Students who study theology at St Augustine's College of Theology in Kent and London. The students are walking on a path surrounded by grass and historical buildings.

Find out why our Spirituality and Discipleship Taster Term is so transformative

‘Life-changing’ is a phrase often used too easily. But for two students at St Augustine’s College of Theology, the Spirituality and Discipleship taster term genuinely changed their lives.

You might not be looking for something profound – you may just want to explore the basics of Christian spirituality or learn to be more present to God. But who knows where the course might take you?

Ross: Finding comfort and connection through spirituality

Independent student Ross Mcrossan describes how the Spirituality and Discipleship module influenced his life and faith. Through it, he discovered new practices that helped him connect more deeply with God and creation, and manage his anxiety and depression:

‘I became vegan for two weeks, then took up doing the Jesus Prayer. The vegan thing has followed through – I’m not vegan now, I’m pescatarian trying to be vegetarian. That massively changed my whole outlook on life, my creation, and where I sit in it.’

Ross found that saying the Jesus Prayer became a steady source of comfort:

‘As someone who’s suffered with anxiety and depression, I found it massively comforting, and I carry that with me now. The module was probably the best for me when I look back on it. That’s something I’ll carry forward throughout my whole life.’

  • Student Ross talks about how the Spirituality and Discipleship module made a real difference to his life.

Richard: Finding peace through pilgrimage

For Richard Heywood, an ordinand, studying the Spirituality and Discipleship module came at a time of personal loss. 

As part of the course’s spiritual practices element, he undertook a short pilgrimage along the Way of St Augustine, walking from Ramsgate to Canterbury in Kent. The journey, which took place soon after his mother’s death, became a spiritually moving experience:

‘It was a huge day, which I’ll remember for a long time. The weather went from being quite sunny to driving rain. There were moments with other people and moments when I was completely alone on a path with nothing around apart from the rain.”

That day of walking, silence, and reflection opened something new for him: ‘I think the course helped me with an openness. One practice led to a season of being far more present in this moment, rather than, ‘what’s next, what’s next, what’s next.’”

  • In this video, Richard talks about how the ‘spiritual practices’ course element helped him during a challenging time.

What will you learn on the Spirituality and Discipleship taster term?

The Spirituality and Discipleship taster term is an introduction to Christian spirituality that invites you to slow down and ask deeper questions.

Rather than asking ‘How do I pray?’, you will investigate questions like ‘What sort of creature am I, if I am a creature called to pray?’ You will reflect on what it means to live as a spiritual being, created by God and called into relationship with Him.

Classes mix theological learning with contemporary ideas from science, and you’ll try hands-on spiritual practices – just as Ross and Richard did – to help you live what you learn. 

Experience St Augustine’s with a free taster day

Why not visit us for a free taster day to learn more about the Spirituality and Discipleship taster term? 

It’s so worthwhile experiencing St Augustine’s in person. You can choose from two locations: our central London campus in Southwark, near London Bridge, or our peaceful West Malling campus in Kent.

You’ll meet our tutors, chat to current students, join collective worship, and explore our welcoming campuses.

Taster events run every month, but places fill quickly, so we recommend booking early.