A celebration of study for graduates

Graduation is a landmark moment for Regents Theological College students. After their ceremony at Worcester Cathedral in November, the college’s Peter Hutchinson asked five graduates to share their stories

On graduation day, students are officially recognised for everything they have achieved and we gather with their families and friends to celebrate their time studying with us.

Some joined us straight from A-levels, others with degrees they had already taken, but all are from different church backgrounds and experiences. In many ways they are on loan to us from God. In the two or three years they spend studying at Regents we are here to guide them in the giftings they bring and into the new ones they will discover – through training, a deeper understanding of theology and sharing discipleship together.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Regents is a community of disciples. We listen to God, to Scripture and to each other. It is in those ‘spaces’ by the grace of God that personal transformation begins and our deeper understanding of calling takes place.

“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)

The time together as a Christian community and as fellow disciples is special. The memory of Regents will go on for far longer than the few years students spend here.

Graduation also gives us the chance to catch up on how things have developed since they finished their studies the previous May. We are thrilled and privileged to think we have in some way contributed to that path.

As Regents celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, the college has always been at the heart of Elim. This long-standing success lies in our clear commitment to our Pentecostal heritage, our relationship in serving Elim churches and other denominations, and in releasing people of all ages into their callings and ministries, whether that be in the church, in Christian organisations or the wider world.

We are by no means perfect, but we hold to the truth of revealed Scripture, the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the abiding presence of God the Holy Spirit in all his plans and purposes for this sacrificial life.

Here are a few of the graduating students’ stories…

Charlotte Royal
BA (Hons) Applied Theology and Youth Ministry

My time at Regents was fairly short but I am incredibly thankful for it. I transferred as a part-time level 6 student on the youth track. Following a study break to have a baby, I was looking for a way to finish my theological degree while working as a church youth worker. Regents offered me the opportunity to do just that.

Within the space of around two weeks I had incredibly helpful conversations with Shelley Cave and Ollie Ward, sorted out my student finance and began studying!

I loved the opportunity to be in a classroom with other students, soak up the incredible teaching and see how God was interweaving my work life and personal growth within the study process.

Completing my degree was more of a juggle than I had anticipated, but Regents was an incredibly helpful, supportive and encouraging place to study. I’m still amazed, and so thankful to God and to everyone, that I can say ‘I finished my degree’.

Dominic Bates
BA (Hons) Applied Theology with Church Leadership

I thoroughly enjoyed the Church Leadership track at Regents. I learned in such detail about ministry and its challenges. There was such a depth of understanding as the lecturers have been in ministry roles themselves. They offered real-life experiences alongside their teaching. This is what I hold close to my heart and found so valuable.

My time at Regents has moved me forward in my faith and equipped me with so much more in fulfilling the call to ministry.

I want to thank Regents and all the lecturers for all they have done by encouraging and inspiring me.

Jess Cave
BA (Hons) Applied Theology with Youth Ministry

I first heard about the college through my Grandad, who was an Elim pastor. In my first year at Regents I began to meet with Ollie Ward, leader of the Youth Ministry course. He asked me what I would like to be remembered for; what legacy would I like to leave? My answer now is the same as I gave then; I want to be remembered for having laughed in the face of struggles without fear of the future.

I could easily tell you why Regents is the best theological college – because of its teaching, academic reputation, campus and lecturers – but instead I want to say that Regents was the best decision I ever made because it helped me overcome things I never thought I could. It taught me how to rely on God first and foremost and showed me how strong I can be when I stand with him by my side.

Millie Bugg
BA (Hons) Applied Theology

The Theology track has been a journey shaped by deep learning, unforgettable moments and quite a bit of endurance: mornings that started with devotions, a peaceful time of worship and reflection, the mad dash to the Sugarloaf Café during breaks for coffees, fuelled with some intense theological debates.

Studying theology at Regents has been so much more than academics. It’s been an ecosystem not just for intellectual growth but for shaping who we are at our core. In these close-knit years we’ve learned to see the world through the lens of faith, wrestle with big questions and find answers that resonate with our own lives.

It’s taught us to know God more and let that knowledge transform us – to look inside, seek what really matters and become people who carry God’s love and truth into every part of life.

Becca Tordoff
BA (Hons) Applied Theology and Performing Arts

I joined Regents in my second year because I’d done a year elsewhere. Performing Arts pushed me beyond what I knew I could do, giving me confidence in my abilities and character.

I can say, hand on heart, after two years at Regents I have been transformed. There were so many moments when God’s presence filled my whole being. It is a place where God changed my story and my heart.

I will be forever grateful for every person I met, for what I learned through the community and for the friendships I’ve made. I learned God has a better plan, even if you can’t see it.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Thank you to everyone for making Regents what it was, and to the Performing Arts degree for helping me step into something new.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.