Ridley Hall is a really good place to be.

It is 12 pm, and I’ve just messaged a friend to ask if they want to grab lunch together. Instead of waiting until later in the month, we are able to do so in less than an hour. This is one of the privileges of being at a residential theological college. Within arm’s reach, there are so many people with whom I can ask my difficult questions and reflect on my latest musings about theology and church.

It doesn’t feel like it in the midst of a busy term, but part of the gift of being at Ridley is the time. We have left ministry roles or other employment to step back and think deeply. Ridley provides a setting where we can read widely (I especially loved reading some patristic theologians whilst here), attend excellent lectures, discuss together, and then thrash out our own thinking in assignments, essays, dissertations, and exams.

I’m approaching my ninth and final term at Ridley. As I reflect back, I can say confidently that Ridley is a really good place to be. I’ve also just come to the end of my year as senior student (archdeacon) at Ridley and therefore had the privilege of representing the student body. My heart and prayer for the community has been that during our short time here, we would grow in deep faith, deep learning, and deep friendship. I believe that if we leave this place with those three things, and only those three things, then our time here has been a great success. I think God is answering that prayer, and I can see these things in my own and others' lives.

So as I prepare to leave Cambridge in a couple of months, I am so grateful for this place, for the staff who make it all possible, and for the people I have met here. Curacy will bring new challenges and opportunities, but my lunches won’t be the same, and definitely not as tasty.

About the Author

A student at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. They are passionate about theology, deep learning, and fostering meaningful friendships within the community.

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