swedish countryside. I’ve lived in London for 20 years, and I’m married with three lovely daughters. I work as a Families and Children’s pastor for a lovely church in Islington and as a Youth administrator for another lovely church in Islington.
What first drew you to study at St Mellitus College?
I grew up in Sweden, going to a faith based primary school throughout my early years and my parents took me to Sunday school every Sunday. When I graduated my A-levels, I took a gap year and moved to London. I was going to stay in London for 1 year. That did not happen as you can see 20 years later; I am still here.
I was working as a chef in London for 16 years, and in 2019, the world came crashing down. My mother got diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January of 2019, and in March 2019, my father called me and told me my mother, who was still very young, had gotten rapidly worse, only had a couple of weeks left with us, and they urged me to come back to Sweden. The next day, I took my then two children with me to Sweden to say our goodbyes. Jesus knew what he was doing; he was calling me home to spend time with my mother and our family, and a couple of weeks turned into three months. Me and my two sisters moved back into our family home with our mother and father and cared for her until she took her last breath in May 2019. And it was during that time I grew closer to Jesus and really felt the calling to wanting to share the experience I had with God to others. Jesus helped me through that difficult time. It was the hardest, but also the most eye-opening, time of my life.
When I came back to London, I started volunteering more at our local church, and there I made friends with others who were studying theology, and it intrigued me. I wanted to learn more and know more, to be able to share more with others. I saw our lay minister preaching on Sunday mornings and thought, "I want to be able to do that, to share the love of Jesus to everyone around me."
It was the first time that I stepped through the doors at St Mellitus College when I realised that this is where I am called to be. Sitting together during dinner, the conversations, the happiness. Then the worship time. Such a powerful time. I have young children; it's been a long time since I could say that the worship was only between me and God, and not between me and God and three little girls, even though that is amazing too. And the lectures, first time sitting into one, I think it was an Old Testament lecture, it was amazing. I came out that evening thinking, "Wow, I belong here."
Can you share a moment or experience at St Mellitus that has been particularly meaningful or transformative for you?
I have several moments during my time at St Mellitus that have transformed me. First is the first time I preached at St Mellitus College. I was so nervous. It was at the end of year one, and I think the preach was on encouragement, and I had the story of my time in Sweden in that preach and how it encouraged me and my faith. But seeing the faces of my fellow students and getting such great feedback after really was the greatest encouragement.
Secondly, I've been employed by two churches since starting my studies, and working with children and their families, especially running Messy Church, has really been a profound moment in my journey. Seeing them growing in faith is amazing to see.
Thirdly, my placement. Throughout the spring term of 2026, I have been on placement at a male prison. I am working with the Chaplaincy team, having one-on-one chats with the men, listening to them, understanding them and trying to be there as a reminder for them of Jesus' love and that we are all made in His image, without any judgement. We hold Bible studies that have been so powerful, it has brought me to tears at times. I have seen great willingness to change in the men, and that is all thanks to Jesus and his great love and power for all, no matter what.
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jesus calling me to St Mellitus College.
Theology at St Mellitus is academically demanding. Can you share a moment when you were stretched intellectually - and how that challenge shaped you?
Every aspect of the studies has been a challenge for me. I had never been to university before I started St Mellitus College. I am reading and writing academic theology in my second language. It has never been easy; since day one, it has been a challenge. But I plan well, and I make sure I have a structured diary; it’s a must when trying to tackle these readings and essays while having two jobs and a young family.
I am not the most vocal in classroom discussions, and that is not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I am trying to form sentences in my mind while having two languages in there.
But do not let any of that stop you from your calling. Jesus’ calling is more powerful than any worries you might have. With everything, the most powerful thing you can do is pray. Yes, I still worry now, even in my last year, every time I get my assignments marked. But I look at where I am in life, where my calling has led me, and I pray for the future.
Can you tell us about the formation side of studying at St Mellitus College?
Formation times are wonderful. You get to know fellow students and your formation group tutor on a deeper level. In our formation group, we often get sent a reading to do before we meet. Then we come together and discuss the reading together in our group. But not only that, we share stories, feelings, and we pray together, and most of all, we support each other. It is great to have the support from your fellow formation students, but also from your formation group tutor, who is always there to help and guide you through your time at the college.
Why does theological study matter beyond the walls of a college or church—and how has your time here shaped the way you engage the world?
Studying theology has helped me deepen my faith, strengthened my prayer life and given me a chance to share that with the world around me. It has given me opportunities to work with children and their families, to explore scripture with them, the right way and deeper, and to be able to give more to them in guiding them through their journey with Jesus.
Like I said earlier, I am now, during the spring term of 2026, out on placement at the male prison, and this is something that I feel I am called to explore deeper, and that is thanks to Jesus and my theology studies.
What tips or advice would you give to someone thinking of studying theology or joining St Mellitus College?
If you feel the calling, do it! Do not let worries or fear stop you. It can feel daunting with lectures, teaching weeks and assignments, especially if you are like me, a chef from Sweden with no university degree and English as my second language. But I will say this: studying theology at St Mellitus College has changed my life. Jesus calling me to St Mellitus has been the greatest calling in my life.
In three words, describe your time at St Mellitus College. Why those words?
Joy, all you feel is joy when you walk into the college. Joy to be together, learning, worshipping and talking about faith with fellow students, staff and volunteers at the college is pure joy.
Warmth, you feel warmth. When you need someone to talk to, the chaplains are there, your friends are there, your teachers are there. To guide you, help you when they can and, most of all, pray with you.
Belonging, I have never felt a deeper belonging than what I do at St Mellitus College. I am where Jesus wanted and needed me to be these past three years.
