This Monday, I completed my formal training for a degree in ‘Theology, Mission & Ministry’ as part of my training for ordination.

For the past three years, I have been going to St Mellitus College in London to carry out this training. It has been incredibly demanding completing a degree (accredited by Durham University) whilst teaching and being Chaplain, but I have loved it all, and looking back, I am so thankful to God for all that he has blessed me with during the process. I also wish to express my thanks to the School for supporting me during this process alongside the Diocese of Bath and Wells who have sponsored me throughout it all.

Every Tuesday, I have jumped into my car after lunch, driven to Bath, hopped on a train, zipped along the Circle Line and ended up at St Mellitus College in Kensington, London for an afternoon and evening of: tutorials, lectures, visiting the library, eating a meal with my fellow students and having a short service of worship. The training has been first-class, rigorous, engaging, varied and deeply relevant. Alongside that, about three or four times a term I had a residential weekend of full lectures at a conference centre. COVID has put the vast majority of this online, but the quality of teaching remained outstanding. Last week, for the first time in sixteen months, I was able to visit college in person physically for our last ever lecture and time of fellowship - it was truly special and if I’m honest rather emotional. Then, this Monday I handed in my last assignment ever (my dissertation). I have had just under forty essays/assignments to complete during the three years and a dissertation. The dissertation has been fascinating - I have considered how the Church has made the mistake of importing worldly approaches to power (i.e. using status, hierarchy, fear, control, intimidation, strength etc) instead of gospel/biblical approaches to power (love, patience, gentleness, service, weakness etc).

Will I miss the weekly trips to London? Yes - though perhaps not the returning to Bruton at midnight! God willing, the next step is my licensing in July and ordination in September. Once again, may I pass on my thanks to the School and all those who have supported me throughout - Deo Juvante!

George Beverly - Chaplain