Regents Theological College Graduation 2023
Graduation is the highlight of the Regents year, and this year, it was held on 4 November at Worcester Cathedral
Graduation is a day when students are officially recognised for everything they have achieved and when we gather with their families and friends to celebrate their time with us.
When they join Regents, some will have come straight from A-levels, others with degrees they have already taken; all will be from different church backgrounds and community experiences.
In many ways, they are on loan to us from God. We know that in the three years they spend at the College, we are here to guide them in the giftings they bring and into the new ones they will discover through training, through a deeper understanding of theology, and through sharing discipleship together.
Two biblical quotes come to mind...
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
And...
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27: 17
Regents is a community of learners who listen to God, who listen to scripture, and who listen to each other. That is where personal transformation begins and a deeper understanding of our calling takes place.
It has not been an easy time for this year's graduating students. Although for many of us, Covid seems like a while ago, lockdowns and government restrictions often disrupted the graduates' programme of studies. As a large group, they have shown real tenacity in staying focused over those years, whether they remained on campus or joined us online from home.
As Regents, formerly Elim Bible College, comes into its 98th year, it has always been at the heart of Elim in 'training leaders and transforming lives'. The longstanding success of the College lies in its clear commitment to its Pentecostal heritage, its relationship in serving the Elim Churches, and in releasing people of all ages into their calling and ministry, whether in church, Christian organisations, or the wider world.
While graduation briefly brings us together again, it also gives us a chance to catch up and hear how things have developed since the 2023 graduates finished their studies in May.
Ernest Ofosu-Kyeremeh, left, and undergraduates Lydia, Shanley, Claire and Ellie with lecturers Ollie and Tim, right
Here are a few of their stories...
Ernest Ofosu-Kyeremeh (MA Applied Theology)
"I am a member of Elim Clapham and part of an organisation called STG (Spreading the Gospel). Our focus is on Gospel Outreach, Humanitarian work, and Missions. We work with local churches in the Philippines, India, Kenya, and Ghana to train and equip leaders and to help financially. Our focus is on churches in villages and small towns where they don't always receive much help or support. My role is to train the younger church leaders with increased Bible knowledge and theology. Taking a master's degree was an opportunity for me to deepen my own theological understanding and get to know Jesus a little better."
Lydia Reed, (BA Hons Applied Theology – Youth Ministry)
"After finishing my degree, I knew I wanted to work with young people, but sensed God was asking me to stay within my local church. I quickly found an administrator's role with the Youth Justice Service in one of the local councils in South Wales. My role involves helping distressed parents and young people, supporting case workers, and much more. I may not be working directly within a church ministry, but the things I learnt at Regents, I put into practice every single day - Jesus calls us right into the middle of the mess of the wider world."
Shanley Cerff (BA Hons Applied Theology - Youth Ministry)
"I am a volunteer youth leader at Elim Church Crawley, helping to teach young people (school years 7-13) about the Bible and God whilst creating opportunities for them to experience His presence. I design all the sessions through the skills I learned at Regents and can see their confidence grow in prayer and in their relationship with God. As part of my assignment at Regents, I ran a youth event at the church, which has now been integrated as a continuous thing. I am also helping with the children's ministry and supporting the other team members as a way to continue to grow and develop my gifts."
Claire Jackson (BA Hons – Youth Ministry)
"I have been truly blessed and equipped by completing my BA in Applied Theology. Regents has a focus on "Heads, Hearts and Hands," – it's a wonderful representation of my journey as a campus student. The practical aspect of obtaining a BA in Applied Theology meant I could join the University of Worcester to train as a Secondary School teacher on their "Outstanding" PGCE Course. I arrived at Regents in 2020 as a 'young' Christian, and the opportunity to grow in my identity as a follower of Jesus on campus has, at times, been challenging but so rewarding. Regents offered me a safe space to learn about the loving God and grow in my identity in Him. By completing the Regents Youth Ministry degree, I have been equipped with the practical requirements of working with young people who have additional needs or Educational Health Care Plans in place in both a local Malvern charity, "Sky Autism Support", and at a local school."
Ellie Rubens (BA Hons): Student Pastor at All Nations Elim, Reading
"As part of the youth track course, I was on a placement at All Nations Christian Centre in Reading, and I loved it. After graduating, I was offered the position of Youth and Student Pastor at the church. I have now been in the role since September 2023. The work includes running youth activities on a Sunday morning, connecting with young people on a Friday night, hosting student lunches, taking young people to Limitless events, and generally being involved with the life of the wider church. We recently ran a silent disco light party and are praying that by running these types of events, we will reach the Reading community. I am currently applying to be an Elim Minister-in-Training, which I hope to start in March 2024. I am so grateful to Regents for supporting me and giving me the confidence to step into this role. It is a real privilege to be involved with all the young people and their journey with Christ."
If you’re thinking of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in theology, Regents is holding a number of Open Days for a September 2024 start. For further details, please click here.