QUARTERLY UPDATE
JUNE 2026
CHRIST IS BEAUTIFUL!
“Simon, Son of Jonah, do you love me?”
Christ’s piercing question reminds us of the non-negotiable for one who would pastor His flock: he must be conquered by the love of Christ.
As Calvin observes, a pastor is called to a threefold governance of the flock: to lead them (in the right direction), to feed them (upon Christ), and to protect them (from wolves). A pastor will do these things faithfully only to the extent that he is deeply in love with the Saviour.
Christ Himself loves the flock, so love for the Saviour will invoke in the pastor a love for Christ’s sheep. It is this twofold love that motivates the pastor to cultivate in his flock a response of love to Christ Himself.
What can be more important for a pastor, then, than to be shown afresh the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ; to be reminded of the loveliness of the one who loved us and gave Himself for us?
The Beauty of Christ was therefore a fitting theme for our third Budapest Reformed Colloquium. The event drew 140 pastors, theological educators and students, and their wives, from over twenty countries—with many from small and hard-pressed congregations in places such as Albania, Croatia, Latvia, Romania, Belarus and Ukraine.
Friendships were fostered and partnerships deepened. Please pray especially that the love these dear brothers and sisters have for Christ will grow yet deeper, as they consider the loveliness of their Lord and Saviour.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING?
It was the Allied victory at El Alamein that prompted these memorable words from then Prime Minister Winston Churchill:
“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
Churchill was right; the war would yet continue for another three years, and great struggle and sacrifice lay ahead. Yet here was a proper acknowledgment of what had been accomplished.
A graduation ceremony should strike a similar note, which is why our American friends call such events a ‘Commencement’. The formal theological training is complete—but a lifetime of service to Christ has only just begun!
This summer, we will be hosting our graduation ceremony at North Gate Hall in Oxford at 2pm on Friday 21st August, and we warmly invite friends of the seminary to join us.
Samuel Schaffner, from Switzerland, will graduate with a Master of Divinity (MDiv), while Ben Cadoux-Hudson will graduate with a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR). We thank God for their faithful work, their devotion to rigorous theological study, and their earnest desire to serve Christ and His Church. Ben’s story follows this article.
We are delighted that Rev. Dr Chad Van Dixhoorn will preach at the graduation service, with a welcome from Rev. Dr Ian Hamilton. Graduation is always a joyful occasion for the seminary family, providing an opportunity to celebrate God’s grace in the lives of our students, and to pray for them as they continue in Christian service and ministry.
Please join us in giving thanks for Samuel and Ben, and praying that the Lord would use them greatly for the advance of His Kingdom.
“IT’S EQUIPPED ME TO LEAD” BEN’S STORY
When Ben Cadoux-Hudson led more than half his congregation out of the Church of England, it was not a move made lightly. “We had no building of our own and no idea where we’d end up,” he recalls. The decision, driven by concerns over doctrinal unfaithfulness in the wider denomination, left the group of around 25 starting again from scratch.
Four years on, that same church has doubled in number, grown in diversity and—perhaps most strikingly—developed a reputation for love and unity. “People who are not Christians comment on it,” Ben says. “They can see we're different.”
This summer, he graduates from Westminster Seminary UK with a Master of Arts in Religion, having begun his studies after being encouraged by Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) to deepen his understanding of theology.
What followed was, by his own account, both demanding and deeply formative. “There is a real cost,” he says, reflecting on the past three and a half years. Leading a church plant and raising a family—including caring for a severely disabled child—he had to find the emotional headspace for additional study. At one point, he slowed the pace of study to make it sustainable. “By the grace of God, I got there.”
Yet the value, he insists, far outweighed the strain.
“I probably learned the most in Systematic Theology,” Ben says. “I had a decent grasp of individual doctrines, but not of how they all connect.” What changed was not just knowledge, but vision. “I began to see salvation not simply as God doing things to save us, but as being brought into relationship with Father, Son and Spirit. That reshaped how I preach and pastor.”
The influence of the Reformed tradition—central to Westminster’s teaching—proved equally significant. “I’ve increasingly valued the Reformed confessions as buttressing the truth,” he says. “I subscribe to the 39 Articles, which means that I agree with 99% of the Westminster Confession of Faith.” Rather than pulling him away from his ecclesial identity, the experience sharpened it. “I was the only Anglican amongst a mix of Presbyterians and Reformed Baptist students. That forced me to think more clearly about what it means to minister in my context.”
That “catholic-spirited” breadth is something he clearly relished. “It was a different theological world in terms of tribe,” he reflects. “You’re engaging across traditions, but with a shared commitment to Scripture.” Informal moments proved just as valuable as formal teaching: “Lunch in the library—those conversations with staff and students—were a highlight. Being able to talk through pastoral challenges and pray about them was a real encouragement.”
In Historical Theology he discovered perspective. “You realise very quickly that most debates are not new,” he says. “Each generation has to contend for the truth of the gospel.” Tracing doctrines such as the person of Christ and the Trinity through the centuries gave him confidence that the Church today stands in continuity with a long tradition of faithful witness.
Biblical Theology, meanwhile, deepened his preaching. “I was reasonably good at handling individual passages,” he reflects; “now I’m more confident connecting texts to the big sweep of redemption.” Ben references Dr Morales’ masterful exposition of the Pentateuch; now, as he preaches through Exodus, Christ leaps from the page!
The result, he believes, has been tangible in the life of his church. “They may not always see how the seminary has contributed,” he says, “but I think they’re benefiting from deeper, more Christ-centred teaching.” Growth has followed—not only in numbers, but in spiritual maturity and unity.
Looking back, Ben is clear-eyed about the sacrifices involved. “It was very challenging for my family,” he says. “Ring-fencing two days a week for study was essential; I’m thankful to trustees for letting me do that, and for the support of the church family."
Now, as he graduates, emotions are mixed. “There’s relief,” he admits, “that the volume of reading has eased.” But also something else: “A sense of grief. This has been a very happy season—being stretched, building relationships, having space to think outside the immediate pressures of church life.”
He pauses, then adds: “But there’s a season for everything. This one has ended—but I’m grateful for what it’s given me. It’s equipped me to lead.”
GIVING THANKS FOR WHAT’S BEHIND
Our 2025–2026 academic year concluded with examinations on 22 May. We thank God for His sustaining grace throughout a busy and fruitful year—our final one in Newcastle before our relocation to Oxford this summer.
Over the course of the year we delivered thirty-six courses covering a wide range of theological disciplines and ministerial training. Students worked diligently, achieving an average grade of B+.
Yet our goal is never merely academic success. We desire to deepen students’ love of Christ, so that they may serve Him faithfully in churches and on mission fields around the world.
To Jane Austen’s worldly-wise Mary Crawford, ‘a clergyman has nothing to do but be slovenly and selfish—read the newspaper, watch the weather, and quarrel with his wife. … the business of his own life is to dine.’ Thomas Boston understood better what it means to govern those purchased by Christ’s precious blood:
‘I have found the ministry a sweet, but a burdensome work.’
Pray for these men, and for their families. Theirs is a burdensome task; more than this, they are preparing to fight on the front line, opposed by the world, the flesh and the devil, drawing the enemy’s fire, and tempted alternately to pride and fear. Pray that their ministry might also be a labour of love: to Christ and to his flock.
MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
What would you expect to be taught in a class entitled Evangelism & Missions?
Amongst the seventeen students who took this course under Chad Vegas this June, expectations ran high. Evangelism is hard; missions, harder. Here was a teacher eminently equipped to tell them how it’s done.
There’s a reason we invited Chad to travel the 5,000 miles from his home in California to teach this class; a prominent politician before he was a Christian, then the founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church, Bakersfield, Chad has devoted much of his ministry to advancing the gospel among those who have never heard the name of Christ.
Driven by a passion to see Christ proclaimed where He is not yet known, Chad co-founded Radius International with pioneer missionary Brooks Buser. Radius trains missionaries to translate the Scriptures for unreached language groups and to plant churches among some of the least-reached peoples in the world.
Together, they also founded Missionary, an organisation that exists to inspire and equip churches and pastors to cultivate a vibrant missions culture centred on reaching the unreached with the gospel. In addition to his pastoral and missionary work, Chad is a respected filmmaker and speaker whose ministry combines theological conviction with practical experience.
So what did our students learn?
To the surprise of some, techniques, strategies and approaches were notable by their absence; Chad rooted his teaching in theology: the Abrahamic promise of blessing to the nations, Israel's role among the nations, Christ as the true Israel, His Great Commission and the continuation of ‘all that he began to do and to teach’ in the account we have of the missionary expansion of the church in Acts.
Students were shown that missions is not an optional programme of the church but an implication of God's redemptive purpose—His determination to gather and perfect His church through the proclamation of the gospel among all nations. The faithful missionary is simply a mouthpiece for his Lord and King, and his success is assured: Christ Himself has pledged the growth of His Church.
Chad also stressed the importance of language learning. Students at each of Radius’s campuses worldwide are trained to learn a language that has no written alphabet, to translate the scriptures… and to suffer. They expect to stay for upwards of twenty years on the field, and to leave behind an indigenous church that will outlive them. Theirs is a life of noble sacrifice, perhaps even martyrdom. Pray that Westminster graduates would be amongst them!
TAKING SCHOLARS TO OXFORD
We are excited to welcome a distinguished group of visiting lecturers next semester. The year begins in August with Dr Chad Van Dixhoorn teaching on the Westminster Standards, followed by Dr David McKay introducing students to Christian Apologetics.
In the autumn, Dr Ian Hamilton will guide students through Ancient Church History, while Dr Jon Payne will teach Reformed Spirituality, helping students cultivate both theological understanding and personal godliness. The intensives conclude with Rev. Christopher Ash teaching Biblical Theology, tracing the unfolding message of Scripture and its fulfilment in Christ. We are also delighted that Dr Jonathan Master, President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will be teaching in person in Oxford in January 2027.
These intensive courses continue to be a distinctive feature of Westminster’s programme, bringing experienced pastor-theologians directly into the classroom and providing students with rich opportunities for learning, discussion and spiritual growth.
Please pray:
that our students would wisely apply the knowledge they have gained in service to Christ and His Church;
for our graduating students as they move into the next stage of ministry and service;
for God's blessing on the new academic year beginning in August.
UPDATE ON OUR DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATE
Alongside our degree programmes, we continue to see strong growth in our more accessible study pathways through the Diploma in Biblical Studies (DipBS) and Certificate in Biblical Studies (CertBS).
These programmes are designed for Christians who wish to deepen their understanding of God’s Word and Reformed theology without necessarily pursuing formal ministerial qualifications.
We currently have 65 students enrolled in the Diploma programme and 29 students studying for the Certificate, representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and ministry contexts. Many are serving faithfully in local churches as elders, deacons, Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers, or simply seeking to grow in their knowledge and love of God's Word.
We are encouraged to see so many believers investing time and effort in theological study, and we pray that these programmes will continue to strengthen churches by equipping Christians to think biblically, serve faithfully, and live more fully for the glory of Christ.
BEHOLD WITH US THE GLORY OF CHRIST
May we encourage you to join us for our 2026 Annual Conference?
The theme is The Glory of Christ, and we are excited to welcome an excellent line-up of speakers, including Kevin DeYoung, Christopher Ash and Jonty Rhodes.
The conference provides a valuable opportunity for believers from many churches and backgrounds to gather around God's Word, enjoy Christian fellowship, and deepen their appreciation for the glory and sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This year we will be hosted by Oxford Presbyterian Church at the North Gate Hall from 22–24 October, and we look forward to showing you the new premises.
We would love for you to join us! Save 20% by booking your tickets today:
REFURBISHMENT UPDATE
Work on Union House, the new seminary premises, is progressing well. Lord willing, the building will be ready for use at the beginning of the new academic year, with the new facility providing a permanent base for teaching, administration, events and future ministry initiatives.
Our vision is to provide students with a live-in cohort experience, and work is also underway on the first of four student houses—the five-bed seventeenth century house next door to Union House. We anticipate 10 St. Michael’s Street opening to students in January 2027.
These developments represent an important investment in the future of Westminster Seminary UK and in the training of future ministers of the gospel.
Please pray:
that the seminary refurbishment will be completed in time for the start of the academic year;
that the student accommodation project will be completed in time for January 2027;
that God would provide the funds needed to refurbish the remaining student property.
ESTABLISHING A NORTHERN HUB
Alongside our Oxford premises, which aim at providing students with a live-in cohort experience for the first time, we’re delighted to announce the creation of a Northern Hub for students based in or around Newcastle.
Newcastle was the birthplace of Westminster UK in 2013, and its affordable beauty, theological heritage, and confessional churches have made it a wonderful home. The vision for retaining a Northern Hub is about more than simply maintaining a study location; we hope it will become a thriving centre where northern students will enjoy meaningful fellowship, receive in-person teaching, and experience the benefits of studying alongside others preparing for ministry.
Students Tomi Adedeji, Wesley Waites and Michael Taylor are all committed to north-eastern churches, and their presence in the Hub will provide stability and momentum. All Saints Presbyterian Church has graciously opened its doors and allocated space for a staff office, classroom, study space and library.
Trustees are also discussing opportunities to strengthen the Hub through future conferences, intensive teaching weeks, faculty discussions, and other events that aim to serve and strengthen gospel churches throughout the North East.
Please pray:
that the Northern Hub would become a vibrant community for theological training and fellowship;
that churches across the North East would continue to partner with us in training future ministers;
that God would raise up students who can benefit from this growing ministry.
AN APPEAL FOR HELP
We remain deeply thankful for the generosity of God's people. Your support enables us to train men for gospel ministry and expand opportunities for theological education.
You won’t be surprised to learn that our rapid growth, allied with the move to Oxford, brings with it financial pressure.
A substantial portion of our reserves—received and set aside, of course, for just such a time as this—has been invested in the refurbishment of our new Oxford premises. While we have received encouraging support toward the second phase of refurbishment, further funding is still needed.
In addition to these capital projects, we continue to carry significant ministry commitments, including:
Operating Costs
The day-to-day work of the seminary depends upon funding for building rental costs, and utilities and facilities.
Outreach and development activities
Knox Internships
One of our greatest joys is supporting students preparing for ministry.
For the coming academic year, Westminster has committed to providing more than £150,000 toward student living expenses through the Knox Scholarship Fund. This fund requires additional input if we are to continue assisting students at current levels.
Tuition Scholarships
We also subsidise approximately 50% of student tuition fees, representing a cost of more than £50,000 per year. These scholarships allow students to receive rigorous theological training at a fraction of the true cost of delivery.
Please consider standing with us by giving to Westminster UK, however modestly.
Please pray:
that God would provide for the seminary's ongoing operational needs;
that the Knox Scholarship Fund would be replenished;
that we would be able to continue making theological education accessible to those preparing for gospel ministry.
ANNOUNCING THE OXFORD CHURCH PLANTING INSTITUTE
At our Reformed Colloquium in Budapest, pastors and theological educators learned of our plans to launch an Oxford Church Planting Institute (OCPI) in August 2027. Interest was immediately sparked; numerous church leaders expressed enthusiasm, with some involved in preliminary consultations.
The vision for the OCPI is to serve churches by helping prepare men for faithful, confessional church planting. While other church planting programmes exist, OCPI will seek to offer a distinctly warm-hearted Reformed approach that combines theological depth with practical wisdom.
A key planning milestone will take place on 24–25 August 2026, when church and seminary leaders from across the UK and Europe gather at Yarnton Manor, Oxford, for a roundtable discussion to help refine and strengthen the vision. Discussions will be led by OCPI’s founder-director Dr Jon Payne.
The first year-long programme is scheduled to launch in August 2027. The programme will include:
Cohort-based learning and lifelong ministry friendships.
Curated theological and practical reading.
Regular online lectures and discussions.
Written research and reflection.
Mentoring relationships with experienced church leaders.
Our prayer is that OCPI will strengthen church planting efforts throughout the UK, Europe, and beyond by helping future church planters combine theological conviction with practical wisdom and a deep commitment to Christ's ordinary means of grace.
Please pray:
for fruitful discussions at the August roundtable;
for churches and church leaders who may partner with the Institute;
that God would use the OCPI to strengthen church planting for generations to come.
Thank you
As we reflect on all that God has done over the past quarter, we are reminded that none of this work happens without the prayers, encouragement and generosity of God's people.
Thank you for partnering with Westminster Seminary UK. Together, we are seeking to train faithful servants of Christ, strengthen His Church and advance the gospel.
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for a new academic year, complete the Oxford developments, launch new initiatives, and seek to remain faithful to the calling God has given us.