Welcome from the Principal
We are delighted to open the doors of this vibrant learning community to you.
At Missio Dei we are here to support you as educators, mentors, encourages and companions on your journey to grasp a deeper understanding of God’s Word and to develop a strong passion for impactful leadership.
Our programmes reflect our dedication to exceptional theological education and leadership development. Whether you are considering our BA or MA courses, know that you’re embarking on a journey of personal growth, intellectual expansion, and spiritual enrichment.
Through interactive discussions, dynamic coursework, practical training, and church placements we equip you to become a leader who contributes significantly to God’s mission in this world. Our programmes combine Christian faith and commitment with the vital skills needed to analyse arguments, evaluate perspectives, contribute thoughtfully to discussions about belief and practice, and engage with contemporary Biblical scholarship.
I invite you to consider Missio Dei as more than just an institution. Here, you will find a family of like-minded individuals who share your aspirations, a faculty committed to your growth, and an environment that fosters lifelong friendships and spiritual connections.
Your journey with Missio Dei is more than an education; it is an experience that will shape your ministerial career and empower you to make a lasting impact.
I look forward to personally welcoming you into our lecture rooms, witnessing your growth, and celebrating your successes. Apply today! We can’t wait to meet you.
Rev Lilly Brightwell, Principal & Lecturer
Meet The Team
Our History
Missio Dei Bible College has a rich heritage, tracing its origins back to 1909 with the establishment of Europe’s first Pentecostal Bible School by the Pentecostal Missionary Union (PMU) in Paddington, London. Initially dedicated to training male students for overseas missionary work, the following year saw the PMU opening a Bible School in Hackney for women missionaries.
The college became a training ground for early Pentecostal pioneers, including figures like George Jeffreys, founder of the Elim movement, and William Burton, co-founder of the Congo Evangelistic Mission. These trailblazers shaped the world of mission, church planting, and Pentecostal history.
Following the First World War, the college relocated to Hampstead Heath, where Howard Carter led for nearly three decades. In 1950, it moved to Kenley, Surrey, becoming the official Bible College of the British Assemblies of God in 1951. Esteemed leaders such as Donald Gee and John Carter served as principals during this period, further cementing the college’s influence in Pentecostal education and leadership.
In 1973, the Assemblies of God moved the college to Mattersey Hall in North Nottinghamshire. For nearly 50 years, Mattersey Hall equipped leaders and provided world-class theological education within a Pentecostal context.
Today, Missio Dei Bible College carries forward this legacy, remaining steadfast in its mission to develop theologically informed leaders of God’s people. As we step into our next chapter, we are committed to equipping a new generation for impactful ministry and service.
Word from our President
My Bible College experience was formative in shaping my thinking, building key relationships and preparing me for ministry.
We believe that Missio Dei will facilitate a genuine encounter with God’s plans and purposes for people of all ages as they pursue the call of God upon their lives.
The partnership between your church, Missio Dei and you, the student, means that together we can pray, plan and invest today for the future.
Rev Dr Glyn Barrett, President of Missio Dei & National Leader of AoG GB