Don’t take our word for it. Hear from those who’ve experienced Bible School firsthand.
To deliberately take time out of my life, to escape the regular rhythm of things and to actually spend time where my sole focus is the relationship with Jesus has been transformative. I understand Him a lot better, I understand what relationship with Jesus is a lot better, I understand myself a lot better. – Ryan, UK
My time at Capernwray was a magnificent and challenging year. I needed to challenge my identity as a Christian, I was treading water but I didn’t even know it. Now I have purpose, direction and a biblical grounding that could not have been gained without the opportunity of Bible School. – Annie D.
This Bible School I credit for completely changing the way I looked at my relationship with Jesus. It has changed 100% of how I chase after him because I know He’s always with me, He’s always leading me. It has just set this fire ablaze in my heart where I want nothing but the Lord and I credit a lot of that to the teachers and the students that I was around with at Capernwray. – Bradley R.
My advice to someone considering Bible School…
Honestly, just do it. Even though there will be challenges, there’s so much you can learn. It’s so beneficial for your growth, in every aspect of your life like faith, socially and mentally. – Nathy, Germany
God does beautiful things with surrendered lives so there’s no reason to hold back from Him. Oh, and bring an umbrella. – Andrew, United States
Come with open hands and an open heart because you will meet so many people and build so many relationships, and expectations could take away from that. Come ready to receive, and you will receive and be filled. – Bea, United States
If you can, it’s so worth it. You’ll gain a lot of friends, a lot of wisdom – if I wasn’t here I would feel more unprepared for things to happen or tough times in life. It’s foundations for the rest of your life. – David, Canada
Student Stories
Capernwray is comfortably uncomfortable. In the sense that coming here, you can be completely yourself. You can be silly or goofy or serious or thoughtful, opening up and being vulnerable. It’s easy to do that because everyone here is so nice, so loving, and so accepting. But it’s uncomfortable in the sense that it’s going to push you. You’re going be asked questions that you might not know the answers to. You’re going to meet people who might have opposing ideas to you. And you might be in an environment that you’ve never been in before. – Cooper, Canada
Brooklyn, Canada
Bradley, United States
Sue, UK
The standout things I’ve learned at Bible School…
- “I came to Bible School hoping that the Lord would reveal His plans for my life. He didn’t reveal my future but He did reveal Himself. I may not know what lies ahead but I am confident in my identity in Christ. My time here has taught me that Jesus is everything and through Him I find clarity and security.”
- “I’ve learned the true joy in surrendering my whole life to God, and now to do it on a daily basis.”
- “God has bigger things in store for you than you could imagine. He is not finished with you. His work has just begun.”
- “God is not a magic pill that makes your pain and problems go away. But He will come alongside you and give you strength, comfort and guidance if you let Him.”
- “Do not only look for what God is doing in your life. We are one body, God is also so visible in other people’s lives.”
What I love about Bible School…
- “The lectures are so so good! It’s amazing that we learn the basics as well as diving into theological questions. Also community – being able to spend quality time with each other.”
- “You are forced to confront things that otherwise you would not and the Lord is able to do a lot of work through that. You are convicted more in this environment and are challenged in your faith and in your life.”
- “The friends you make. It’s such a unique place to meet people, and the friendships you form are so special. You can just tell that they’ll last. You’re all here to learn about God and there’s something really special about that.”
Think you’re too old for Bible School?
While most of our students are in the 18-25 age range, we truly believe our community is enriched by our mature students. In fact, many older students find the experience incredibly rewarding too. Stories like Pamela’s are a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to dive deeper into your faith.
“I was very excited to arrive for Spring School in mid-April 2023, yet quite apprehensive at the same time. I had not written an essay for over 30 years and that was with a young brain and now I was old enough to be most people’s mother.
What was I thinking?! The first couple of days were quite overwhelming – this was not a family holiday (which until now had been the only side of Capernwray I had seen). I had to join Google Chat and use Google Classroom – I wanted to crawl into a corner and cry!
But my lovely desk partner was so patient and helpful at putting me at ease. The staff were so obviously ‘for us’ and wanted everyone to thrive. It seems you can teach an old dog new tricks. I got into the flow of life and community. I love to listen to the word of God and as we embarked on week 1 of lectures, I began to realise what a tremendous privilege I had been given to soak in this environment for 10 weeks. The first theme was ‘the Servant Heart of the Believer’ and set such a marvellous tone, which profoundly impacted me and helped frame my perspective for the rest of Spring School.
Being exposed to hearing firsthand, someone whose life had been dramatically transformed by the grace of God despite incredibly tough circumstances, reinforced both the remarkable sacrifice of Christ as He endured the cross for my salvation, but also, just how much I had taken for granted. I remember saying to a fellow student ‘how do they top this?’ Yet week in week out, more incredibly rich and dynamic teaching was on the menu.
I thought I knew the Bible quite well, but realised how much treasure is still to be found in the depths of His word and sometimes we need a spade (aka Bible School) – to dig deeper. Quite often my life is a bit like that of Martha and now I was able to shift into Mary mode and sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him; be embraced, convicted, encouraged. Resting with Him.
One particularly powerful time was about mid-way through the course. We had a prayer day. I had no idea what that meant. Sounded ominous to be honest. There was the encouragement to combine this with a phone fast, to minimise distraction. This was such a freeing experience. I have come to depend way too much on my phone and constant communication with others, subtly luring me from depending on the One from who I need to rely on for my very breath. When God says, ‘draw near to me and I will draw near to you’, He means it. I experienced such a warmth in His presence that day. I was known, heard, loved, freed. It was my most precious time there.
I am so thankful to Him for my time at Spring School! Whether you are a school leaver, a student, in full time employment, a parent, a pastor – consider taking the opportunity to go for an extended time to soak in His word and presence. The excuses will always be there. The challenges to do so will present themselves. Life will always be hectic and demanding. As we intentionally take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him, He speaks and says, ‘Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her’. (Luke 10:42) Everything else will fade away, but His word will endure forever.”
Pamela grew up in Northern Ireland but has lived in the Netherlands for more than 20 years. She is married to Andrew and has 3 children. Pamela worked in community development, but further trained and was subsequently employed as an English teacher to business professionals.
When their children arrived, she devoted her time to working as a full-time mum, whilst volunteering within her church community. Her time is now primarily taken up with church youth work, as well as being a part of the leadership and music teams.