Our vision
At Trinity, our passion is to see people embrace the call to ‘live like the kingdom is near’. But what does that actually mean for us? How do we grapple with the now-and-not-yet tension, partially experiencing kingdom life through our relationship with God but still waiting for it to come in all its fullness?
Although there are many things we don’t know about the nature of God’s kingdom, the Bible doesn’t leave us in the dark: the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5, describe the key blessings and promises of the kingdom and the character of those who live in it. So we know that kingdom life involves humility, dependence on God’s comfort, gentleness, hunger for the right ways of God, mercy towards others, purity in deeds and motives, a passion for peace and a willingness to face opposition, even persecution, for his sake.
Therefore we want those kingdom values to permeate every area of our lives, affecting how we live and work each day, how we learn more of God and how we lead his people in being a light to the world. As an evangelical theological college we’re preparing people for ordained ministry in the Church of England, church leadership in other denominations, local and international mission work and the gaining of theological knowledge to take back into the workplaces, homes and communities of our nation. It’s our aim that people would be equipped to live like the kingdom is near in all of those different callings.
Of course we don’t always get it right and in studying here you won’t be joining a perfect community. But you will be joining a passionate community, looking to God every day to help us ‘seek first his kingdom and his righteousness’ by living the kind of kingdom lives that draw others towards the King.
Our vision
is for kingdom living, kingdom learning and kingdom leading
Our task
is shaping leaders of Christ-like character in community for a missional church
Our commitment
is to kingdom values
Humility
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
We know that we’re all equally undeserving before God, yet all equally redeemed and loved, so regardless of our role in the community each of us expects to both shape and learn from others.
Wholeness
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
We aim to graciously but honestly confront our weaknesses together, so that we can know God’s forgiveness and healing and extend that invitation of wholeness to others.
Service
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
We encourage one another towards servant-hearted living, learning and leading, striving for all our interactions to be characterised by gentleness, kindness and a deep love for others.
Holiness
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
We believe there really is beauty in holiness and we’re wholeheartedly pursuing it, wanting a Jesus-like character to be recognisable in every member of our community.
Justice
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
We want the compassion of God to be evident in our lives, teaching us to make sure that people who are vulnerable or oppressed are protected, valued and given a voice.
Worship
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
We aim to learn and worship together in a way that allows the Holy Spirit to move through every activity, reminding us that everything we do is ultimately about better knowing, loving and serving God.
Diversity
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God
We believe that all followers of Jesus are united by an identity in him, regardless of background, leadership style or theological views, and our task is to love one another as we stay focused on the mission he’s given us.
Courage
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom
We strive to be courageous leaders, passionately and persistently sharing the good news of the Kingdom and living out its values in every area of our lives.