Chapel Talks

The Wisdom of Small Things | Proverbs 30:24-28 | Tim Ward

In this chapel talk, Tim Ward explores Proverbs 30:24-28, where the writer Agur highlights four "small but extremely wise" creatures: the ant, the hyrax, the locust, and the lizard. Tim challenges the modern drive toward "superhuman" productivity, arguing that true godly wisdom is not found in seeking extra superpowers, but in "wisely embracing our limitations" as creatures. By looking at how these small animals lean into their God-given design—and how Christ himself embraced the ultimate smallness of the cross—we find a path away from the traps of fraudulence and self-loathing. Tim Ward is the Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning at Oak Hill College in London. He is responsible for overseeing the academic rigour and pedagogical heart of the college, training the next generation of Christian leaders to see the church flourish.

Inoculation for the Long Haul | 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 | James Robson

In this chapel talk at our Commissioning Service, Principal James Robson expounds on the powerful concluding words of 1 Corinthians 15:58. Ministry and Christian leadership bring profound joys, but they also expose our deepest vulnerabilities. Whether you are facing sheer exhaustion, a perceived lack of fruit, isolation, or the pain of watching people wander away, the temptation to ask "was it all worth it?" is incredibly real. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, James provides a spiritual "inoculation" for long-term ministry resilience. Because Jesus Christ has been physically raised from the dead, the reality of the resurrection completely alters our reality. Your faith, your preaching, your grace, and your collective labor in the Lord are absolutely never in vain. Be encouraged to sit tight, stand firm, and give yourself fully to the work of the Lord today.

More Than Good Intentions | Ezra 7 & 2 Timothy 2 | Bishop Tim Wambunya

In a season of cultural confusion and spiritual hunger, what does the church truly need from its ministers? Speaking at Oak Hill College, the Rt Revd Dr Tim Wambunya (Bishop of Wolverhampton) draws from Ezra 7:6–10 and 2 Timothy 2:1–15 to outline a three-fold charge for those called to the gospel: to study God's Word, to let it shape their lives, and to handle it rightly as they entrust it to others. Bishop Tim reminds us that faithful ministry is not about self-display, novelty, or career advancement, but about being a servant under the authority of the Word of God.

Words for the Hasty of Heart | Isaiah 35:4 | Mark Stirling

In this Oak Hill College Chapel talk, Mark Stirling offers a personal and profound meditation on Isaiah 35:4. Moving beyond the standard translation of "anxious of heart," Mark explores the Hebrew literalism of the "hasty of heart"—those of us who are quick to react, busy of brain, and prone to responding out of fear or anger. Drawing from his own recent journey in counselling and self-awareness, Mark highlights four essential truths we must speak to our hasty hearts before we respond to the stimuli of life: God Comes: He is present regardless of our feelings. He Comes with Vengeance: He is the judge; we don't have to be. He Comes with Benefits: He is good and wants what is best for us. He Comes to Save: He is the Saviour; we are not. Learn why slowing down to recognise the Lord’s promised presence is life-transforming for our relationships and our leadership. Mark Stirling is the course director for the Masters in Contemporary Christian Leadership here at Oak Hill College. Mark has served in various ministry capacities, including work with students and leaders to encourage self-awareness and faithful stewardship of power.

The Art of Seeking and Storing | Psalm 119:9-16 | Nathan Howard

"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love." Many Christians resonate with these famous hymn lyrics. In this Oak Hill College Chapel Talk, Nathan Howard explores Psalm 119:9-16 to answer a vital question: How can we stay on the path of purity when we feel the constant pressure to wander? Using the unlikely illustration of a squirrel, Nathan breaks down the two essential habits for every disciple: Seeking and Storing. Discover how to seek the Lord as both Protector and Teacher, and learn practical "Top Tips" for hiding God’s Word in your heart so it’s ready when you need it most. Key Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16 Speaker: Nathan Howard (Senior Pastor, Enfield Town Community Church) Nathan Howard is the Senior Pastor of Enfield Town Community Church, an FIEC-affiliated church in North London. Nathan is passionate about church planting and revitalisation, having previously led a church plant in nearby Edmonton before returning to serve the congregation in Enfield. Nathan is an Old Oak and a currently studying the Masters in Contemporary Christian Leadership.