1. How has your journey unfolded since graduating from St Mellitus College?
In 2014, I successfully complete the MA in Christian Leadership. I sensed that my relationship was not over with the college and that God was about to open a door to teach. Within a year of graduating from the MA, I returned to the college as a guest speaker twice a year to teach on the Beginning Theology programme for 3 years! Around that time, I decided to further my theological studies by pursuing a doctorate (which I completed successfully in 2022). In 2018 I was recruited as the Course Lead for Beginning Theology on a part-time basis whilst still in secular employment. Back then, whilst studying at St Mellitus, I knew God was calling me to church leadership, but I didn't know how he was going to do it. I would later be called to ordained ministry in the New Testament Church of God where my calling was recognised and wonderfully affirmed. A few years later, God called me into the Church of England where I now serve as a curate at St. Barnabas, Kensington. Since 2023, I have been serving full-time in Christian ministry. Today I work for two fantastic organisations, St Mellitus College as Lecturer and Tutor, and at The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication as a Plant Course Enabler and Change Facilitator.
2. In what ways did your time at St Mellitus College shape your career or ministry?
Back then, the MA became invaluable for my secular role as a Senior Change Manager in an oil company, where I was able to critically think about leading change spiritually within an international context. Coming from a Pentecostal background, I couldn't understand why the Holy Spirit led me to an Anglican theological college because I thought the Spirit wasn't there! Lol. But I was pleasantly surprised on the first day of college when during worship service they sang cool worship songs and staff and students were lifting up their hands. The Spirit is indeed here! I thought this is where I belong. Little did I know that God planned for me to work and do my ordination training here. The college has been a massive part of my life and I believe has prepared me for an ecumenical and priestly theologian ministry.
3. As a Black alumnus, how has your heritage influenced your work in theology, ministry, or society?
Being born and raised in the UK, I was used to an education system back then that was presented predominantly from a non-GMH worldview (including learning about theology in the UK). However, I am so grateful that during my doctorate, I got to study in the U.S. where I was introduced to more culturally diverse voices. My African-Brazilian heritage and being raised as a young Christian in predominantly Black-majority churches has impacted how I write and how I engage with theology. At the heart of my thinking is the need to develop others and bring the marginalised into spaces so they have access to the same education and careers as everyone else.
4. What challenges or opportunities have you encountered in your field/ministry/industry, and how have they shaped who you are today?
I would love to see more UK Black experiences being engaged with theology. I have taken this as a personal challenge by starting to write and voice these encounters where opportunities arise.
5. What advice would you give current students or recent graduates at St Mellitus College as they begin their journeys?
Enjoy every moment (even writing essays) and be open-minded to what God has for you. Don't entertain negative words against your calling or dreams. Don't entertain an imposter syndrome; God has purposed you to be in this space.
6. What ongoing impact do you hope to make in your community or field, and how do you see your connection with St Mellitus continuing to influence that?
As a formation tutor, I get to walk alongside and shape pastorally a group of students for 2-3 years. This is such an honour. I pray I make a small difference in their formation for ordination and ministry.
7. Describe St Mellitus College in 3 words.
Eclectic, creative, contextual.
About Grace
MA in Christian Leadership
