Called, then courage

Two Leaders Summit moments that became a turning point for ordinary people saying yes to God.

For some people, the next step starts quietly. Not with a big announcement, but with a nudge in worship, a moment that will not leave them alone, or a sentence that keeps resurfacing in prayer.

That is what we hear each time a new group begins the Ministry Foundation Certificate at Regents Theological College. Before anyone opens a workbook or sits in a lecture, we listen to stories. Stories of people who were not sure what was next, until God made something clear and gave them the courage to follow it.

One student traced his turning point to a moment at Elim Leaders Summit. Watching the handover of the General Superintendent role, he felt something more than admiration. He described it as a God encounter, and found himself thinking, “I want to be a part of this.” Not just the event, but the kind of church culture it reflected. Healthy leadership. Faithful transition. A sense of family. He wanted his life woven into something like that.

Another student spoke about hearing teaching on APEST graces at Leaders Summit and feeling a surprising shift inside. She had never pictured herself doing theological study, but as she began to recognise the way God had shaped her, a new possibility opened up. Maybe this was part of stewarding the calling God had given her. Maybe saying yes was not for “other people”, but for her too.

Now they are among a growing community of learners taking their first steps together, finding that theology does not sit apart from ministry. It fuels it.

These are more than students. They are disciples listening closely, leaders in the making, and ordinary people choosing an obedient next step, and that kind of yes can change everything.

If something stirred in you while reading this, it might be worth paying attention to. Regents offers several routes into deeper study and ministry, including the Ministry Foundation Certificate. Visit regents-tc.ac.uk to find out more.