Introducing Rev Dr Thomas Sharp: our new tutor at St Augustine’s
Rev Dr Thomas Sharp joined St Augustine’s as our new tutor in Pastoral Theology four months ago. We recently caught up with him to hear about his experiences so far, his approach to teaching, and his passion for inclusion.
Teaching with people at the heart
A core part of Thomas’s teaching focuses on human flourishing, especially how Christians care for others in times of hardship.
“My PhD research explored death and disease,” he says, “but more importantly, it looked at how people grow and change during tough times. I want students to think deeply about how we support one another as Christians, and how we reflect God’s love when life gets difficult.”
Making worship and theology accessible for all
Before joining St Augustine’s, Thomas served as a priest at Southwark Cathedral and St Hugh’s in Bermondsey, where he worked to make worship more inclusive. That’s something he’s bringing to St Augustine’s, too.
“Anglican worship can be very wordy and often assumes a certain level of education or neurotypical experience,” he says. “But that doesn’t reflect the diversity of the Church. Worship should be open and accessible to everyone, inclusive of class, education, ability, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality.”
He also wants students to hear a wider range of voices in the classroom. “So many theological texts are written by white men. I want to diversify what we teach, and my reading lists will reflect that.”
As a gay man who is autistic, Thomas speaks from his own experience. “I want students who feel different or marginalised to know they belong here. Everyone should have the chance to learn and find their place in our student community.”
Building global and local communities
Outside the classroom, Thomas leads the Youth Anglican Theology Project, a global network for young Anglican theologians. “It’s about building community across borders, and giving people a platform when they might not normally get a chance to be heard.”
At St Augustine’s, he’s keen to support students exploring lay ministry. “There’s so much joy and energy in the lay cohort. I see the next generation of chaplains, pioneers, pastors, preachers, worship leaders, youth workers and children and family workers, and I love watching their callings taking shape.”
A Franciscan way of life
Thomas is a Third Order Franciscan and is inspired by the life and values of St Francis.
“It’s about seeing ourselves as both created and creative,” he said, “living joyfully in community with one another and with the natural world. For me, it’s theology and eco-spirituality woven together.”
Gardening, herbs and bees
At home in Kensington, Thomas lives with his partner, Evan, a parish priest. Together, they’ve transformed a neglected patch of ground into a flourishing medieval-style kitchen garden.
“It started as builder’s rubble and swamp. We wanted something beautiful, something that would attract bees and be full of herbs.”
Understanding the struggle
What excites Thomas most about life at St Augustine’s?
“There’s a real sense of joy and commitment here,” he says. “The staff see their work as a ministry and a privilege, and the students make huge sacrifices to follow their calling.”
He knows how hard the learning path can be. “I was a self-supporting part-time curate whilst completing my PhD, and commuted to Lincolnshire on my day off to see Evan, who was also completing his curacy at the time. I understand the struggle.”
Now, he’s looking forward to helping others on their journey of faith and learning.
To learn more about the tutors at St Augustine’s College of Theology, click here.
