Back to School! Re-experiencing Ridley as a postgraduate
Jess Beaumont is in leadership at an independent church in the South of England. Having first studied at Ridley between 2016 and 2019, she recently returned to study at Ridley as a postgraduate, and tells us why.
What did you first study at Ridley?
I first studied the BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission and
chose the Youth Ministry pathway.
How was it?
Studying at Ridley was by far one of the most formative times of my life. It’s hard to know where to start with describing my experience, as it stretches a lot further than lectures, but I’ll start there!
"I was not so much taught right answers, but rather I learnt how to ask questions, how to be curious and how to theologically reflect"
The lectures and the lecturers were engaging and would stretch, challenge and inspire me during every week that I was at Ridley. I was not so much taught right answers, but rather I learnt how to ask questions, how to be curious and how to theologically reflect in such a way that broadened and deepened my learning and in turn my faith.
During the three years that I was studying with Ridley, I was
encouraged and supported in my studies, but also through difficult and
challenging circumstances in life and placement too. Being surrounded by such a
diverse group of people who brought different perspectives and had different
experiences from my own helped me to grow too, as well as shaping me in a way
that life outside of that community could not.
What did you do after studying at Ridley for the first time?
After my undergrad I continued to lead youth ministry for
another year, before I transitioned into a more all-age leadership role where I
was heading up a new leadership team in the church. I also started working in a
secondary school in a role where I support and mentor young people who are
finding life and school tough, at the same time as completing a certificate in
Therapeutic Mentoring and Trauma Recovery.
Why did you come back to Ridley to study a second time?
I think the BA had ignited something in me where I became
incredibly passionate about theologically sound training and healthy, reflective
practice in the Church. With the prospect of church leadership on the horizon,
the masters provided an opportunity to invest in further study that would not
only increase my knowledge, but strengthen my leadership and my ministry.
How have you found studying at Ridley for a second time?
Simply put, I really am loving it. The three modules that I have studied so far have been thoroughly enriching, deeply relevant to ministry and and have given me the opportunity and a freedom to explore subjects within the topics that I am particularly interested in.
How do you think your study is preparing you for the future?
"Studying at Ridley means that I am continuously being equipped and empowered with knowledge and a deep, ever-growing awareness of the greatness of God."
Studying at Ridley means that I am continuously being equipped
and empowered with knowledge and a deep, ever-growing awareness of the
greatness of God. It is expanding my vision and opening up new opportunities,
whilst developing and honing my skills and understanding in specific areas that
I believe will become central to my life and ministry in the future. I am
excited for the future and feel incredibly blessed to be in a college where I
am invested in, challenged and formed in not only ministry and leadership, but
in my own personal faith too.
If you are interested in finding out more about postgraduate study at Ridley,
please get in touch on study@ridley.cam.ac.uk.
