Graduation marks 100th anniversary

It’s always a highlight for students, tutors and their families and friends but last year’s RTC graduation was that little bit extra special
Peter Hutchinson

Graduation at Regents Theological College is always the highlight of the academic year but this year carried special weight as Regents celebrated its 100th anniversary, reports Peter Hutchinson.

Each year, graduation is the moment when students are formally recognised for all they have achieved. Families, friends, tutors, and church leaders gather in the magnificent setting of Worcester Cathedral to give thanks for lives shaped, callings clarified, and futures launched.

Students arrive at Regents from many different starting points. Some come straight from A-levels; others bring degrees and years of life experience. All come from diverse church backgrounds and communities. What unites them is a shared season of formation academically, spiritually, and relationally.

At Regents, students are encouraged to grow into the giftings they bring, while discovering new ones through theological study, prayer, shared discipleship, and hands-on training. As Scripture reminds us: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” (Proverbs 27:17).

Equipped for God’s service

Revd Michelle Nunn, Principal of Regents Theological College, reflected on the College’s enduring calling: “We are committed to preparing men and women for ministry in the Elim Movement, the wider church, and the world beyond.

“We believe we are also all called as co-labourers together to establish the Kingdom of God, and at Regents we play a small but significant part in equipping students for God’s service wherever they are called.’”

That commitment is rooted firmly in Scripture: “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).

Shared formation, lasting friendships

Time together as students, tutors and fellow disciples is a precious gift. The memories forged at Regents last far longer than the years we spend together at college, because this is where deep, future-shaping friendships are formed.

Time and again, God brings people together through Regents who continue as friends and co-labourers in every aspect of their Christian walk. In this 100th celebration year, we were privileged to welcome Revd Malcolm Duncan, Senior Pastor and Apostolic Leader of Kensington Temple London City Church, as our guest speaker. Malcolm reminded us that we are “passing through” this temporal life, and that we will always sense a holy dissonance that only Christ can satisfy.

He said, “This is part of the journey; but a life rooted in Scripture and committed to the depth, grace and goodness of God will empower us to be the change we long to see.

“Have the imagination to understand what your life would be like in that place and be the agitators who believe there is something better. That was the mission of Jesus as Saviour, healer, baptiser, and soon-coming King – the rescuer of mankind.”

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