Over the First Hump
It's incredible that I have now completed and passed my first year of Theological College! It's come much quicker than I expected, and returning to study has reminded me how short the academic year really is. After a few busy weeks following exams, I'm now back in Tasmania and am grateful for an extended time with family and friends.
First Year Learnings
As I reflect on this year, I'm thankful to God for the many things I have learnt, grown in, and been reminded of. One major part of this is the college community, which is both the best and most challenging aspect of college. It's wonderful to be deeply integrated into each other's lives, enabling us to know and support one another well. On the other hand, being so close presents its own unique challenges, as differences arise in both personalities and convictions, as well as in the impact of sin. Living within such an environment has given me a greater appreciation for the different ways God has created each of us. At times, it can be easy to compare myself to others, but God has given each of us unique strengths and weaknesses so we may learn from and complement one another. Living in community has taught me to be more content with the unique way God has made me to serve others.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Although the study for the first year is fairly foundational and, on the surface, quite familiar from what I had already been taught (an encouragement in itself), I've come to appreciate the academic nature of biblical studies more. Some of the assignments I have had to complete for both Old Testament and Doctrine this semester have compelled me to engage with scholarship that I wouldn't otherwise read. I would never aspire to be an academic myself, but I am thankful for those who do think deeply, defend, and publish biblical insights so that the church can benefit from them.
Ministry Opportunities
During this second half of the year, it has been a great privilege to be involved in a few additional things. At the start of October, I was involved in the Mark Drama, a production that the college puts on each year, which is mostly acted out by first-year students. I portrayed one of the Pharisees. Putting myself in the shoes of a Pharisee revealed how, from their perspective, opposition to Jesus could feel justified. Given their religious convictions, it makes sense they would want to get rid of someone who taught against their church traditions and led people away from their teachings. This is a warning for our own churches today that we don't become zealous in a way that overlooks the gospel.
Over the two performances, around 200 people attended, and 70 gospels were handed out. It was a joy watching the emotions of those in the audience as they connected with different scenes. Afterwards, it was awesome to have many gospel conversations after the drama, with many who haven't stepped into church for a while. It reminded me of why I am at college and the life-changing impact the gospel has.
The nature of college makes it difficult to connect with unbelievers, but there is a regular team that does walk-up, which I hope to commit to more intentionally in 2026.
In December, I was in Canberra for NTE, which again was a privilege and a reminder of why I am at college. My strand group was a delight to be with as we delved into Biblical Theology. Their talks at the end were a great encouragement, demonstrating their understanding of how to apply Old Testament passages and see how they are fulfilled in Jesus. At the conference, I was pleased to hear of a fruitful year from the Launceston students I was serving last year, and it was great continuing to foster connections with AFES staff.
My last day of the year with my church in Sydney finished with carols (surprisingly, the first church I've been part of that's hosted carols). I've been thankful for a steady start in this church while adjusting to new routines. Although serving in similar ways I have before, it's been good to have an avenue to continue to minister. I look forward to my role changing a bit next year as I take on leading a group of high schoolers. Having only led two youth camps before, I'm praying God will stretch me in doing something new.
Overall, my first year at Moore College was a fantastic year of learning many things, not only theology. I have also learnt much about the art of learning itself, biblical scholarship, languages, myself, relationships, serving others, living in community, and have been continually edified by God, revealing more about Himself in His word.
Thankyou for your ongoing prayers, many of which have been answered, and I will continue to value them as I seek to faithfully persevere as the difficulty increases in my second year of study.
Prayer Points
Thank & praise God;
- for faithfully being with me as I have finished my first year of theological study and the many things He has taught me!
- for the great history of biblical scholarship, which the church today continues to benefit from, and I have the privilege of engaging with.
- for bringing many people to witness the Mark Drama and for those who have been brought closer to know Christ through it.
Ask & plead God;
- that I would continue grow in contentment, resisting comparison and learning to joyfully live and serve alongside others.
- to bring unbelievers into my life, and that I would be faithful in sharing the gospel.
- to strengthen me as I lead a new youth bible study at church and continue to grow my competency in teaching different age groups.
