Scouting Ahead

I've just got back after my trip to Sydney. It was a worthwhile time of informative experiences and catching up with past Tassie friends. With my intentions to start theological study next year, the purpose of the trip was to get a vibe for each college. I had the privilege of sitting in as a normal student for a day at Moore and SMBC.

Cross-cultural Communication Lecture

I found the classes I attended extremely engaging (yes, even Greek. Thankfully I had done a tiny bit before). I loved the way the classes were presented which encouraged critical thinking and questioned all assumptions. In the Cross-cultural Communication class, there were a few gotcha moments like this. When most people would be thinking one way and then the lecturer would say something that encouraged further thought, highlighting what was assumed. Chatting with one of my friends at Moore, they mentioned this is one of the main things they have appreciated since starting. Although now there are many things their not sure what their position is.

It is somewhat unfair to compare university to theological college, but I don't remember many times being challenged in my thinking in that way before. The reason for this is that theological study and university have very different purposes. At university, you study so you can get a job. At theological college, you study for a lifetime of transformation and understanding God better through the Bible.

It highlights the importance of why we need theological education. To train people in understanding and teaching the Bible, particularly for unreached places and where biblical literacy is low. In some ways, I have had a taste of this through AFES conferences but I can easily see myself enjoying and doing more of it. I have been warned however that college will be the hardest thing I ever do, being confronted with my own sin day in and day out.

Sam Chan during Principals Hour

The advice I had been given beforehand was that there are many good colleges in Australia, so what will likely determine my decision is thinking about where I might end up after I graduate. This means it isn't a right or wrong decision but more of a matter of wisdom. Like other decisions in life, we can often make them bigger than they need to be when it is probably more trivial than we initially thought.

Chatting with one of the lecturers helped me ask another thoughtful question. What is the purpose of theological study and what do I hope to get out of it?

Korean BBQ with Yumin and Kessia

One of the main differences between Moore and SMBC is their curriculum structure. Moore is more rigid and directly builds upon previous years, whereas SMBC has much flexibility with extra electives to cater for different potential pathways. There are advantages to both of these. Currently based on how I believe God has wired me and what I'm passionate about, I see myself continuing with student ministry or otherwise doing some sort of mission work. With that in mind, SMBC could cater well to this, although many things from this trip have made me consider Moore, more seriously. I hear my past Tassie friends cheering at that.

I haven't made the final decision yet, but the trip has given me enough to think about. I'm setting myself a deadline by the end of June to apply. This will allow time to get everything sorted out beforehand (inc. scholarships and accommodation), rather than panicking at the end of the year.