Deeper Roots, Wider Horizons
The vision of our college is to help you grow deeper roots in Christ and expand your capacity to join God’s work. We believe every member of St Hild is a light that God is sending to our region. Our aim is to equip people for that calling through transformative community life, excellent theological learning and a contagious passion for the kingdom.
If you accept a place, we believe you will finish your time with us better able to follow God’s call, wherever that may take you.
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Revd Dr Joanna Leidenhag wears several hats. An academic theologian and Anglican priest serving in a self-supporting ministry (SSM) role, she is also, quietly and faithfully, a painter — though that almost wasn't the case.
For Nathan Spenceley, a St Hild Baptist Minister-in-Training, ministry is deeply personal. As Pastor of South Bank Baptist Church in Middlesbrough, he serves in the very community where he grew up—a place he describes with affection, honesty and hope. “Being from the area myself, my ministry is influenced greatly by a deep-rooted love for this place and all the people,” Nathan says.
When rebels tore through her hometown during Sierra Leone's civil war, Eileen Numa discovered a faith that would shape the rest of her life. Today, as an ordinand at St Hild, she reflects on the moments of protection, healing, and calling as she shares a glimpse of her journey.
Siaa Mathurin, St Hild ordinand, mum of seven and a grandmother to soon-to-be ten grandchildren, recounts how God has faithfully led her through many church traditions, personal trials, and a lifelong call to serve those on the margins.
From Late Faith to Local Revival: Martin's Journey into Baptist Ministry
Ecumenical Partnership Flourishes in Clayton Through Shared St Hild Roots
‘In Short, God Did’: Bee Atkins Reflects on Study, Calling and New Ministry
Others have noticed a change in Denise and her growth since starting St Hild. She also has found a 'third family' with the community.
For Jessica Stanewell, the path to ordination has been anything but conventional. From holistic therapist to outreach worker, single mother to spiritual leader, her journey is a testament to transformation, resilience, and the relentless grace of God.
Although already in full-time ministry, Sam pursued graduate study as he ‘recognised gaps in my theological foundations.’ This September, he will help lead The School of Leadership in a new partnership with St Hild, which will offer a Certificate in Theology and Ministry. His hope is that it will inspire students to pursue further theological study.
Clare Stones is not your typical theological student. After nearly three decades in education, including a senior leadership role in a large secondary school, she walked away from a thriving career to pursue a calling she could no longer ignore.
Rev Phil Harris is studying for an MA. He leads a church but also into extreme marathons both for adventure and for fundraising. Read his captivating story with spiritual principles.
Dave has been advising the Church of England on a new domestic abuse training course. He emphasizes the importance of awareness in faith communities, "Studies suggest that 1 in 4 women, 1 in 5 children, and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This means that in any church group of four to six people, there is likely to be at least one survivor. While stigma often hides this reality, it underscores the need for the Church to respond well to both survivors and perpetrators. It’s at the heart of the Gospel."
Completing her MA in 2024, Penny’s research—"Ethics of Inclusion"—examined whether people with invisible illnesses and chronic conditions feel a sense of belonging in their church communities. Her findings have sparked widespread interest, leading her to present at the Society for the Study of Theology (SST) conference in 2025. She is also collaborating with the Church of England’s disability team to share her research more broadly.
'At 18, I travelled 1,200 miles to Udaipur, North India, where I joined the Native Missionary Movement and trained at Filadelfia Bible College. I then served as a full-time missionary among the Bhil tribal community in Rajasthan.' - St Hild Student Solomon John
Rupert Madeley is in his first year at St Hild, training for Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader Ministry) in the Diocese of Leeds.
Catherine Warr is in her first year at St Hild, training for Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader Ministry) in the Diocese of Leeds.
Alicia Chapman, a recent St Hild graduate, wrote a social media post this autumn and permitted St Hild to use it. She is a great example of a student who perseveres despite challenging circumstances.
After three years at St Hild, Sally-Anne was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St. Augustine’s. Since then, her leadership has expanded beyond traditional worship, helping infuse the parish with new energy, inclusivity, and community outreach.
Nick went on a 24/7 Prayer mission trip in the summer of 2024 in the Ukrainian mountains and tells about his experience.
An adventurer at heart, Carol has climbed Mount Sinai in Egypt and, more recently, Cat Bells in Cumbria. Her current passions include creating scripture-based poetry, journalling, and scripture-inspired artwork. Graduating in June 2024, she chose St Hild for its diverse range of traditions and students, which enriched her learning experience. In her final year, she served as one of the elected ordinand lead students.
A unique aspect of St Hild Lincoln that independent student Phyllis appreciated was its inclusive and adaptable curriculum. Whether students were training for ministry or studying independently, the modules were designed to be relevant and beneficial. For example, she found the "Relationship and Emotional Management" module particularly valuable in her professional role in the education sector.
St Hild was where I learned about different denominations coming together. Being an Asian student with English as a second language, I felt an incredible warmth and welcome while they assisted me with targets and goals for my formation during that time. Being at St Hild, with the supportive tutors and staff as well as fellow students, helped formed me for who I am in the UK context. This has prepared me for my new role in Mayfield.
When you think of a priest, the image of a farmer’s son from North Yorkshire might not immediately come to mind. But for Rev. Dr. Jim Crossley, that’s exactly where his journey begins. A self-described hands-on type who’d rather fix something than talk about it, Jim’s transformation from a paediatrician to a priest is nothing short of remarkable.
Stephanie’s time at St Hild has been a wellspring of practical and spiritual enrichment. "There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not applying the things I learnt during my studies at St Hild," she says. The education she received influences everything from planning Sunday sermons to supporting individuals struggling with mental health or homelessness.
For alumni considering further education, Rebecca believes ‘learning should be life-giving and lifelong, it should broaden horizons and deepen faith. For me, that is best experienced in an academic community: sparking off one another and a good teacher; drawing on the thoughts and writings of others; challenging my perceptions and reflecting on my experiences; and being challenged by others' perceptions and reflecting on their experiences.’
St Hild has created a learning environment that is accessible and sustainable for me; my disability and different learning abilities are not a barrier whilst I'm training at St Hild thanks to their approach.
St Hild student Paula Holmes-Patel went on a life-changing two-week mission trip to Uganda in August 2021 where she worked in a ‘Babies Home’.
Rev’d Sarah Watson and Rev’d Rachael Brooks are thrilled at being appointed together in a creative partnership designed to reach the 4300 children of school age across four parishes in two suburbs of Derby and an adjacent village.
He feels he learned his writing skills from St Hild. He has since authored eight Christian books.
What you invest in study gives a high return. I wholeheartedly recommend prioritising theological study to church leaders, especially those in our kind of church (Newfrontiers) where there isn’t a formal requirement or expectation for it.' - Adam Price, Pastor at Hope Church Harrogate
I enjoyed the opportunity to think and read [while at St Hild College]. When I preach, I use these skills in my preaching. However, I miss being able to discuss things with others. I was very glad to have the opportunity to study even in my later years of life and am considering studying further due to the enriching experience I had at St Hild. - Elizabeth Cooper, Alumni
One of her current personal support systems is her ministry formation group from St Hild. ‘We keep in touch through a WhatsApp group and still support each other, especially when we need prayer.’ - Hazel Aucken, Alumni
Janet Williams and Sally Nelson pointed me towards the journal "Faith and Thought" which is offering space for junior scholars to submit essays - so I submitted the essay to the editor just before Christmas and it was accepted.
‘It was the warm welcome that really encouraged me to come to St Hild. I felt really welcomed at both the Open Days I came to and really enjoyed getting to join with worship and lectures on those days. The atmosphere and everyone seemed welcoming, and I felt excited at the idea of studying here.’ -Eleanor Brennan, Minister-in-Training
I was instantly drawn to St Hild because of the community spirit, I felt as soon as I arrived. From the teaching experience on the Open Day, I knew instantly that the Bible would be opened up in a very new and deeper way. - Tracy Shields, Baptist Minister in Training