From Engineering to Theology: Penny’s Journey at St Hild
For Penny, pursuing a full MA in Theology, Mission, and Ministry at St Hild was a natural next step. Having already completed Reader training at a strong undergraduate level, she was eager to push herself academically. Her academic career began with a PhD in superconductivity from Cambridge—an interdisciplinary field that was cutting-edge in the late 1980s. She then transitioned into a successful career in project management and change leadership, spending 15 years running her own consulting firm.
Yet faith remained central to her life. Once her children had grown up, she embarked on Reader training with the Leicester Diocese, balancing her studies alongside work, caring responsibilities, and family life. The pandemic added an unexpected twist, with her final licensing taking place over Zoom during a lockdown—an aptly modern induction into ministry.
At St Hild, Penny embraced both core modules and additional learning opportunities, taking full advantage of the program’s flexibility. Beyond Ethics, Biblical Theology, New Testament, Theological Anthropology, and Research Methods, she explored Greek, Hebrew, and Spirituality. Surprisingly, her background in Engineering research proved unexpectedly relevant to theological study.
Reflecting on the impact of her MA, Penny highlights two key areas: breadth and depth. She has developed a deeper understanding of both the Bible and theology—recognizing the distinction between them—and has grown as a preacher and critical thinker. The course has strengthened her openness to different perspectives, deepened her commitment to inclusivity, and increased her confidence.
“I might even call myself a theologian occasionally,” she says, reflecting on the transformation the program has brought.
A Passion for Inclusion and Accessibility
Completing her MA in 2024, Penny’s research—"Ethics of Inclusion"—examined whether people with invisible illnesses and chronic conditions feel a sense of belonging in their church communities. Her findings have sparked widespread interest, leading her to present at the Society for the Study of Theology (SST) conference in 2025. She is also collaborating with the Church of England’s disability team to share her research more broadly.
A strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Penny is particularly interested in leadership during change and how church leadership intersects with disability (both hidden and visible) and neurodiversity. As part of her ongoing work, she is hosting a Church of England webinar to discuss the challenges of living with a hidden disability. The session will explore key themes from her research, offer practical recommendations for improving church accessibility, and provide a platform for live discussion.
Through her research and advocacy, Penny continues to drive conversations around inclusivity in the church—ensuring that theology and ministry reflect the lived experiences of all.
The webinar she is hosting about her research will be on Church Support Hub on Monday 17th March at 2 pm, and you can register to attend at this link.
