The Beginning of a New Chapter
By Dr Graham Meiklejohn, Lecturer & Academic Director (Scottish Baptist College)
“I have worked at the Scottish Baptist College now for 10 years and every year the start of term is exciting. Part of my remit as Academic Director is to help guide prospective students as they consider theological study. It’s about trying to discern the right path for those called to serve in God’s Kingdom and it’s such a privilege to hear people’s stories and hopes for their future. And so, after a summer of talking to many prospective students, I always look forward to when all the new students gather together with our returning students as the academic year begins.
This year I feel more excited than ever and there’s a few good reasons for that. While the Covid years seem well in the past, due to the 4-year cycle of a university degree, this is the first time since Covid that we’ve had a full cohort of students from 1st year through to 4th year. It’s been 6 years since that’s happened and it’s great to be anticipating so many people at the College. We’ve got around 20 students doing our Encountering the Old Testament class alone with people keen to dive more deeply into the Bible. As I write I have the provisional class lists in front of me and I sense there is going to be a real buzz in classes this year, both on-campus and online. And it’s not about numbers, but it’s that each individual student desires to serve God and His Kingdom in their own way and in their own context. We’ve got chaplains, ministers, youth workers, lay preachers, nurses, worship leaders, and more, all gathering to learn more of God.
Not only is there a buzz about the College because of the students, but this year we also have a new member of staff who just started with us at the beginning of September!
Rev. Dr. Al Cuthbert (formerly minister of Falkirk Baptist) has joined the core teaching team helping us to maintain our high standard of academic staff and passing on his experience of ministry. Part of Al’s role, alongside the current staff, is to develop a Masters degree programme. It’s been our hope for many years to get a postgraduate qualification off the ground and we’re progressing well with plans.
We hope to have more details to share with you in January with our first intake expected to be in September 2026. Another couple of new beginnings that brings an added layer of excitement for the year ahead.
I’d love you to join with me in praying for the College and for our students. For those returning, they are taking one more step towards their call to ministry; for those beginning new, there is excitement and anticipation as they step out on the next chapter of their journey. There is so much talent, so much potential, and so much passion for God’s Kingdom in the student body. Please pray that our students will grow in their desire to serve God and develop the gifts and talents that will best serve that call.
Classes just began this week so do get in contact if you’d like to join us for what is sure to be an exciting year ahead- our next intake is January and now is a great time to begin planning your next studies. There’s a bit more about our classes on our website here. Whether online or on-campus, our classes are accessible and flexible so why not drop me an email (graham.meiklejohn@uws.ac.uk) and we can chat about what is the best way forward for you.
