Formation

Jennifer Depold, DPhil History, Lecturer, Concordia University Texas & Kevin Depold, Manager, Bank of America (Austin, Texas) Kevin and I served in a number of capacities during our time in Oxford, including the Oxford Pastorate. It was by far one of the most meaningful and influential times of our lives. Working alongside post-grads and members of the Oxford community enriched our time in Oxford, strengthened our relationships with the community and each other, and is a reason why we will always consider Oxford a home. The conversations we had as part of the Pastorate helped me then as a Christian student, and now as a Christian academic, to remain confident in my faith amidst an increasingly secular university culture. We are blessed to have been part of the experience and I cannot recommend it enough.

Since Christians in Academia I have taken some time away from my DPhil to get married and raise my two children. I have just returned this term to continue to complete my studies hopefully in the next year! Christians in Academia had such a wonderful influence on my life. It really helped to centre my faith, live out my faith more publically and, on a more social level, gave me new friendships that have lasted. Academically, I found that during this time I was involved with this programme, I had more clarity in writing, something in which my huddle helped me with and prayed for continuously. It was such a fantastic experience that I really hope that in the future I can be involved again in some way!

Dr Matthew Lim, Lecturer, National University of Singapore. I am now back in the sunny island of Singapore working as full-time lecturer in clinical psychology in a national university and consulting as a locum clinical psychologist in a public hospital. I remember my time with the associate programme with great delight! At a time when I was grappling to integrate my faith with my academic life of the mind, this community provided not only genuine support, but inspired and inspiring examples of the 'experienced' (过来人) to whom I will always be grateful. Through them I have learnt that when God places in you a curiosity about His world, it is a gift. Use it for His glory.

After three years training for ordination in the Church of England at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, I am now serving as a curate in St Andrew's Church, Eaton, on the outskirts of Norwich. I am married to Stephanie Tam, another alumna of the Oxford Pastorate. I was part of the Associates Programme for two years, and most of all valued the opportunity to get to know Christian postgraduates from a range of churches across the city. I have fond memories of our awaydays to the Cotswolds and our conversations over breakfast or dinner. It was a supportive community that, along with the gentle wisdom of Jonathan [Brant], Kate [Seagrave] and the guest speakers, was a real blessing and a joy through the sometimes lonely days of a PhD in the Humanities!

Dr Carl Hildebrand, Research Assistant Professor, University of Hong Kong. I was part of the ‘Associates’ group. It was an excellent place to discuss and freely think through questions I had about faith, academia, service, and career. Spending time with fellow postgrads or postdocs, learning from senior academics and others in a personal environment was invaluable. The time we spent in conversation, reflection, and prayer really was formational for me. Communities like this and the friendships that develop in them shape the sort of person one becomes. I can think of few other opportunities like this and I encourage students to get involved in the Pastorate’s programmes.

Hannah Christensen, Independent Research Fellow in Atmospheric Physics, University of Oxford. I was involved in a range of Oxford Pastorate activities together with my husband, Nikolaj. As part of the student leadership team of Postgrads at St Aldates, I had the opportunity to join the Associates Programme. It was great to meet with student leaders from other churches and Christian programmes across the city, to support each other and be inspired by the range of exciting initiatives going on. I also really appreciated the opportunity to meet and quiz guest speakers with experience in leadership, both Christian and secular.

Nikolaj Christensen. After completing my PhD in the History of the Pentecostal Movement, and studying for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon, I am now happy to be Curate at St Mary’s Church Iffley, on the outskirts of Oxford. I was a member of the Oxford Pastorate Associates programme while studying for my PhD. Apart from the opportunity to get to know other Christian postgraduate students over breakfasts and dinners, I really valued having a mentor, and talking over issues surrounding Christian leadership and vocation one-to-one.

Since finishing my DPhil (Theology) and leaving Oxford, where I was part of the Pastorate Associates Programme, I’ve trained as a teacher and worked in a variety of different secondary schools, including running an itinerant Religious Studies and Philosophy A-level consultancy. I’ve undertaken a literary mentorship with a published author, had some short stories published and completed a novel which is currently on submission. I’ve also done stints as a part-time househusband looking after our toddler daughter, while my wife Joanna (another Pastorate Associate alumnus) has been working on her Cambridge PhD and training for ordained ministry in the Church of England. Being part of the Pastorates Associates Programme was fantastic—particularly the opportunity to connect with other likeminded Oxford postgrads from my own and other church traditions, many of whom have since turned up in Cambridge! The chance to chat with such people, to receive insightful teaching and to pray together before my working day, was invaluable. There were also some excellent breakfasts.