The life of the College is centred in worship. Students and staff meet each week in the College chapel. The
J B Maclagan Chapel is an integral part of the College buildings. College staff, students and visiting speakers share in leading worship.

Pastoral Care is a strength of the College. Every faculty member leads a small tutor group, which meets regularly in an informal setting to offer support and guidance, and to share in prayer and fellowship. Each student joins a tutorial group at the start of the first year of study.
Students and staff are also active in local churches.

Each year the student body elects a president and a Student Council. The Council organises aspects of social and spiritual affairs and projects in community involvement.

Although many of the students at the College come from the churches within the Wesleyan tradition, a growing number from other traditions find the College courses attractive because of the healthy balance of serious theological study and valuable practical training. The majority of the students come from the United Kingdom but the College welcomes students from overseas. Part-time students are a growing part of the College community, with evening classes and short-term intensive courses designed to cater to the needs of the part-time student.

Non-traditional students are particularly welcome at NTC. Students at the College tend to be slightly older than may be the case at other colleges and universities. This means that they are often more mature and experienced than recent school leavers. The College welcomes mature applicants whose entrance qualifications may not be standard. There is no upper age limit for applicants but students are not normally admitted under eighteen years of age.