I came to London as a student in September 2019. My first few months in London were a blur of activity. Among thousands of other freshers, I had to make new friends, learn new skills - including how to use a washing machine - and find my feet in a new city. Finding a church community was vital as I settled here, as many other students will also testify. We've asked Bekah, Bessie and Brendan to tell us more about their experience as students in our church community...

1. What was your first impression of Grace?

Brendan: During my first service, the zeal and authenticity of the sung worship struck me. People were excited and hungry to praise God together, and it made a deep impression on me. From there, I knew I wanted to be part of the church.

Bessie: I remember Andrew preaching about denying yourself and taking up your cross. I thought I would give myself a few weeks to see if the teaching was rooted in the Bible, but this was a 'say no more!' moment. What a topic for your first sermon at a new church!

Bekah: My first impression was that Grace was a church determined to have counter-cultural and uncompromising faith in the centre of a busy city. The strong sense of community also struck me. People loved and supported one another like family, and I wanted to be a part of that.

*Brendan, Imperial College London & Queen Mary University graduate*

2. How have you grown spiritually whilst being part of the church family?

Bessie: Grace has given me a sharp vision of how God’s priorities and ways differ from our culture’s, be it regarding success, purpose, security, or leisure. Here, I am encouraged to think deeply about the implications of biblical truth in my day-to-day life. Grace is also where I fully surrendered my life to Jesus and got baptised!

Bekah: Friendships with people of all life stages and backgrounds have played a huge role in growing my faith. I have learnt the power of being vulnerable with others and coming under Christ to experience his strength through different seasons of life. Jesus’ power is made perfect in our weaknesses, and the conversations I’ve had through deep, honest friendships have grown my dependence on God and refined my understanding of his goodness and grace.

Brendan: I have grown in my love for Christ and gained a richer understanding of what it means to follow Christ. The Bible-focused preaching here at Grace has helped me to develop a fuller understanding of the Word and learn that following Christ involves letting Him work in every area of my life.

3. What advice would you give new students coming to Grace London?

Bekah: Commit to coming each Sunday, and join a life group and serving team. Seeing people each week, regularly worshipping together, and hearing the truth were much needed for me. It helped me to settle early on and feel part of what God is doing in the church and city.

Bessie: Make friends with older people! You will benefit from their wisdom and feel more at home in the city. And take every opportunity you can to get to know people, especially outside of Sundays. It’s easier to do in your first year when you have more time.

Brendan: Join a life group and commit to investing in friendships in the church. Life group is a great opportunity to meet others and discuss God’s Word. I have learnt much from hearing how other Christians think through and apply scripture. Deep friendships in church are also vital for our spiritual health, so take the time to be intentional and invest in them.

*Bessie at her University of Arts London graduation day*

Leaving home and coming to university is a significant moment of transition in someone's life. It's vital that Christian students find a church community that they can get knitted into. And that non-Christian students find a place where they can explore faith. Don't underestimate the impact of welcoming students into your home and helping them get connected into the church family. Why not consider how you can bless and invest in freshers and other students joining the church?