FIND A www.FINDACHRISTIANCOLLEGE.com.au/co.nz
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE
PLUS
Grounded in the Word of God Financial planning for college Pros and Cons of distance learning
2014
Finance
FINANCIAL PLANNING for your CHRISTIAN COLLEGE EDUCATION Many students are struggling to pay their rent, find money for food, clothing etc. – let alone consider outlaying finances for Christian higher education. LINDA STUART, from Avondale College, takes us through the options available for assistance with fees and planning for higher education.
T
here are education costs, no matter where you do it. Planning ahead, accessing government loans and working part-time are just a few things you should think about if you are considering tertiary studies. PLAN AHEAD The more money you have to pay your fees before you start college, the less pressure you are under to make ends meet, once you commence study. If you have a job, start putting a bit aside from each pay. WORK and STUDY Once you are enrolled you can work part-time to help pay your college fees and a part-time job that fits around your classes is ideal. You may even get work on the college campus, which is a great option because it’s easy to fit your work around class schedules. At Avondale, students work on campus in places such as the kitchen, gardens, offices, or they do some cleaning. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE YOUTH ALLOWANCE – AUSTUDY – ABSTUDY Youth allowance provides assistance to students aged between 16 and 24yrs. Austudy payment provides assistance to full-time students aged 25yrs and older. ABSTUDY provides assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander full-time students by providing income support and other supplementary assistance, tailored to their needs. To qualify for any of these government allowances, you generally need to study at least 75% of a fulltime load. Information on eligibility and types and levels of allowances is published in Youth Allowance: The Guide; Austudy Payment; or
ABSTUDY: The Guide. You can also contact your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or check their website at www.centrelink.gov.au GOVERNMENT LOANS (HECS-HELP & FEE-HELP) 1. Commonwealth Supported places (HECS-HELP) With a Commonwealth Supported place (CSP) the government subsidises the cost of your tuition. Your portion is known as the ‘student contribution amount’, and HECS-HELP assistance helps you to pay your student contribution amount. There are two forms of HECS-HELP assistance: A HECS-HELP loan: This is a loan, from the Australian Government, for all or part of your student contribution amount. With this option you can defer payment of your student contribution amount (commonly known as ‘deferring your HECS’) and pay it over an extended period in small annual installments, via the tax system. No payment has to be made in any year where your income is below $38,148 (this figure is indexed annually). A HECS-HELP discount: If you pay all, or at least $500 of your student contribution amount up front, you receive a 20% discount on the amount you pay. 2. FEE-HELP If you are eligible for FEE-HELP you are able to borrow up to $50,950, indexed each year, towards the payment of your tuition fees. A loan fee of 20% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses, however the FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. The Commonwealth pays the amount of the
loan, directly to the tertiary provider and you repay your loan through the tax system, once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment ($38,148 - indexed each year). You generally need to study at least 75% of a full load to be able to defer your fees through HECS-HELP or FEEHELP. Check with the college where you plan to study to see if you can use HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP to assist you with your tuition fees. If you would like more information on HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP check out the website: www.goingtouni.gov.au SCHOLARSHIPS and AWARDS College funded scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships to assist students with the payment of their fees. Some scholarships are merit based (eg. based on academic achievement) however there may also be non-merit based scholarships available to students who meet the criteria. Check with your college to see what scholarships they offer. Apply for all scholarships you are eligible for. Other scholarships: Scholarships that are available through organisations not affiliated with your college may also be available to you. Some examples are: - Rural and Remote Scholarships - Commonwealth Learning Scholarships - War Veterans Scholarships - Disability Scholarships Check the website for information on these types of scholarships. Awards may be available at different times through your course. You don’t generally apply for an award, but it’s Continued on page 6...
4 | Find a Christian College 2014
WHAT’S INSIDE
AN ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU...
4
Financial planning for your college education
8
Why should I consider going to a Bible
college? 10 Grounded in the Word of God
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
12 Home or Away: The pros and cons for
no mind has conceived what God
has prepared for those who love
distance education
14 How do you know you are called to ministry?
Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Welcome to the 2014 Find a Christian College magazine. Our heart is to see you walking in your God-given purpose and plans and we know that setting time aside for Him to speak to you is absolutely essential! You may be stuck in a job you don’t like or walking through a storm and wondering where God is in ‘all of this’.
As a graduate of a Sydney based Bible college, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it was life-changing. I took two years out of my life to seek God for His blue-print of my life and what stemmed from that was an adventure like no other. New city, new friendships, a fresh vision and time with Jesus that I’ll treasure forever.
The colleges listed in this magazine are world class, so why not take the time and scour these pages prayerfully and perhaps 2014 will be a year of adventure for you too...
www.findachristiancollege.com.au/co.nz | 5
Finance
worth knowing what’s available in terms of Awards as you can then strive to meet the criteria. For example, an award at Avondale called the ‘Avondale Foundation Award of Excellence’ is given to students who are actively involved in service to the community, while the ‘Sanitarium Business Award of Excellence’ is awarded to a student excelling in all areas of their Business certificate or degree. LIVING ON-CAMPUS Living at home will always be the cheapest option when studying. If you are not able to do this, consider living on campus. A recent survey of the cost
of living expenses for students around Australia indicates that on-campus living expenses are less. University 1: A Victorian university estimates that the cost of living, including off-campus accommodation in Melbourne, is around $16,300 per year. University 2: A NSW university estimates that annual living expenses in Sydney are around $18,700. University 3: A QLD university estimates that the annual cost of living in Brisbane is around $16,500.
On-campus residential option is not only convenient and safe, but offers great savings on costs of living, because of low residential fees, no large bonds, no utility costs, no daily travel costs and no furnishing expenses. THINK CREATIVELY Are you training for ministry in a particular church or congregation? Check to see if there is any financial assistance available to you through your congregation. You might offer to do an internship or work for them during your holiday time in return for financial support throughout your studies.
C3 College C3 College trains people from all around the world in Leadership Ministry or Creative Arts. Built on the beautiful Northern Beaches, within a dynamic church, C3 College is a unique creative training experience. Come experience all that God has for you at C3 College. Address: Locked Bag 8, Dee Why, NSW 2101 Australia Phone: +61 2 9972 8683 Email: C3college@myc3church.net Website: www.C3college.com
6 | Find a Christian College 2014
Questions
Why should I consider going to a BIBLE COLLEGE?
W
hat are the benefits or advantages to going to a Bible college? Does a Bible college environment offer more opportunities and rewards than a secular college? These questions can best be answered with another question. Which institution provides the more effective tool for being a servant of Christ? One of the key advantages of a Bible college education lies in the fact that the graduates are more mature and experienced. The time spent pursuing their education not only enables them to grow in knowledge and wisdom, but
in maturity. This will have a critical impact on their future ministry. Additionally, the individual pursuing the ministry as a career may discover that becoming a pastor or pulpit minister isn’t for him after all. Second, and more obviously, a Bible college education forces students to delve more deeply into God’s Word and the study of theology. Their experience in the classroom exposes them to more and diverse insights and ideas that they otherwise may not have ever known. Correspondingly, it enables them to further develop for themselves their
own positions regarding certain key doctrines of faith. This will prepare them to better confront controversial issues such as baptism, predestination, suffering, evolution, and the like. By becoming more steeped in the Word and more assured of their beliefs, the students’ faith and commitment are strengthened. In other words, students become more confident of their faith, enabling them to better deal with the sometimes difficult issues they will invariably face in the church. Third, in many Bible colleges, students become familiar with
Tabor
Think Big! Think Global...
College NSW
Think Tabor College NSW Degree programs in Ministry, Theology & Counselling www.tabornsw.edu.au
8 | Find a Christian College 2014
Some Bible college students enroll simply to learn more about how to better incorporate their faith into their workplace...
others outside their particular faith or denomination. This allows the students to see those ideas and beliefs that differ from theirs and provides a whole new perspective. Such experiences will enable the students to better adapt to relating with those of various religious communities. Bible colleges also offer advantages to those who may not be considering a career in the ministry, but want to become more knowledgeable of the Scriptures as well as their particular
faith. Some Bible college students enroll simply to learn more about how to better incorporate their faith into their workplace, especially those pursuing careers as counselors or teachers. Then again, many students attend Bible colleges to learn more about the Bible itself. Last, but not least, Bible colleges provide a great environment to learn. Though Bible colleges teach subjects such as theology and church history, as well as the Bible itself, they provide
the students with the skills to dig into certain dimensions of spiritual growth and development that may be unknown to them. Such an educational experience and environment provides the student with the opportunities to realize a whole new and greater perception of the things of God. This, in turn, enables the student to develop new sense of growth and maturity not only personally and socially but, more importantly, spiritually.
Study Theology Explore Faith You can explore both Christian vocation and ministry whilst studying in an ecumenical and engaging environment, at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Theology. CSU accredited courses are recognised nationally and internationally. You can study full-time or part-time on campus or by distance education through Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra or North Parramatta. Undergraduate, postgraduate and research higher degree courses are available in the areas of: • Theology
• Pastoral Counselling
• Ageing and Pastoral Studies
• Religious and Values Education
• Ministry
• Formation for ordination (Anglican or Uniting Church).
Contact us on 1800 334 733 or visit: www.csu.edu.au/courses/theology
F2716A
www.findachristiancollege.com.au/co.nz | 9
Value
GROUNDED IN THE
WORD OF GOD Nestled in a beautiful rural setting in Tauranga, New Zealand, Faith Bible College has welcomed more than 4000 students over more than 40 years of operation. As a ministry training school, Faith Bible College draws students from all walks of life. Some are newly out of high school and seeking to spend one or two years getting grounded in the Word of God before continuing on to another qualification. Others simply desire to break out of life’s daily grind and become inspired, refreshed, and reinvigorated in the things of the Lord. Those later in life also find themselves drawn back to bible college as they hunger to discover more about the truths of God’s Word. Whatever their reasons, graduates of Faith never leave the school the same as when they arrived!
As one recent graduate said, “During my two years at Faith layer by layer God did a transformation on my heart. Through lectures, devotional times, opportunities to preach, sing, and so much more, He taught me about myself and I began to see myself through His eyes. For the first time in years, I could accept who I was created to be.” Faith Bible College was established in Tauranga back in 1969. The College founders, Des and Carley Short, completed three years of training at Elim Bible College in America, and returned to NZ with a vision for an endtime training school that would reach across denominations and countries. This vision continues, with the college’s mission statement to ‘Prepare servant leaders for the end-time global harvest, who manifest the character of Christ
Kate Chapman gives insight into the value of education...
and minister in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit’. Faith Bible College currently offers two full-time courses, both recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and eligible for student loans and allowances.* The Certificate in Ministry Development (one year, NZQA Level 4) includes a strong emphasis on practical experience with a 10-week ministry placement in the middle of the course and regular weekend ministry opportunities. The subjects covered include Christian Doctrines, Biblical Studies, Evangelism & Ministry, Christian Growth & Discipleship, Prayer, and World Missions. The two-year Diploma in Christian Ministry (NZQA Level 5) includes Theological Studies, Missions Studies,
www.morlingcollege.com
Study the Bible At Morling College 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Biblical Foundations Chaplaincy Preaching & Pastoral Care Study Tours Counselling Education Gap-Year FEE-HELP available
Full-Time, Part-Time, Residential and Distance studies available
Equipping the whole believer to take the whole gospel to the whole world 120 Herring Rd, Macquarie Park 2113 P: 02 9878 0201 | enquiries@morling.edu.au 10 | Find a Christian College 2014
HE TAUGHT ME ABOUT MYSELF History of Christianity, Spiritual Growth, Counselling, and Pastoral Theology. It also includes a four-week ministry placement and regular weekend ministry opportunities. Purpose-built accommodation blocks house students and families while they are attending Faith Bible College. Ranging from single dorm units to twin-share and larger family units, the on-campus environment is a unique and valuable part of the Faith experience. Facilities include a commercial kitchen and dining room, lecture rooms, student common areas, an extensive reference library, and a campus-wide Wifi network. A Prayer House, erected in 1986, has been set aside for the purpose of prayer and student devotion times. Great emphasis is placed on each student becoming acquainted with the voice of God and developing a consistent prayer life. In addition, there is a nature walkway in a prayer valley, which includes small prayer booths. The college itself is situated on over 20 acres of spacious grounds and boasts many colourful seasonal trees and flowers. Tauranga city centre is only a 15 minute drive from the campus, and the famous Mt Maunganui beach and rapidly expanding Papamoa area are a short 10 minute drive away. Tauranga is a city of 120,000 people and is a popular tourist location because of its beautiful beaches, great sea fishing, and water sports. The nearest international airport is Auckland, which is two and a half hours away by car.
TRAINING EFFECTIVE MINISTRY WORLDWIDE TO SERVE LOCAL CHURCHES CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA BACHELORS GRADUATE MASTERS
: MY CHOICE ONLINE MY CALL
ON CAMPUS
WWW.HARVEST.EDU.AU FEE-HELP & VET FEE HELP AVAILABLE
AND I BEGAN TO SEE MYSELF THROUGH HIS EYES During the formational years of FBC, the Lord spoke to Des and Carley through a Scripture in Isaiah 49:2. Faith Bible College was to be a school where the hand of God would place a sharp sword in the mouths of His people, polish them, and shoot them out as arrows into the four corners of the world. By 2011, there are now thousands of FBC graduates serving as Pastors, Missionaries, or Church workers in many nations around the globe. Bible colleges in Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and Nepal have also been founded under the guidance of Des and Carley Short and continue to flourish. Faith has also maintained close relationships with many other mission organisations and churches, meaning that students are regularly blessed and inspired by the visiting speakers who come to the campus from all over the world. There are also many opportunities that develop from these contacts once a student graduates from their course. Devoting one or two years to attending a Bible College is a valuable, life-long investment. While there is a necessary focus on academic requirements, the benefits far outweigh any qualifications gained. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” By spending time in a training school that has the Bible as the foundation point for its entire curriculum students become adept at searching out its mysteries and discovering the heartbeat of its Author. To learn what it means to be a child of God and seek after the things of His Kingdom – these are life- changing lessons! Learning strong Biblical principles, maturing in spiritual disciplines, and being part of a worshipping community are all great reasons to enrol in a course at Bible College. But, above all, it is an opportunity to spend time in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Learn to hear His voice and allow Him to train and equip you for the calling that lies ahead. What better place to be! Kate Chapman Faith Bible College
*Note: While Australian citizens are considered “Domestic Students” for all FBC course fees, they are required to be resident in New Zealand for two years before being eligible for NZ study loans or allowances. www.findachristiancollege.com.au/co.nz | 11
Distance
Home or Away? THE PROS AND CONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION By SABRINA MARTIN
Making decisions about college is no light matter. Your choices will have a tremendous impact on your future. This isn’t meant to scare anyone, but it’s true. Of course, there are more options to choose from these days when it comes to attending college. This article focuses specifically on the option of distance learning vs. classroom learning. Many individuals have completed their degrees online and loved it. Others have attempted distance learning only to find that it wasn’t right for them.
Below is a list of some of the pros and cons of distance learning. You’ll want to consider them before deciding to attend college on campus or online. Pros 1. Flexibility: one of the reasons going to school is a problem for many folks is because they don’t have the time and ability to attend classes. Although you do have assignment deadlines to meet, distance learning allows you to have more control over your schedule.
2. Saves money: with the price of gas these days online education is looking even more appealing. Not everyone has the option of living on campus, and commuting can really hurt your pocket. Distance learning can be a smart money saving alternative. 3. Self Discipline: it’s true that distance learning is difficult if you aren’t self motivated, but it does offer another advantage. The self discipline you’ll learn from online college is invaluable.
ACOM Australian College of Ministries With over 1000 students the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) is one of the country’s largest providers of Christian leadership training. We believe training for ministry should occur in ministry, rather than before ministry. We understand that the best learning takes place wherever your ministry is happening – in your community, church or workplace. Address: PO Box 3694 Rhodes NSW 2138 Phone: 1800 672 692 Email: info@acom.edu.au Website: www.acom.edu.au Australian Luthern College ALC, the tertiary institution of the Lutheran Church of Australia, is a college of MCD University of Divinity. HEd Awards offered in Theology from Diploma to Doctoral level. Online study available. VET courses and on campus tertiary boarding also available. Address: 104 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Australia Phone: (08) 8267 7400 Email: alc@alc.edu.au Website: www.alc.edu.au 12 | Find a Christian College 2014
Arts | Business | Education | Ministry and Theology | Nursing | Science | Outdoor Recreation
Many employers actually prefer hiring individuals that have completed their degrees and training online because it demonstrates their ability to stay on task and work independently. 4. Work and Family: If you’d like to get your degree or brush up on some of your skills, but don’t have the time because of work and family duties, distance learning could be a wonderful opportunity. Yes, it still requires time and dedication, but when you don’t have to get in the car and drive to a class every other night, the idea of college seems a lot more appealing. Distance learning is a great option for parents and the employed. Cons 1. Self Motivation: if you aren’t self motivated, distance learning is probably not for you. Although your instructor’s will provide you with a course syllabus and most likely an assignment schedule, you don’t have the structured atmosphere of the classroom to keep you on task. Missing deadlines and having poor grades can cause you to lose financial assistance. 2. Needing Assistance: if you are taking distance learning courses through a local college they do sometimes offer tutoring services. However, many of these services are conducted online. Online learning can be very discouraging when you aren’t able to get the one on one help you need. Before beginning a distance learning course, consider how well you are able to grasp the subjects you will be studying. If it is something that you really struggle with, taking a class on campus is more beneficial.
IT’S EDUCATION DESIGNED FOR LIFE At Avondale, we encourage a strong service ethic in professionally qualified graudates. We have developed a life-changing approach to higher education by combining values of Christian faith and living with a high standard of academic achievement. Avondale offers: • VET courses, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees • Small class sizes • Five-star student satisfaction* *The Good Universities Guide 2013
HECS AND FEE-HELP AVAILABLE
3. Social Interaction: Attending college on campus provides the benefit of social interaction with other students. Although you may have access to classmates emails, or be involved in discussion forums while doing distance learning, developing friendships and socializing is difficult. If you’d like to get to know other students, distance learning may not be the best choice. 4. Distractions: this is one of the biggest disadvantages of online education. There are often so many distractions at home that studying and completing assignments is nearly impossible. If your home environment is not adequate for study, you may want to consider attending college on campus.
To find out more about any of our courses OR to APPLY ONLINE, visit www.DESIGNEDFORLIFE.ME Or PHONE 1800 991 392 (AUSTRALIAN FREECALL)
By accurately assessing your needs, abilities, and circumstances and keeping these things in mind while you consider an education through distance learning, you’ll be able to make an informed and wise decision. www.findachristiancollege.com.au/co.nz | 13
O
ne of the most important issues every Pastor has to work through is their call to ministry. Over the years, I’ve discovered there will be times when the only thing that keeps you going in the ministry is your call. When I teach Pastoral ministries classes or have the opportunity to mentor young men who feel called to preach, the first two issues I talk to them about are their conversion experience and their call to the ministry. If you are not clear on both of these issues you have no business going into the Pastoral ministry. So let me give you just a few thoughts about how to know whether or not you are called to ministry: 1) Can you do anything else and be happy? This was a question that my Pastor asked me when I surrendered to the ministry and that I ask anyone who tells me they feel called to the ministry. It is actually a question that is derived from Charles Spurgeon’s “Lectures to My Students”. The point of this question is that the call to preach must be like an all consuming fire in your life. Those who are genuinely called find that they simply can’t do anything else. 2) Has God given you a clear Word from His Word? The night God called me to preach our Pastor was preaching from Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” The moment I read these words, they thundered in my soul and I felt that God was speaking directly to me. At the moment I had the overwhelming sense of God’s call to preach the gospel wash over my heart and I knew I could do nothing else. I received a clear Word from God’s Word. When I talk with men who feel called to the ministry, I always stress the importance of being able to hang your call on specific passage of Scripture. God speaks to us from His Word! I am not saying that the call will not be accompanied by a strong emotion or experience of grace, but apart from a clear Word from the Word of God, we are prone to 14 | Find a Christian College 2014
Purpose
How do you KNOW you are CALLED to MINISTRY? misunderstand or misinterpret. If you feel called to ministry, search the Bible until you have a clear Word from the Word to confirm your call.
these qualifications. Whenever I meet someone who does not take these qualifications seriously it is evidence to me that they are not called.
3) Do you meet the qualifications? The qualifications for ministry are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-16. I am not going to get into the specifics of these qualifications in this post, but I do want to say that anyone who is called to preach must meet these qualifications before they assume the office of Pastor. I am not saying that any of us are perfect and at times we all falter or come up short in some of these areas, but generally I am seeing far too many men going into the ministry trying to explain away or minimize
4) Has the congregation affirmed your call? Receiving the affirmation of the church is perhaps the single most important step in confirming your call to ministry. In my denomination, we have a two step process of first licensing a man to preach and then later ordaining. In both of these steps, the affirmation of the church is crucial. In licensing, the church affirms that they see the gifts necessary to be an effective minister in the life of the candidate. They are essentially saying, “We think there is
ING RN A E L
AGE
Summer and yearlong accredited courses
♦
ANGU NE ’ S L O Y N A E IN ICAT N U M COM
Equip yourself with language and culture learning skills for cross-cultural ministry
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
TO
some potential here and want to give the candidate opportunities to demonstrate their call.” Usually what happens then is the person who feels called will get some opportunties to preach and minister within the local church. This provides the church the opportunity to examine his qualifications, his gifts, and frankly, whether or not he can preach. Eventually, if all goes well and the candidate is called to a church he will go through ordination. Which involves being questioned by and ordination council and then affirmed by the calling church. My council to young men going into the ministry is to seek as much input from other members of the church as possible. In my experience, they are
www.equip.edu.au info_equip@sil.org CRICOS CODE 01239B - ABN 53 004 706 012
LANGUAGE TRAINING INSTITUTE OF WYCLIFFE AUSTRALIA
www.findachristiancollege.com.au/co.nz | 15
Purpose
If you can’t convince the church you are called, then YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO THE MINISTRY. usually in a better place to objectively evaluate our call to ministry. The bottom lines is this, if you are called to the ministry the church will see it. If you can’t convince the church you are called, then you are not called to the ministry. 5) Can you minister for the applause of God alone? What I mean by this statement is that
in the ministry you cannot be a people pleaser. Your only job is to please God and do what He tells you to do. This means that you will often be unpopular or even hated for preaching the Word of God. If you desire the applause of men more than the applause of God, you are not fit for the ministry. You will cave to popular opinion and be unwilling to say the things that may make you unpopular. As a preacher
you must be willing to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim 4:2) You must be willing to be faithful even when that will make you unpopular. Can you minister for the applause of God alone? If not, don’t preach! If so, then PREACH! PREACH! PREACH!
Tabor College Victoria Tabor College Victoria exists to empower God’s people to serve in God’s mission to transform the world. Situated in Mulgrave, Melbourne, Tabor Victoria offers courses from certificate through to masters degrees. Come and be transformed by God in a unique multi-denominational Christian environment. Address: 44-60 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave, Victoria, 3170 Phone: (03) 9790 9200 Email: enquiries@tabor.vic.edu.au Website: www.tabor.vic.edu.au
16 | Find a Christian College 2014