Walking and growing in faith at Trinity
The challenge for any Christian is how to live in line with your faith as you tackle everything that life throws at you. As a School with a strong foundation of Christian beliefs and values, Trinity might be a workplace where it’s easier to express faith and explore the ideas that questions of faith bring up, but it doesn’t mean that it’s always smooth sailing.
“One of the challenges for staff and students at Trinity is that life is very full!” Mr James Harricks, Senior Chaplain, says. While he believes that the fast-paced nature of life at Trinity is one of its strengths, it can also present a challenge. “The days can be long and the pressure to get everything one can feel overwhelming. Paying attention to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing will help us enormously.”
His advice for staff looking to grow in their faith while at Trinity echoes the kinds of sentiments you might hear the academic staff relaying to students in the classroom – habit, commitment, and discipline are crucial.
“Habits like prayer and Bible reading prompt us to bring to mind things that we might otherwise forget. Lessons such as God is for us and with us – in the big and the little things.”
Mr Harricks says that meeting together with other Christians – particularly in a church setting – is also critical for spiritual health.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
“We are reminded of God’s work in different parts of the world and through different people,” he says. “We can enjoy his gifts of music and singing, we can celebrate the gifts and abilities of other people. We get to witness God at work in the lives of people around us, and we get to hear God speak as the Bible is read and explained.”
Meeting together can be done at Trinity for staff and students alike, through Chapel services, student Christian groups, prayer groups and other special events. But it can also be done outside of Trinity, regularly attending church and Bible studies, where habits are created to grow in faith in all areas of life.
Mr Harricks says that it’s important not to write off the other parts of your routine that can be opportunities for growth – like exercising.
“Lots of regular habits that help our overall wellbeing will also have spiritual benefits. Exercise can be a good time to pray and reflect,” he says, referring back to 1 Timothy.
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Overall, Mr Harricks says that staff and students should all be looking to benefit from Trinity’s huge focus on growth in mind, body, and spirit with care not to neglect their spiritual growth.
