Societas 2020

SOCIETAS

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

Thank you for praying and supporting the College and our students in varied ways.

Please pray that God will move many men and women to come to Moore College in 2021, to be trained, equipped and sent into a world in desperate need of Jesus. Please also give generously to enable this vital gospel work.

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EDITORIAL

GORDON LUK

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Romans 10:15b

Do you remember the person who changed your life by bringing the gospel to you?

Have you also wondered about who brought the gospel to them? And what about the person who brought the gospel to that person, and the person who brought the gospel to them…

We are all part of a beautiful ‘family tree’ of faithful messengers who passed the gospel from generation to generation.

Beautiful?

If there’s a word that describes what 2020 has been so far, it’s probably not the word, beautiful It’s been an ugly year.

Unsurprisingly, most of this Societas edition was produced in isolation. Our theme, however, “from Generation to Generation”, was actually decided before that.

So, after COVID-19 changed things here in Sydney, as it did around the world, we contemplated whether our theme needed changing too.

This global pandemic raised so many questions about everything, including everything to do with Christian living and ministry: How do we live as Christians now? How do we do church now?

We had good options for an alternative theme. But in the end, we decided against changing. Why? Because sharing the gospel is still beautiful

The gospel of Jesus Christ is still the most beautiful news in the world.

The world still needs the good news of Jesus Christ.

We still need to ensure His gospel spreads, not just around the world, but to the next generation. But how will we do this?

Botswana’s Economics

One of my former managers explained to me how his country, Botswana, transformed from one of the world’s poorest countries to having one of Africa’s highest GDPs.

The answer, he said, was education: fundamental to this remarkable economic transformation was heavy investment in the next generation. Within three decades, Botswana was among the world’s leading countries for teachers per capita.

To ensure our gospel passes faithfully to the next generation, it’s fundamental we raise up, teach and train the next generation of gospel servants: the next generation of preachers, pastors, ministers, evangelists, teachers and leaders.

But it’s also more than that. It also means growing children’s and youth ministries; it means older men and women discipling

younger men and women; it means helping parents raise their children in the Lord; it means churches trying to share this life-saving gospel with every family in their neighbourhood; it means new churches to reach more neighbourhoods; and much, much more.

But why?

Why should we pass the gospel onto the next generation?

It must be because we simply can’t stop talking — about who our God is and what He has done for us.

In other words, we do it for His praise.

Let this be written for a generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: that He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die...

Psalm 102:18–20

We pray that this Societas edition encourages you to invest in the work of passing this beautiful, life-changing gospel on to generations to come, so that they may join the multitude of generations praising our LORD.

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

MARK THOMPSON PRINCIPAL

He was deliberately providing for the education of ‘Protestant youth’, who would participate in the spread of the gospel in a land far away and very different from his homeland. Moore died in 1840 but the college he envisaged did not open its doors (on his property in Liverpool) until 1856.

Our generation is the beneficiary of those who in past generations attended Moore’s College both as teachers and students. Each generation in this college has wanted those who follow them to be better prepared and more effective than they have been in reaching the country and the world with the gospel, and nurturing in faith those who have already heard. The great commission which Jesus gave the apostles just prior to his ascension has always found an echo in all we do at Moore College: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you’ (Matt 28:19–20).

The simple fact is, though, that each generation faces new challenges that could not have

been anticipated by those who went before them. Those first three students at Liverpool, meeting with William Cowper (the first Principal, William Hodgson, did not arrive in the colony until months after the College had opened), could hardly have imagined a world war (let alone two), a national government, the technological advance and social disintegration of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, the devastation of the Spanish influenza pandemic in 1919 or that of COVID-19 almost exactly a hundred years later. The world is very different from what it was in 1856. So is Australia. So too are we as ordinary Christian people seeking to follow ‘all that [Jesus] commanded’ the first apostles. What will the next generation face? As I write this, we are in the middle of the pandemic. None of us have experienced, or could really have imagined, this kind of dislocation, and the widespread fear and anxiety that goes with it. I don’t know when this will end. I don’t know what will have changed forever when this does end. How will months of social distancing, enforced online education and business meetings, affect us in the long-term? The last fifty years or so have seen one government decision after another slowly unpicking the social fabric we have taken for granted for centuries. When such an event as this pandemic comes

When Thomas Moore, the boat-builder turned pastoralist and magistrate, left in his will both property and money to establish a college, he had in mind the training of a new generation to live and serve as disciples of Christ.

on the back of such deep and dramatic change in how we see ourselves and how we organise ourselves, what will be the consequences?

to love those entrusted to their care by walking alongside them and sharing with them the most important news they could ever hear.

Moore College keeps growing and that requires both a nimble flexibility (in the light of changed circumstances) and tenacious faithfulness (in the light of an unchanging gospel). We are about preparing gospel workers not just for this moment in time but for the years to come. What I call a deep, broad and sustained immersion in the word of God, in the context of a loving, learning fellowship, and in vital partnership with local churches, must remain at the centre of what we do. It is critical. This generation too wants

We want to see Thomas Moore’s dream realised in ways he could never have imagined. We want to see our graduates in every corner of the world speaking about Jesus and living out among different groups of people a life of humble, faithful discipleship. We want to see them as instruments of the living God, who are equipped and eager to play their part in God’s great plan of being all things under the feet of Jesus. Then it will be their turn to look to the generation to follow and prepare them to do so the same — until Jesus returns in glory.

people to do that in a world where

Yet it is at precisely this point that we can have tremendous confidence in the gospel of the crucified and risen saviour. That gospel is, as it always has been, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). The context in which it is proclaimed keeps changing —  it has for over two thousand years — but the content of what is proclaimed remains the same. So when the pandemic is over, we will still be doing all we can to make known who Jesus is and what he has done. We will still be calling people to take hold of forgiveness and new life, to repent and believe. We will still be looking forward to that day when all the brokenness we have experienced will be done away with forever. And we will need more and more people to do that in a world where that brokenness has been out in the open and has shaken the shallow confidence we once had in ourselves.

The next generation of gospel workers — wonderful men and women who will give themselves to go anywhere at anytime to share with anyone the announcement and summons of the gospel — will need to know God deeply. It will not be enough to pass on what we have heard from others. We will need to be able to show by our lives that we have been with Jesus. The next generation will need to know what God has made known to us in his word with both a depth and clarity that means they can share it with bewildered and anxious neighbours and friends. They will need to know how to think about life and discipleship and ministry in a way that is directed by God’s word and effectively intersects the lives of those they seek to reach for Christ. They will need

have been with Jesus. The next in his word with both a depth and the lives of those they seek to

It is critical. This the next to be better prepared and more effective than we have ever been. So we must think and plan, not just years but for the next fifty.

for the next five

JADE HAJJ

FIRST YEAR PROFILE

I was quite a ‘pretty cool cat’ when I was younger, but one time, I had a big falling out with my crew at the middle school I attended in Lebanon.

A few days later, I met the son of a Dutch missionary during recess, and we were instant best friends. We would skate together (skateboard; not iceskating), play video games (Counterstrike, Starcraft, Grand Turismo), and generally cause havoc in the neighbourhood. After multiple promptings from him, I agreed to go to church and then also decided to go to a

church weekend away. It was at the weekend away that I first understood the gospel and made a decision to put my trust in Jesus.

I have been walking with the Lord for fifteen years now. It has been a roller coaster of a time, but what is certain is that He is good and faithful, and I am weak and daily need His grace.

I have been passionate about serving the church and sharing the gospel since the day the Lord picked me up out of the trash and told me that He loved me; even when I was still His enemy.

Having been raised in Lebanon, I have come to greatly appreciate the fact that in Australia, people can take time out of their busy lives to study at college full time. This is nearly unheardof back home. Most pastors have a second job to provide for their families! It took me a few years to come around to it, but by the end of 2018, I was confident that I would be attending Moore College full time in 2020. What happens after College is a wonderful mystery to Karen and me. My fervent prayer is to be a worker in the great Australian harvest, but we are open to the fact that God may have di erent plans for us. He has been faithful and near to us through di culties, through wars, through the good and the bad times, and we know that He will continue to be.

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

FIRST YEAR

First Year

My wife Jessica and I attend St Andrew’s Wahroonga with our little girl Zoë. We are thankful to be preparing for a lifetime of serving Jesus and his people. Please pray that my family and I grow in love, humility and wisdom.

I enjoy walking, especially along a beach, and playing board games. Please pray that God would bless me with good health this year, and that I might settle into helpful routines for knowing him and loving others while I’m at College.

RANDAL BENN

Delighted to be studying at Moore and continuing to serve at Wild St Church. Married to Annette with three children and residing in Maroubra. Pray that each day I would live in trusting obedience to the Lord Jesus.

REUBEN BIRCHLEY

From Brisbane, Queensland. Middle child. Musician. Teacher. Looking forward to learning more about Jesus and people this year. Interested in serving in rural churches beyond College.

I am recently married to Leah. I like talking, laughing, relaxing, cooking and eating. I am currently serving at Jannali Anglican Church. Please pray that Leah and I can build a solid foundation for marriage and both of us will continue being faithful and prayerful servants of God.

Love evangelism and reading the Bible with women at St Andrew’s Strathfield. If anything makes me jump out of bed in the morning, it’s a new BTS music video. Bring up South Korea and I’ll talk for hours. Pray that I’ll get to combine my love of Jesus and Korea!

Hey, hey, my name is Max and am recently married to Kate! Together we live in beautiful Manly and attend St Matthew’s Manly. Please pray for the year ahead as we continue to settle into a new rhythm of work and rest.

ELIZABETH CARMODY

Excited to have moved to Newtown and to be starting College with my husband Matt and our two cats! Looking forward to getting involved in the community. I love to knit, crochet, sew, craft etc... I also like taking naps, reading novels, and drinking tea.

Thankful to be at College and serving at St Basil’s Artarmon this year. Favourite pastimes are food with friends, enjoying the arts and scenic drives. Please pray that God will deepen my knowledge, faith and love for Him so that I will live faithfully and boldly proclaim Christ.

Huge fan of theology, coffee and my lovely wife Amy (no particular order). God has graciously guided us here from Northern Ireland and we can’t wait to see how he grows us over the next four years before we head home to serve his church on the Emerald Isle.

Married to Maddy. Born and raised in Sydney. Enjoy watching movies, either at the cinema or at home. Pray that I’d stay keen to serve God wherever it may be needed.

I’m married to the wonderful Evie, and we have a fat cat named Louie. In my spare time I enjoy getting outside, the beach and exercise. Pray that as I go through college I would grow in my love for God, and for an increasingly thankful and generous heart.

LIV CHAN

JORDAN CUNNINGHAM

JOSH DONOHOO

JAKE FITZPATRICK

JONATHAN ADAMS

STEPHANIE ADAMS

PETER BLAKE

ASH BRAITHWAITE

MAX BREWER

MARTIN FONG

Please pray that I would learn much at College and have it shape my life and teaching. Pray that I would serve well at Chatswood Presbyterian Church, especially with the kids and youth in my groups. Pray for wisdom for knowing where to serve after college. Thanks!

Lived in Lebanon for most of my life up until 2016 when I moved to Sydney with my wife Karen. We love travelling, culture and having fun. Pray that I study well, learn lots and grow in Christlikeness.

My family includes my wife Maddie and two kids — Daisy (2yrs) and Peter (6months). We moved across from Adelaide to study at Moore. We love coffee, fun and hanging out with friends. Looking forward to getting to know you.

I like flat whites, mending things and trying to figure out the deep things of God. Pray I would continue to apply all the things we learn in College, and that it wouldn’t just be head knowledge. Pray I’d trust where God takes me this year!

My wife (Mel), 2 kids (Calvin and Charlotte) and I have moved from Armidale to come to Moore College! We live at ButHarGra and attend Lugarno Anglican Church. Please pray that I would grow in knowledge and be equipped to serve in a world that needs Jesus.

My family and I are thrilled to live and study at Moore College. It’s our hope and prayer that, Lord willing, we’ll be trained to serve Jesus by multiplying faithful ministries and workers in the UK (where we’re from) - but we want to be ready to deploy wherever!

Husband to Erin and father of Hannah. I love cycling, spreadsheets, making things efficient and watching TV comedies with Erin or thrillers (by myself). Pray that Erin and I would keep speaking the truth of God’s word to Hannah, to each other, and to all of you!

AMY LI

Love my saviour Jesus, husband Aaron, 2yo daughter Eva, Korean dramas, SW Sydney, board games (but not Catan, yuck) and teaching children. Please pray and encourage me to fix my eyes on Jesus until the end, and for all children such as Eva to know and love Jesus.

There are so many good things about College! I am being pushed to think more deeply so that I may grow in my love of Jesus alongside my new friends. Please pray that I would trust God to shape me to serve him for the rest of my life.

Katie and I live in Epping and go to Trinity Chapel at Macquarie Uni. On days off I’m out in the surf or sitting down with a book, tea, and a croissant. Pray for the safe arrival of our first child in August!

I’m Rob and I enjoy playing board games and video games with mates, watching AFL and coffee with my wife Vic. I’m excited to be able to study the Bible full time and hope to grow in my love for God and for others.

I love pointing people of all ages to Jesus! I’m married to Rob and we are excited to serve God together to see his kingdom grow. I love yummy food, the colour pink, going out for coffee dates with Rob and spending time with my family and friends!

MICHAEL HEMANS

SAM HERBERT

MICHAEL LATTEN

JADE HAJJ

DAVID HARRINGTON

BROOKE HAZELGROVE

HOSEA LUY

ALEX MACDONALD

ROBERT MAYHEW

VICKI MAYHEW

NATHAN MILHAM

Hello! I like music, sport, books, movies, food, sleeping, being awake, silly jokes, clever jokes, my wife and my three children, Jesus, the disciples, my church family, the Bible, reading the Bible, teaching the Bible and my new passionfruit vine in Newtown.

ALAN

NGUY

Husband to Carmen and father of Norah. Born and raised in Melbourne. Looking forward to proclaiming Jesus back home in Melb! Pray that we’ll deepen our love for God throughout our time in College.

MATTHEW PETERS

Incredibly excited to start at Moore and grow in God as well as be equipped to teach the gospel faithfully. My hope is to preach the gospel in Japan, and I would appreciate prayer that I can faithfully follow God’s calling and purpose in my life.

KEVIN PHANG

My wife (Zoe) and I serve at FOCUS International Church at UNSW. We both hope to be trained to preach the gospel faithfully in our home country in Malaysia. During our spare time we enjoy cooking, exploring the variety of cuisines in Sydney and playing outdoor sport.

CRAIG RILEY

Married to Laura and expecting first child in July! We serve at VillageChurch in Annandale. I love adventures, sport, coffee, Jesus, and friends. Pray that we rest in God’s goodness particularly with the anxiousness of life changes and an unknown future looming.

OWEN

ROBSON

It’s a great joy to drink deeply from the Scriptures at College. Please pray that I walk closely with the Lord while I study, and that I might be wise in how I use my time to serve Him faithfully.

JOHN

My wife Amanda and I recently began attending Naremburn Cammeray Anglican where I am a student minister. I am already excited to be engaging with God’s word in a deeper way and look forward to being better equipped to train and equip the church in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

DUNCAN SUTHERLAND

Christian from the country, who’s lived in Sydney and now on the Central Coast. I love my wife Francesca, coffee, talking sport and talking how we are going to reach Australia with the gospel.

SILVANUS

I’m Silvanus and I’m married to Hannah. I’m a fan of minimalism, good coffee and intentionality. We’re keen to bring the gospel to the many, many people in our country who need to hear it and be saved from God’s wrath.

RICK

I’m very excited to be studying the Bible at Moore College. My wife and I serve at a church in Carlton and are keen to see the world come to know Jesus.

Loving God and his people has fuelled my life from an early age, growing up in a ministry family. I also love my wife and her family, attempting to cook Jamie Oliver recipes, old books, old books in dead languages and a bit of surfing on the side.

VERONICA

I’m a half-blood Aussie born and raised in Belarus. I love books and I would never miss a cuppa shared in good company. Keen on taking the gospel to the nations! Please pray that God would equip me for the mission in Belarus through this time at College.

SHELDON

THIEM

VANCE

TIM YOUNG

ZHAVARANAK

Heart for Asia. Hope for Billions.

MISSION

—will you do it?

East Asia is home to many of the world’s largest unreached people groups. From China’s most densely populated cities to the highland villages of Vietnam, hightech Japan to the traditional wet markets of Myanmar, there are billions in Asia still waiting to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ.

We are looking for people to pioneer in new areas, persevere with us in the tough places, and partner with us to see culturally sensitive, biblical church movements in each people group of East Asia. We need people to build relationships, walk alongside others, and model a life of following Christ as Lord and Saviour... Could this be you?

PASSING IT ON: THE MULTIPLYING DYNAMIC IN GOSPEL MINISTRY

SAM & JEN HERBERT

In the run-up to our coming here, however, we had to do some pretty regular calibrations. Why were we going? We had to keep checking our Bibles to see what could be so important as to make the journey worthwhile.

The good deposit

“So why Australia?” “Why did you travel over 10,000 miles?” These are the questions we’ve been asked since arriving in January for Sam to start the Bachelor of Divinity.

In the last three months, life has folded in on itself, and, with College now online, we’ve (mostly with a laugh…) asked it of one another too: “Why did we come to study here?”.

But our serious answer has consistently been: “Moore” We came here for Moore College. We feel enormously privileged to have this opportunity to be trained for ministry at a place with such a long story of faithfully guarding the gospel.

So the theme for this issue of Societas, ‘From Generation to Generation’, prompted us to revisit some well-trodden ground. Some of Paul’s instructions to Titus and Timothy stood out for us in particular.

Here’s what we learned:

The gospel must be passed on. From the Great Commission and throughout the New Testament, the gospel is always on the move. Disciples make disciplemakers. Apostles entrust “the good deposit” to others who are, by the Holy Spirit, to guard it as a treasure. But not like the crown jewels hidden away in the tower. Guarding the gospel here means passing it on, whole and intact (2 Tim 1:14, 2:2).

The gospel must be passed on. With Paul in chains for the gospel, the baton passes to Timothy, and his work is to be high ‘upstream’: his ministry in Ephesus is to pass the gospel on to “reliable men” who’ll be able to teach others (2 Tim 2:2). Likewise, to win Crete for Christ, Titus is directed to deploy godly elders in every town (Titus 1).

The gospel must be passed on. Paul didn’t expect the gospel to stop with these reliable men and elders either. They were to “teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). And the ‘passing on’ should be happening within their congregations too, with teaching and word work taking place in a number of ways (e.g. Titus 2).

The multiplying dynamic

The gospel is guarded, passed on, and the result is… more teachers. It’s hard to resist the viral analogy here, but we’ll do our best. We’ll call it the multiplying dynamic. The multiplying dynamic says that every ministry

Multiplying dynamic

is strategic. As we pray for more workers for the harvest field, we’re praying for ministries that multiply.

The more we thought about this, the more we were persuaded that the task of passing on the gospel in order for it to be passed on (and on, and on) meant we should seek the best possible training ourselves. Even if that meant updating our passports.

So here we are at Moore. And this idea of a multiplying dynamic continues to have a number of implications for us as students now:

The multiplying dynamic is God’s work. From our perspective as first years, being at Moore can feel like you’re part of something strong and

robust. There are lots of bright, energetic people getting things done and doing them well. But we must remember that in a global context, we’re

very small. Sydney is a long way from typical. There are towns, cities, entire countries with nothing close to an evangelical church, let alone a decent Bible college.

The task is great, but we are not. He raises up both the harvest and the workers. Unless the Lord builds, we labour in vain. That means we must be on guard against complacency, and we must pray.

The multiplying dynamic means engaging in a long-term task. College so far has been heartwarming, intellectually stimulating and heaps of fun, but we’re engaged in a serious task. Our lectures shouldn’t terminate with us. From biblical studies to morning tea chats, Hebrew grammar to Moorewomen Talks, we want to be actively thinking about how what we learn now will equip us to pass on the gospel in the future. The church God is building will last for eternity, and our studies are preparing us to be part of that work.

The multiplying dynamic means thinking ahead. We want to keep thinking about what the theological and cultural landscape might look like in a generation’s time. How will what we learn today help the next generation guard the gospel and pass it on?

It’s exciting to think what the Lord could have in store for a ministry with this dynamic. How much more effective will

pastoral care be when congregations are trained for ministry to one another? How much better could the burdens of ministry be shared by well-trained leaders? Could the next children’s or student worker come from within your congregation? Consider the potential impact, in the Lord’s hands, if your church sent just one individual into full-time ministry every five years. And some ministries will be able to send more.

The multiplying dynamic also means thinking, like Paul, further upstream. Who on our radar should be in full-time pastoral ministry or heading into academic theology? Where should the next training colleges be planted and resourced in order to continue the training of workers? What needs to happen now for that to be possible in the future?

Our prayer is that we’ll be changed by our time at College and the things we learn will take root and produce the fruit of godliness in our lives, and enable us to serve others more richly in whatever future work the Lord has prepared for us. However, it doesn’t stop there. The multiplying dynamic means that those ministries will, Lord-willing, yield more teachers. So, as well as learning and growing, we’re also praying that we’ll be guarding the good deposit as we pass it on.

EVA TANG

I am a first-generation migrant. But when it comes to faith, I am not a firstgeneration Christian. My grandparents on my mother’s side were the first Christians of the family.

Second Year

My grandmother used to tell me the story of how she fled to Hong Kong from war-torn mainland China with my uncles and aunts when they were still little. My mum was born in Hong Kong and where they used to live was a church on the other side of the road. That was where they heard the gospel and became Christians. As a young kid I listened to the same story again and again. I did not realise how the faith of my grandmother had planted a seed in my heart until many years later.

Soon after migrating to Sydney, we settled at my home church, where the gospel was articulated to me. Knowing I could not deny my sinfulness, I came to Christ, thankful for his forgiveness. My grandmother’s strong trust in God and faithfulness in prayer encourages me to persevere in faith all these years in my Christian walk, and I thank God for her life and wonderful witness. After coming to Christ, I had been attending church regularly, learning more about God and what it means to be a follower of Christ. At the same time, I was following my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I studied hard and I made it to vet school and became a vet. ‘Living my dream’ is what people would call it, and I thought I would work as a vet until the day I leave this world. Little did I know how di erent the story would turn out to be.

Although I was ‘living my dream’, I began to question whether being

a vet is worth dedicating my entire life to it. While I was pondering this question, I was challenged to commit to full-time ministry. This is something that had surfaced a number of times throughout the years, but I kept rejecting it because I only wanted to become a vet and I held my profession so tight that I did not want to give it up for anything. I thought I had been following my Lord; little did I know how far away I was from that — I had made up my mind about my career and my life, and had not allowed God to ‘get in the way’. But as you would have worked out, He got his way. And here I am at College to be trained for ministry.

I am open with the road after College. I’m used to planning out my whole life, but now I’ve learned to follow God’s plan. I have a heart for youth and overseas students. If the opportunity arises, I would love to do further study so I can keep digging in the treasure trove of God’s word.

SECOND YEAR

Second Year

Charly, Elijah and I were excited to welcome Joshua into our family in November. We are currently planning to go into family ministry when I finish College. Please pray that we would continue to grow in our love for Jesus and in love and knowledge of his word.

Hi, I’m Ashleigh. I’m thankful for my first year of learning alongside brothers and sisters at College, and excited to dig deeper this year! Please pray my time here would shape me to be more like Christ, and that I can put my learning into action for his glory.

Adam, Christyn, Maddy (6) and Kiera (4), living in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Pray for us as we adjust to full-time study and managing family life as well. Plans beyond College is to do God’s will in whatever ministries he sees fit to appoint us.

Lavinia and I are looking forward to growing and serving with others this year. We are thankful to be at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church. Please pray that I would study diligently, put the interests of others first and grow in thankfulness for new life that is only found in Jesus.

While I’m looking forward to building on the foundations of first year, Sharon and I have welcomed our first child, Kingsley, born in April. We continue to pray for wisdom and discernment in our plans beyond College.

I am married to Mel and we have three beautiful boys — Ezekiel, Joshua and Lucas. Thank God for the great joy and privilege of studying at College and serving alongside the saints at Auburn Anglican Church.

It was a privilege to study last year, and an even bigger privilege to study again this year! Continue in prayer that, by the Spirit, God would shape me as his servant. Pray also that I may learn much from and serve well the saints at MBM Rooty Hill.

I’m Louise and I’m married to Michael, who is in third year. I am so thankful for time to study God’s word at College and we look forward to using what we have learned to serve in church ministry after College!

Avril and I loved our first year at College, being encouraged to know and love God deeply! Avril will begin studying one subject this semester, as we both seek to be equipped to minister the gospel throughout our lives, serving, we hope, among diverse peoples and cultures.

I am thankful for the opportunity to study the Word and be equipped for lifelong ministry wherever God leads me.

I studied at Youthworks College 2013-15, where I met my wife Larissa. I worked as a Youth and Children’s Minister near Penrith 2013-19. I’m coming to Moore College to be further equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry to children, youth and families. Our baby Zion was born in January!

I have loved thinking deeply about God’s word at Moore, particularly in Doctrine. Very excited for ‘Moore’ of it! After-College plans are small parish ministry, though ‘where’ is yet to be decided. Please pray for wisdom and discernment!

I’m married to Chloe and we have a beautiful daughter named Elise (born Sept 2019). We’re considering rural ministry in the future. Please pray for continued growth in the knowledge and love of God.

I am thankful to God to be able to continue studying his word this year. My wife Bec will be serving with AFES at Macquarie University this year. Please pray that as I study at College I would become more like Jesus.

Rach and I have had Sylvia join the team this year. She’s a cute baby. I’m excited to be a Dad and look after my family. I’m also excited to see the language work start to pay off in exegesis.

JAMES BOARDMAN

ASHLEIGH BOND

ADAM BREASLEY

ALEX BROWNE

BRODIE CUTMORE

JOSH GOSCOMBE

EDWARD HANNAH

MATT HEARNE

ALEX HITCHCOCK

MIKE HUNTINGTON

SAM DAVIDSON

RUSSELL DENTEN

LOUISE FIGUEIRA

ADAM FRIEND

MATTHEW GOLDMAN

ADAM JOHNSON

I’m married to Chinzia. Looking forward to being thoroughly equipped to think deeply about the Bible and serving God’s people. Please pray that I would learn well and love my time at Moore.

AMANI

I loved my first year at College! I enjoyed looking at the Old Testament and grew in my understanding of how it points towards the person and work of Jesus. I am looking forward to living in the College community and all this year has in store.

EDMUND LEUNG

Edmund, Maggie, Erastus “Rusty” (2017), Gaius “Gaga” (2019). We moved up to Sydney from Melbourne. Edmund worked as an AFES apprentice at RMIT University. We currently serve at Enfield/ Strathfield Anglican Church. Pray we form even stronger relationships with people we meet.

JASON LING

After a refreshing Summer with family and friends, Jason would love prayer for steadfastness and humility as he heads into the terrifying and uncharted waters of second year. Please also pray for patient discernment as he continues following leads for what post-College ministry would look like.

ANDREW

I’ve come into second year at Moore after studying at Youthworks. Keen to get stuck into God’s word again and get to know my new cohort.

I am married to Merryn. I would love prayer to continue diligently in my studies as I juggle the responsibilities of ministry and full-time study. Give thanks for the privilege and blessing it is to study God’s word so deeply at Moore!

The Martins came from Campus Bible Study to study at Moore and serve the saints at Engadine Anglican. We became a household of four this year! Baby Annie is a delight. We value the depth of engagement with God’s word at College. Pray for wisdom as we consider postCollege pathways.

Tony, Yenli and Lukas (turned 1 in April) are excited to be serving God wherever he sends us. We are praying for opportunities to serve Him overseas (possibly in Asia) but in the meantime, we will continue to take up opportunities to love others with the gospel in our neighbourhood.

Sarah and I have settled into Sydney after moving from the UK to study at Moore. Our plan remains to return to the UK after our four years, and we’d appreciate prayers this year for wisdom as to which ministries to pursue post-College.

I’m thankful for settling into College and married life. It’s such a privilege that Dan and I can both study in this loving community. I’m keen to use what God has given me to teach children about Jesus. Long-term, Dan and I hope to serve overseas in student ministry.

Yukiho and I currently serve at Sydney Japanese Evangelical Church. Please pray for endurance this year with greater responsibility at church and as Yukiho starts PTC in her non-native language. Pray also for wisdom in doing student ministry in Japan post-graduation.

It continues to be a joy and a privilege to be studying God’s word and serving his people at St George North Anglican. His grace continues to be sufficient! Please pray that God would bring glory to himself as I study, serve and delight in Him. Thankful for your prayers!

LOPEZ

BRAYDON LUCAS

ANGUS MARTIN

TONY NGUYEN

JAMES RIGHETTI

ERINA SAWYER

STUART SHARRY

NETANE SIUHENGALU

KAZOGOLO

I’m married to Felicity. We currently serve at St James’ Menangle and also attend Unichurch UNSW. I enjoy the in-depth study of biblical languages, and I look forward to another year of it! Pray for us as we consider where we may serve post College, possibly interstate university ministry.

I have pretty solid Birkenstock tan. But what is more solid is my conviction that the world needs to hear about Jesus. Serving at Barney’s at Broadway.

Married to Jess, I am looking forward to studying more Doctrine and Church History as we think about why we believe what we believe and also how to interact better with Catholics and to the things that have gone on in our history.

Rach and I are excited for another year at Moore. We are looking forward to all the ways God will grow us and use us to lead his people into a mature relationship with him. Pray the Lord will strengthen us in his love and enable us to teach others.

My wife Dee and I, along with Poppy and Boaz, have loved the opportunity to be a part of the College community over the last year and start getting equipped for full-time ministry. After College we hope to return to country NSW to continue serving the Lord there.

Pray that Howard and I will continue to support and be understanding to each other, and we will continue to be humbled through the study of God’s word. Also pray for a blessed and fruitful time at Menai Anglican Church as I begin to join them as a student minister.

I am married to Beth and we are currently serving at Naremburn Anglican at the evening service. The community at College has been a great blessing. Please pray for us to grow deeper in our love for one another and for Jesus, particularly through the busyness of life.

I’m married to Emma, and we are the parents of Reuben and Paige. Praise God for sustaining us through an encouraging and challenging first year. I’m excited to be entering into 2nd year. Pray that God would help me balance family life, College and ministry well.

Please pray during 2nd year I would love God, others and the Bible more. Please pray for my College, kids’ ministry and evangelism yearly goals, that these would happen. Please pray for kids’ ministry at Guildford, that the kids I lead would love God and the Bible more each Sunday.

Alongside my husband Bryn, we are looking forward to another year of learning from God’s word and being equipped for a lifetime of ministry. We hope to return to Melbourne at the end of the four years and get involved in student ministry.

2019 was a great year settling into Sydney, learning alongside a loving community, and being equipped to know and handle God’s word. I’m often reminded through Chapel or class what a privilege it is to study here! When we graduate we hope to do student ministry back in Melbourne.

Angela and I have moved over from New Zealand to be equipped to faithfully teach the Bible and bring what we have learned back home. Please pray that we are faithful with our time in Sydney, make strong connections with others, and for the safe arrival of our unborn baby in August.

Second Year

JEREMY SMITH

LAURA SMITH

TIM SMITH

DANIEL SPERINCK

MATT STONES

EVA TANG

NED TEUBEN

KIM WALKER

KATE WEIGHTMAN

BRYN WEIGHTMAN

DAVID THOMPSON

MING YONG

UNDERGRADUATE PART-TIME Students

Lyn Adamson

Lachlan Anderson

Serena Aseervatham

Doris Awad

Eliza Batten

Simon Beard

Meg Blight

Edwina Blowes

Nick Bodle

Nic Boyle

Tim Brake

Bec Carleton

Olivia Cason

Zenith Chae

Peter Chan

Phil Chapman

Jennifer Cheung

Mel Clement

Ashley Cleworth

Adam Condie

Steven de Jong

Jasper de Keizer

Liam Denny

Melissa Domingo

Bethany Downes

Susan Duc

Lauren Dunstan

Matt Evans

Rachel Fleming

James Flood

Sam Foster

Luke Fotheringham

Jordan Francis

Avril Friend

Peter Gardiner

Josephine Gillespie

Mat Gillespie

Noah Gillham

Daniel Gillis

Jillian Govender

Simon Graham

Marian Guthrie

Chloe Hearne

Chim Ho

Melody Hoey

Sincere Hui

Josie James

Lauren Julius

Paul Kershaw

Erin Latten

Gaby Lewis

Tom Lingafelter

Leanne Luk

Olivia Martin

Katherine Milham

Amy Morrison

Chloe-Jane Muscat

Zaneta Neal

Sheila Pang

Tim Pinnock

Buhui Qiu

Boon Quah

Chris Rooleht

Kat Saville

Susie Schubert

Kareena Seifert

Aiesha Seyfang

Melanie Sheath

Jess Sheely

Conor Smyth

Eddie So

Jill Stevens

Katie Stringer

Jono Tuivawa

Andy Tuskan

Ryan Uy

Lynne Verghese

Christopher Waterhouse

Richard Wong

Osmond Wong

Carmen Zheng

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH Students

MTH DAVID BRACKENBURY

MTH K ATE BRADFORD

MTH JOHN HUDSON

MTH ANDREW KRISTANTO

PHD PAUL WHITE

MTH BENJAMIN UNDERWOOD

MTH DANIEL WEBSTER

PHD M ARTIN ROBINSON

PHD PETER RYAN PHD JAMES RUTHERFORD

PHD JONATHAN WU PHD K AMINA WUST

PHD JOEL ATWOOD PHD N ATHAN BARNES PHD GEORGE BISHAI PHD THOM BULL PHD V IVIAN CHEUNG PHD CHRIS CONYERS

Study a Postgraduate Degree

Master of Arts (Theology)

(MA Theol)

Master of Theology (MTh)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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A GENERATION AWAY FROM EXTINCTION? THE BIBLICAL STORY OF GENERATIONS

TONY NGUYEN

What if?

In 2013, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, warned that Christianity in Britain was just a “generation away from extinction”.

With all the different stories from the media, we are led to believe that Christianity here is also in decline. That is why many argue that Christianity needs to adapt and evolve in

order to minimise the number of people leaving churches.

What if Christianity in Australia is also at risk of being one generation away from extinction?

Should we change what we have been doing in order to preserve what we have left?

The reality is that Christianity has always been a generation away from extinction.

What if the apostles had not recorded their Gospels and Epistles? What if the early church leaders had failed to appoint appropriate teachers to train the next generation?

Fast forward to the generation before us — what if no one had taught and trained our Sunday school teachers, our Scripture teachers, our Youth Group leaders, our growth group leaders, our theological college lecturers, our church leaders and pastors?

It’s in our DNA Teaching and training the next generation, or more simply: passing on the knowledge of who God is and what he has done has always been a part of the DNA for God’s people. But this idea is not a new one only to the New Testament people of God — teaching and training the next generation goes back all the way to Abraham.

When God entered into a covenant relationship with Abraham in Genesis 12, this covenant was further established by circumcision — not just for Abraham, but also for

all the offspring after him (Gen 17:7-13). It would be a permanent physical reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham for all those who came after him

In the lead up to the Exodus, God revealed himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and revealed his personal name, “I AM WHO I AM” — this was how he was to be remembered throughout all generations (Exod 3:14-15).

Prior to the final plague, God gave commandments regarding the Passover. All Israel was commanded to celebrate the Passover Feast annually in the generations to come, as a reminder that God saved them from slavery in Egypt (Exod 17:7-12).

After the Exodus, they were given the Law and commanded to make known what they had experienced to their children and children’s children (Deut 4:9-10). Teaching the children how to live as God’s holy people permeated all aspects of life — even household objects like doorposts and gates (Deut 6:4-9)!

Psalm 78 puts it like this: 4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

Beyond biological

However, the concept of ‘family’ is expanded beyond the biological family in the New Testament. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the church is now the new family, which is made up of different members and generations. How does this new family change the idea of teaching and training the next generation?

church (1 Cor 4:14-17).

And this continues today. Those who came before us were taught the knowledge of who God is and what he has done, and they were trained to pass it on to the next generation, up until it has reached us today.

The real threat

Starting with the Great Commission, Jesus told the disciples to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to observe his commandments (Matt 28:18-20). They were to pass on the knowledge of who Jesus is and what he had done, so that a new generation of disciples would follow him. Thus, the responsibility to teach and train the next generation was no longer solely about the next generation of biological children, but the next generation of believers.

Christianity will always be one generation away from extinction. Cultural irrelevance or low church attendance is not the driving force of this extinction — the real threat is our own failure to pass on what we have heard, read, learned and believed to those who come after us.

We have the responsibility of teaching and training the next generation, so that they will not only remember what God has done for them, but as the Psalmist yearns:

taught their children

Once in the land, parents taught their children to sing psalms that recounted all that he had done for their descendants.

adapted Old Testament

now included the person

Notably, all of this was centred around the biological family — the parents (the father in particular) had the role to ensure that the children were taught about God and trained to live God’s way. When we get to the New Testament, this instruction for parents to teach children the discipline and instruction of the Lord does not change (Eph 6:4). We see this at work in the case of Timothy, in which his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice passed on their faith to him (2 Tim 1:5). Christian families would have adapted Old Testament practices to teach the next generation and this now included the person and works of Jesus Christ.

Paul instructed the early church to appoint ‘fathers’ — teachers and elders — to teach and train the next generation of believers so that they would pass it onto others (2 Tim 1:8-14; Titus 1:5-9). Paul himself modelled what it looked like to be a spiritual father, so that ‘his children’ could imitate his ways in Christ as he taught this to every

“that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

Paul himself modelled a spiritual father, so that

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RYAN VERGHESE

THIRD YEAR PROFILE Third

My Christian story is part of a tradition of faith that goes back at least five generations. My parents are both strong Christians, and so were my grandparents. My uncle on my father’s side is a minister in North India, my grandfather was a missionary (and later a minister) from South India to North India, my greatgrandfather was a minister in South India, and his father was a Christian too.

Year

This legacy predates the British occupation of India, a real reminder that the gospel is not Western, white or middle-class, but transcends our ordinary human divisions.

Growing up, I had the privilege of hearing the gospel in many ways: reading the Bible and saying prayers together as a family, attending the high church cathedral in Nagpur, acting in church plays while part of an Indian congregation in Kuwait, and going through the weekly rhythms of church in New Zealand. Yet even with all this exposure, my hardened heart wanted to live for my own glory rather than God’s. However, I was dogged by the relentless prayers of many asking God to bring me into his fold. My grandfather boldly prayed one step further, regularly telling me when I was growing up that he prayed that I would devote myself to God’s work and follow him in ministry. It was because of these

prayers, and the encouragement of my parents to go to their church in Quakers Hill, that I heard about God’s grace and it all finally clicked into place. I heard, repented and believed, and have not looked back since.

Somewhere along the way, God kindly gave me the great gift of my wife, Lynne. Her family story is almost completely di erent to mine. Her parents grew up during the Chinese Cultural Revolution where religion was rejected. It was by God’s grace, and the faithful encouragement of a friend, that she was able to hear the gospel and turn to him. As far as she can tell, she is the only Christian in her extended family! Yet she is now woven into a spiritual family that spans time and place. Together, we seek to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and this has led us to both come to Moore College.

As we raise and disciple our own children, we know the danger is for

them to assume the gospel. I am encouraged by the Bible and by my own story, to train them in the things of God and entrust their spiritual growth to him. We read the Bible, pray and sing with them, and set a regular rhythm of gathering with God’s people at church. As we explore a future where we may serve God overseas as missionaries as well, my hope is to explain to them why sacrifice is a tangible expression of gospel living. Through all this, our prayer is that they too will be knit into this larger family story of faith, and serve him wholeheartedly for all their days.

THIRD YEAR

Third Year

MITCHELL ALBERT

We are excited to start another year of College! Our desire is to be faithful with what God has given us.

JESS ANDERSON

Still love Jesus. Zac and I are enjoying another year with St Barnabas Bossley Park. We would like to serve God outside Sydney and are open to pretty much anywhere. Thanks for praying!

TIM ASH

2020 has been an exciting year for Naomi and I as we have been blessed with the birth of our daughter Elliana. We are continuing to work with the youth at Oran Park and are excited by opportunities it brings. Pray for energy and endurance as we continue.

ELLE BRYCE

As I continue my studies I realise that I am only just scratching the surface of the wonders of God! Please pray that I continue to apply what I am learning to my heart, so that I may be able to explain the gospel with joy as I should :)

LAURIE CARLETON

Bec and I thank God for the opportunity to continue at College. We will be serving alongside the saints at St Paul’s Canterbury with our children (Olivia, Claudia, Harry). Please pray God will use us to take his good news to less resourced areas with a need for the gospel.

MATT CARMODY

Elizabeth and I are both studying at Moore and have the joy of serving down in Wollongong at Fairy Meadow Anglican. Please pray for us that as we learn more about our amazing Father, we’ll go beyond the academic and apply what we’re learning to our lives.

I’m married to Mary and now we have little Joshua! I’m excited to be diving into the Psalms and Doctrine this year! As we adjust to new patterns of family life, serving Vine Church and College, please pray that God would grow us in grace, joy and thankfulness for Jesus.

I’m so thankful to God for the privilege of being at College. I have continued to be humbled as I know God deeper and grow in dependence on him. This year I’m serving with the Lord Jesus’ people at St Mark’s Northbridge. Many thanks for your prayers.

Jordon (my wife) and I, along with our two sons (Augustine and Edward) are hoping to enter parish ministry in Sydney. Last year I really enjoyed digging into John’s Gospel; Jesus is amazing. This year I’m looking forward to Ethics classes, to think through living a consistently Christian life.

Originally from Perth. I have been thoroughly encouraged by looking at Christ’s work and the importance of Christ’s resurrection in his humanity. I am looking to do missionary work and run short-term discipleship courses and theological training so relationships can be helped to look like Christ’s model for us.

Chloe and I love serving in our local church, learning more about what God has done, and are looking forward to serving him in rural NSW after College. Please pray that we would grow in our love for Jesus, for each other, and for the lost and the less resourced.

I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to study at Moore College. My wife Louise is also studying, in 2nd year. We hope to continue serving in the Sydney Anglican Diocese beyond College. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed studying Doctrine and look forward to it again this year.

So grateful to God that I have made it to 3rd year. Last year my wife Lisa and I welcomed our daughter Olivia into our family. Please pray for God’s continuing support as I continue to study and pray for his wisdom as we raise Olivia to know him.

JOEY CHENG

RUSDYAN COCKS

WALLY COX

RHYS EWING

MICHAEL FIGUEIRA

MATT GOODMAN

MARK DAVIES

Sophie and I have settled well into the College community and I’ve appreciated more and more the privilege to have the time set aside to dive deep into God’s word. I’ve now started my application for Anglican candidacy, and am looking forward to beginning our life in ministry!

Super excited to be studying in 3rd year this year! I’m married to Simon (studying 1st year part time). We are currently serving at Christchurch Gladesville, with a focus on youth and kids.

I am married to Janice and we have two daughters, Ellenia and Ruhania. We look forward to being equipped for the Lord’s work in the multicultural world and prepare for the Lord’s return.

I’m married to Soph. We have a 2yo, Reuben, and baby daughter Eden. I’m passionate about the local Church, and love seeing God at work to bring people from darkness to light, gathered together to love and follow Jesus.

Eliza and I recently welcomed Asher into our family. Please pray for him that he may know Jesus as Lord, for God to reveal his plans for us beyond College and that each of us will continue to grow in our likeness of Christ.

In 2020 I will be entering into 3rd year at College and will be a student minister at Auburn Anglican Church. Please pray that I would grow in my love and knowledge of Christ and that I may love and serve others with the gospel in imitation of Christ.

My wife Katrina has just finished her BTh and left me behind to finish my BD! While she ministers to youth at St John’s Sutherland, I am excited to continue closely studying the Scriptures and watching them mould my heart to be more like Christ. Would you please pray for us?

I am married to Janet. I am very thankful that I can continue to equip myself in the word of God at Moore College, and I am looking forward for more of this in 2020.

I am married to Leanne and we have a 2 year old boy, Jonathan. We feel privileged to be able to prepare for lifelong gospel service of the Lord here at Moore College. Please pray that we would be transformed and equipped to serve him where he sends us after College.

My wife Lucy and I are thrilled to be at College. While currently focusing on multicultural evangelism, I have loved working in youth ministry for years. In the past year I have been especially encouraged by considering how God chooses all kinds of people to be used for his glory.

Jesse, Amy, Solomon and Elijah are all in the classroom this year, what a privilege! Our aim is to live for Christ and to look at a camera simultaneously, a work in progress. We plan on serving God somewhere between the UK (Amy’s homeland) and Australia (Jesse’s homeland) so Iceland is off the list.

Phill and Janine hope to be used by God in regional Australia to raise up many gospel workers to see heaps of people saved. Why don’t you think about joining them?

I am married to Joanne. We are glad to explore the width and depth of the words of God with the aim to preach and proclaim. We are hoping to serve God within or outside of Sydney in the future.

Nick is married to Elissa and they have a smiley bub called Sammy. They attend Holy Trinity Kingsford. Please pray for Elissa’s ministry to Sammy, for future planning, for the Youth at Holy Trinity, and for joy and diligence in study.

I’ve been humbled by all that needs to be learned. Am thankful and privileged to be here at Moore! Please pray for generous giving as Christ Evangelical Reformed Church Malaysia collect funds that I may carry on to 4th year and also send another international student to Moore in 2021!

PAUL GRAHAM

SAM GRAHAM

ERIC HAN

BEN HARRIS

EVAN HARRIS

JAISON JACOB

BEN KO

JAMES LIU

GORDON LUK

JESSE MORRISON

PHILLIP MORROW

LAWRENCE NG

NICK O’NEIL

VANESSA ONG

ANDREW MARRETT

KIMJENG PANTLIN

I’ve found College to be quite a transformative experience so far. It’s also been super fun! I’m starting a new student ministry position this year at a women’s prison so I’m looking forward to learning lots. Pray for wisdom and discernment as we make plans for our future post-College.

BEN

PANTLIN

Really enjoying living with the good folk at MooreWest and doing student ministry at Glenmore Park Anglican. Please pray for my ongoing learning from God’s word at College, that it will equip God’s people in the work of ministry.

BECKI PHILIP

Being so immersed in God’s word is such a joy. Every day we learn wondrous new things about the Lord Jesus! Alongside my husband, Ajay, I am looking forward to continuing to figure out how to use all we’ve been given to glorify our great and gracious God.

SARAH ROOTES

I’ve loved thinking deeply about the life and work of Christ Jesus. As I plan to look for work in rural and regional areas of Australia, I’m treasuring this time of community while I study. Please pray that God will continue shaping my heart, head and hands for the work that is ahead.

ANDY RUSSELL

Please pray for Courtney and I as we have welcomed our second child into God’s world in June. Pray that we would be loving, diligent and patient parents and that I would teach Sophie and [Baby] to be wise. Also pray that I would share the gospel with my barber this year.

DAMON SCOTT

Coralie and I are excited for this year as I head into my third year of study. It’s been really great to be growing and learning through College over the last two years, and I’m excited for more of the same. Pray for us as we consider what to do next year.

TIM SCOULAR

Lauren and I are thankful for this season of preparation. We would love your prayers as we discern whether God would have us serve in the UK long-term.

I’m married to Tom and we’re excited to see Jesus at work in our lives, in Newtown and in our church family (Anchor Church, Marrickville). We’re thankful that my health has improved so that I’ll be studying full-time. Please pray for continued healing and an unshakable trust in the Lord.

I’m looking forward to my third year at College! Summer holidays have been marked by conversations with those who are deeply lost and searching for purpose in the wrong places. I’m keen to grow in my doctrine and convictions to better proclaim Jesus’ name.

Husband of Lynne. Father of Alisha and John. We are praying that we may serve God long-term overseas, if he wills it. I’ve really been enjoying using the langauges to see more of the text than I did before. Please pray that I improve!

With 2019 thankfully in the past, Britt and I are running full steam at 2020. We’re happily halfway between College and church, living in Heathcote (Sutherland Shire) as I serve as student minister/youth wrangler at Picton and Wilton Anglican Church. Thanks so much for reading! #scooterlyf

With my amazing wife Eunice and our newborn Elizabeth, 2020 has been joyful and sanctifying! Please pray that God will use College, ministry and life to stretch us and grow our dependence, godliness and zeal as we prepare for ministry in Malaysia.

I’m Aaron, married to Ada. It’s been wonderful understanding more deeply how great God’s grace is. Pray that God would show us where he would like us to serve, as we are considering the mission field, pastoral ministry, or university ministry. Pray also for continued evangelistic opportunities with people!

My wife Emily and I, with our daughter Lila, are currently living in the Croydon Park College community. We are excited to serve and grow in our new church in Greenacre this year and hope to work with migrant communities in sharing Jesus after College.

I’m married to Sally and father of Nathan, Ben and Daniel. Please pray for God’s guiding hand to lead us as we discern his plan for our family into the future.

CHLOE STEWART

LING TANG

RYAN VERGHESE

SCOTT WILLIAMS

MICHAEL WOO

AARON YAP

FARAJ YUSUFOV

MITCH ZINSLI

A MINISTRY WE KNOW IS IMPORTANT BUT… AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO DO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WITH LOVE VANESSA ONG

Kids are being taught with or without you. By the screens in their faces, their friends, their own child logic of connecting the dots themselves… We’ve heard it all before: ‘Kids are like sponges’. What will you allow to be the greatest influence in the lives of the children in your church? Some older children are still very much attached to the ‘first loves’ they discovered when they were little. These might've been bad habits that were rewarded, or hobbies and interests.

I focused on every other ministry but children’s ministry in my entire first year of ministry apprenticeship with my home church in Malaysia.

I was formally assigned to take care of the ministry but effectively neglected to do so in my heart and in my actions. There was always the next university students, training session to work on, the high school chapel to plan and a girl from church to speak with urgently.

Sunday school runs as usual every week with or without me expending extra thought into the ministry, so why does it matter? As long as children leave Sunday school without learning heresy (and kept alive the entire time at Sunday school), right? Wrong.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” —  Proverbs 22:6.

We don’t want to feed our youth ministries with those who are unmotivated in the things of God.

A waking nightmare I call upon whenever I am tempted to slack on anything related to children’s ministry (only when things get especially tough!): The bored and jaded attitude of Sunday school graduates who’ve

finally arrived in the youth group. I’m sure those who speak about God and his gospel to children can contribute both positively and negatively to how children feel about learning and growing for another 5 years at youth group! Handling God’s word does not suddenly become less of a responsibility when teaching children.

It is common to think that as long as there is an absence of heresy in a single children’s lesson or household, then all is well. Perhaps it is because we think the children are not learning anyway, that a lesson is satisfactory as long as “Jesus died and rose again” is mentioned, or perhaps it is because no adult is present to correct us (if you happen to be the only teacher or your helpers are too new to know how!). However, when we are handling God’s word, we are handling God’s word. The quality and standards that we would maintain in handling the word carefully for an adult congregation is the same as with a small group of toddlers.

One of the following always makes the list of ‘Why I fear or dislike kids’ ministry’:

1. “I cannot control them. Children are scary.” This is definitely one of my fears. Kids can be so demanding! I have found some advice from Anna Hu, a Chaplain at Moore College, so useful and effective in children’s ministry.

Anna has told me that kids can sense if you are not taking charge so don’t be uncertain about what you are doing and why. It's the way you carry yourself. They respond based on how much they can push. They always ask questions like, “Can I read? Can I have another gobstopper?”. Don’t be too worried about disappointing them because sometimes it is not a big deal to them.

2. “I cannot connect with them. I feel awkward.”

Admittedly, some of us are more child-like than others. Some of us can quickly play House and pretend with the children whereas some of us seem to be a school principal or discipline master no matter what we wear or say. However, I have seen truly the best moments of children’s teaching by the most ‘adult-like’ adults I know. More obvious than their ‘un-child-likeness’ was their sincere love for both God and the children.

Spending plenty of time baby-sitting and with children, talking and getting to know them is important for knowing how to communicate with them. However, our job is not to become children. Being the personality for children’s TV does not guarantee that you can communicate theology faithfully to children or show them you love and care for them. The elder of the church I’ve spent most of my time teaching kids, Robin Gan, told me that there are three things that encapsulate Sunday school: theology, communication to kids, and love and care for the children. He says that children can see if you’re just doing your job. They know when you’ve put in effort.

So, don’t aim for the ‘Playmate of the year’ award or the ‘Child Specialist’ award (or any awards!). Just teach and love them!

3. “I cannot hold their attention. Any special tricks in the bag or techniques to share?”

I’ve had the great privilege of being trained in children’s ministry with Bruce Linton, Families Pastor at Vine Church, Sydney. Most people would describe him as a magician of sorts when it comes to children’s ministry. He really does have many games and fun for children up his sleeve! However, perhaps something that goes

unnoticed is that the ‘magician’ spends a lot of time in careful preparation and thought. Bruce is there early on a Sunday morning before anyone else is preparing everything. He thinks through the kind of ‘diet’ the children regularly need. For example, he has expressed (more than once!) how important the doctrine of God is for children and the fact that they need to hear Jesus from the Gospels every so often. Something that he mentioned more than once which stuck with me which I now propagate: children’s ministry is simply effort put in and enthusiasm.

We’ve heard it all before multiple times, and we’ve agreed profusely: “We must invest in the next generation”, they say. “The children are our future”…

They really are.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15.

Study the Bachelor of Divinity

moore.edu.au/divinity

JOHN LAU

FOURTH YEAR PROFILE

I am John, I am married to Vivian and blessed with Sabrina and Caleb, and we live with and under my parents’ roof in the historic suburb of Hunters Hill. We attend St Paul’s Anglican Church in Chatswood, which we have been calling our home church for the last 20 years.

Back in Hong Kong, while I was in Year 5 in a Catholic school, I heard about God for the first time. I was told about God’s love for me and how he sent Jesus to die on the cross for me, and I wanted to find out more. It was after I started attending a Christian high school that I started going to church and I committed my life to the Lord.

I started attending Moore College in 2010 when the college introduced part-time

study, and I was hoping to continue in the part-time mode while working out what to do with the family business I was managing at the time. I needed to postpone my study to deal with business and family issues after I had done most of the first-year subjects.

I was able to recommence my study in 2016, and the last few years have been such a blessing to enjoy the College community while being equipped for God’s work. Initially, I was aiming to utilise my language skills and cultural background to serve the Chinese community in a local church. Still, the idea has grown on me over the last ten years to serve a wider community, to utilise what God has given me for transcultural ministry, serving in a multiethnic, multicultural church.

My kids are one of the main reasons for my change in direction, because they are ABC (Australian Born Chinese) or ‘Bananas’

(yellow outside, white inside). I saw a few homogeneous churches broken up over the last ten years because their second and third generations found it hard to be part of something that is trying to maintain the culture that only their parents can relate to.

God revealed to the apostle John what Heaven looks like in Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

How churches are going to reflect that future reality is what I am hoping to work out before God calls me home.

FOURTH YEAR

Fourth Year

SETH ADDO-BEKOE

Seth Addo-Bekoe comes from Ghana. He is a chaplain at an Anglican Senior High School. Seth is married to Abigail with three children. Seth is currently in his fourth Year at College preparing for a lifetime of ministry in Ghana.

ELSIE ANDERSON

Very thankful for my time here at College. God has used it to grow me in my love and knowledge of his Son, and in my desire to see others do the same. Please pray for life after College, that I’d be faithful and depending on him wherever I go.

JOHN BATTEN

My name is John, husband of Eliza and dad to Pippa and Alice. I’ve loved growing and learning in community these last few years and look forward to where God will take us in his service in 2021. I’m currently serving at Penrith Anglican.

PAUL BERZEKIAN

Steph and I are thankful for time spent studying at College and for the progress throughout our ministry training. Please pray that we would keep growing in our love for our Lord and saviour Jesus, that we’d remain steadfast in him and seek to be like him.

KARINA BRABHAM

I’m currently a student minister at Church by the Bridge and St Augustine’s Neutral Bay. In my time so far at College, I’ve loved getting immersed in God’s word and being challenged to let it shape all I do. Please pray as I consider overseas mission for life beyond Moore.

Kirsten and I are excited for ministry in Drummoyne and are looking forward to what God has in store for us in 2020 and in the years following College.

This year in December Katrina, Daniel, Ainsley and Llewyn will be heading to Adelaide to join St George’s Magill where Daniel will be undertaking the role of an Associate Minister there. Please pray for us as we leave behind family and friends in Sydney to serve Jesus in Adelaide.

My wife Ash and I, along with our kids Poppy and Neve, are so thankful for our time here at College — for the community and learning. We’d love prayer that God would put us in places where our family would be most effective for his kingdom in the future.

Please pray for Loren and I to grow more in our love of Jesus in our final year at College and please pray for wisdom for us as we work out where we want to serve Jesus post-College.

Thank you so much for your prayers these last three years! Veronica and I, along with Clara (9 months) are so grateful for the chance we continue to have to learn of our great great God! Next year we hope to be proclaiming Christ in a parish somewhere in Australia.

My wife Kat serves as an Assistant Minister at St Jude’s Randwick, where I serve as a Student Minister. At this stage I intend to return to school chaplaincy after College. We’d love prayer for our various ministries and wisdom for how we can best continue to serve God together.

Lauren and I are facing some changes this year, with the arrival of little Luke Driscoll. We are enjoying watching him grow, and investing in a new church community at St Paul’s Canterbury.

Dan is married to Bec and they have three kids — Dominic, Olivia and Joshua. We will be serving Jesus at EV Church after College, and are keen to keep growing in our love of him this year.

So thankful for our time at College and church. Please pray that we might continue to be shaped by God in all aspects of life. Also for what life will look like as a family of three as we think about stepping into a full-time ministry role next year!

Give thanks for another year of digging into God’s word! Please pray that I’ll be transformed by what I’m studying. Pray for wisdom, strength and dependence on God as I serve at St Philip’s Auburn and make plans for 2021. Pray that I would learn much from them.

NIGEL COWELL

STEPHEN DRISCOLL

DAN FORD

MICHAEL FREEMAN

CAROL GILBERT

NATHAN BREWER

DANIEL CLARK

CHARLES CLEWORTH

ANDREW COPEMAN

JOHN COSTIN

JOSH HESFORD

Please pray God will continue growing Nikki and I, giving us wisdom to know where he wants us to be next year, and provide such a position where we can serve and be equipped for the lifetime of ministry ahead.

JAMES HOEY

Married to Melody, serving together at Scots Presbyterian Church. Excited to finish College and looking to serve Jesus in Melbourne. Pray that we would continue to carry our cross daily, counting all things as loss compared to knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior.

JIREH JANG

Husband to Celia, serving at North Ryde Anglican Church. Please join us in thanking God for showing his sovereignty in providing for all our needs as newlyweds. Please pray that God would give us the opportunity to train up Koreans in the biblical gospel for the nations.

VICTOR KHOR

Keen to serve Jesus back home in Melbourne. In the meantime, praying for more delighting in God in his word and more putting sin to death.

JOHN LAU

I am very grateful for the support Vivian has given me over the last 10 years, and for our cohort—Class of 2016. Finishing my long journey at Moore means continuing service at St Pauls’ Anglican Chatswood, our home church and where Sabrina and Caleb were born.

AVRIL LONSDALE

It’s a joy to be at College and serving God’s people at St Martins Killara this year. I’m passionate about seeing the gospel radically change women’s lives. I’d love to serve somewhere in Sydney post-College. Please pray that I’ll keep grounding myself in God’s word, relying on his strength alone.

CAMERON MASON

My wife Winnie and I have the joy of serving God’s people at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican. Please pray that I would continue to learn well from God’s word and that Winnie would be faithful as she serves with AFES at Wollongong University. Thanks!

KURTIS MCCABE

My wife Jani and I have a little boy James, and another on the way. After College we hope to find a place where we can join in on a mission to reach many of the lost.

Hi! What a joy it is to study God’s word and be sharpened by my College mates. Over the year I have been reminded of the beauty of God’s grace. Currently I am serving at St Andrew’s Wahroonga. After College I hope to go into ministry to youth and kids.

I’m very thankful to God for my time at College in the reso community and with a great year group. Please pray for opportunities to proclaim the gospel this year through Two Ways Ministries and for wisdom in finding the right place to serve after College.

Sophie and I start at Two Ways Ministries and St Mark’s South Hurstville this year, our final year at College. We are excited to learn as much as possible away from our home church on the Central Coast. Please pray we will be disciplined and effective in all we do.

I’m Josh, married to Zoe. After College I’m hoping to work at a Sydney church, possibly working with youth and young adults. Pray that my learning would lead to transformation, that I’d grow as a godly husband and that God would show us how we can best serve his kingdom next year.

Excited to share God’s life-giving word in a darkened world and see people changed into the likeness of our Lord and Saviour.

I’m married to Shuvah and we have a daughter Eliana. We’re hoping to serve in parish or campus ministry in Sydney post-College. Please pray that we would serve God faithfully and joyfully wherever he places us.

Married to Bron with Nathanael. Attending church at MBM in Rooty Hill and involved in kids ministry.

MEAGAN MCGILVRAY

MONIQUE NEW

TODD PARRY-JONES

JOSH PHILLIPS

TOM POLLETT

JOSEPH PUN

BENJAMIN PURDY

BRIAN RENNIE

I’m excited to be back at College after a two-year break from study. Pray that God would sustain me through this final year of College and in my future ministry. Also pray that God would help me to serve him faithfully as I get married in July.

DAN SAWYER

I’m looking forward to being in 4th year and consolidating everything I’ve learned at College so far. Next year I hope to serve in AFES ministry. Pray that I will make the most of every opportunity to learn in my final year.

JAMIE SEYFANG

We’re so thankful for the three years we’ve had in the College community so far. Excited and sad to be reaching fourth year. Please pray for Aiesha and I as we parent our new baby son, Ari. God-willing, we’d love to do gospel work in Adelaide next year.

ISAAC SHUMACK

I can’t wait to see how 4th year shapes me further in my understanding and love for God. I’d love to serve Jesus in young adults, youth and international ministries so please pray for wisdom as I figure out where to go. I’m currently considering the Armidale and Sydney dioceses.

JORDAN SMITH

Jordan and Millie have loved being a part of such a godly, supportive and fun College community! They are hoping to serve at a church in Sydney next year using all that College has equipped them with. Please pray that they would continue to depend on God.

MILES STEPNIEWSKI

My wife Morgan and I are keen to serve in youth ministry in Western Sydney in 2021 after College. Please pray that we’ll prayerfully bring highschoolers to Christ, lovingly build highschoolers up in Christ, and joyfully send highschoolers out for Christ.

DAN TOOMA

Married to Belinda, we have 2 children (Scarlett & Abigail) with another on the way. Pray that we will grow in godly character and that God would open doors to where he would have us serve him next year and beyond.

Fi, Liam and I are exploring university ministry positions post-College. Please pray that God would guide us towards a suitable position. I’ve loved learning about the Bible’s worldview and how it answers the world’s questions. Pray for continued boldness in sharing the gospel.

My wife and I are in our third year of youth ministry at St Andrew’s Roseville and loving it! Please continue to pray that God would continue to make and mature healthy disciples in the North Shore.

Please pray that I will faithfully serve God in my final year at College and as a student minister at St Matthias, Paddington. I am considering moving interstate to work with AFES next year. Please pray for wisdom and clarity in knowing which campus I will work best at.

I’m married to Athena and we are currently at Chester Hill Anglican Church. We are planning to serve somewhere in Sydney after this year. Please pray that our love for God will abound and that this will shape our lives.

Married to Mathea, we’ve loved our time at College. I am currently involved with Two Ways Ministries while Mathea is a staff worker at ECU Cumberland. We are deeply convicted of the importance of evangelism, training and sending and will be serving with the ministry at ANU Canberra in 2021.

SIMON TSANG

GRANT VAN DER MERWE

MEZ WICKS

JIE YEO

KEVIN YEUNG

THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF EVERY LOIS AND EUNICE

KARINA BRABHAM

understand the gospel clearly, or to gain a better picture of what it means to glorify Christ as Lord.

Our parents have significant influence on our beliefs, attitudes, habits and behaviours.

Paul’s protégé, Timothy, had women in his life who passed something precious on to him before he ever met the apostle. In 2 Timothy 1:5 it says:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Thank you!

If you’re a Lois or a Eunice — that’s for you.

I want to thank you for the words you speak, the small decisions you make, and the effort you put into living out your faith every day. You may have thought that no one noticed, that you’ll never be an influential Christian guru. Yet to someone like me, your impact might be profound. You might have helped someone to

The women who raised him loved and trusted God, and this rubbed off on Timothy so that he too shared in their sincere faith.

So often God has shaped me to know him better through the people he has put in my life. There’s a list of names that I hold dear because of the way they have taught me Scripture, modelled what it looks like to love and serve the Lord, and encouraged me to keep growing as a Christian. I’m sure you probably have such a list of people yourself.

My mum is the person I credit with teaching me the most about prayer. Her constant pattern was to pray — before meals, at bedtime, as we set out on a long car trip or in response to a crisis. She was always turning to God in prayer and she encouraged me to do the same. In doing so, she wasn’t just teaching me a habit to follow.

She was telling me that God was someone who cared about me and who listened when I spoke to him. She was communicating to me her belief that God is powerful and in control. She showed me that I didn’t need to fear, I only needed to run to my God for comfort and protection.

When my grandma died, there was a clear theme in the stories people shared at her memorial service. Person after person came up to share a memory and, so often, they involved my grandma praying. My mum learnt prayer from her mother, and they are

lessons that she has passed on to me. Not all of us are blessed with Christian parents who speak the message of Jesus Christ into our lives from infancy. But God, in his mercy, has blessed all his people with one another. We are part of a spiritual family with brothers and sisters who disciple and minister to us. I love how in our churches we have such a diverse gathering of people because there is so much opportunity for us to learn from one another.

As a teenager, my youth group leaders were massive influences on me.

I grew up in a small church in Darwin. As a few others and I approached the end of primary school there wasn’t a youth program for us to join. It meant a lot when a member of the congregation started up a Bible study just for us. Krysti was one of the few young adults in the church at the time and she had a desire to see us kids keep growing up to know Jesus. Having someone who would open the Bible with us and answer our questions was so

significant. It helped me at a point when I was figuring out what it actually meant to call myself a follower of Christ and why I should have confidence in the gospel. Krysti’s ministry helped me to see it was worth shaping my life around Jesus, even if it meant standing out as different from the world. When I first started considering going into full-time ministry, I kept thinking about Krysti. She had recently passed away from cancer. Her encouragement to me had been of incredible value. She had been someone who loved God and wanted to see others grow in their love for him too. By being willing to give up her time and energy to do just that, she had certainly helped me grow in my love for God. It made me think that if I gave up more of my time and energy to help others know God’s love better and to invest in them, then God could use me — to encourage and grow someone else. This was a big reason I decided to head to Bible college and begin preparing myself for full-time vocational ministry.

In Ephesians 4, Paul presents us with a wonderful view of our unity as the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds us that God gave people so that the church could be equipped to grow into maturity. When we speak the truth in love, we are contributing to the maturity of each other. God saves us to a community that will shape us and refine us as that community is shaped and refined to be like its head, the Lord Jesus.

There’s a beautiful reciprocity on display as we love and teach each other by simply living out the gospel together.

I’m thankful for each Lois and Eunice and Paul that God has put in my life. Yet, ultimately, I’m most grateful for the God who has saved me and is moulding me into the image of his Son. This is the God who unites us and provides us with the gift of one another so that we can participate in his wonderful kingdom work.

In our own personal histories, we each have our list of people who have discipled us and spurred us on. We may also have the incredible privilege of being on such a list for others.

When we are intentional in our relationships with others, we are participating in the Spirit’s profound work of transformation — in our own lives and in the lives of others. We reflect the wonder of God’s power in creating the church as we invest in relationships that aren’t limited by our age or the stage of life that we find ourselves in.

FACULTY AND CHAPLAINS Faculty

MARK THOMPSON

Mark Thompson is the Principal of Moore College and teaches in the area of Christian Doctrine. He is currently writing books on the person of Christ and the doctrine of Scripture. He is married to Kathryn and they have four daughters: Elizabeth, Anna, Rachel and Mary.

COLIN BALE

Colin is the Vice Principal. He is married to Gillian and they have three adult children — Robert, Elizabeth and Edmund. Colin teaches in Church History. Research interests are Grief in Australia Caused by World War II, and the Inter-War Period of Sydney Anglicanism. Colin enjoys time with the family, reading, classical music concerts, dog agility training (Australian Shepherds), and cycling.

GEORGE ATHAS

George is married to Koula, and they have two teenage daughters, Hosanna and Josephine. George has been on faculty since 2006. He teaches in the Old Testament department, and is the Director of Research. He loves helping people know God by understanding the Bible. He also enjoys history, archaeology, good coffee, and Formula One.

MARK EARNGEY

Mark is married to the inestimable Tanya and they have a quiver full of four rascals (Grace, Simeon, Sophia, and Zoe). Mark is Head of Church History, and lectures in Church History, Doctrine, and Biblical Theology. They enjoy the fellowship of St Paul’s Canterbury. The beach, board games, barbeques, and movies (ranging from Frozen to Inspector Morse) are popular in the Earngey household.

SIMON GILLHAM

Simon and Margie have two adult children, Maddie and Noah. They served as missionaries in Namibia before coming to Moore in 2016. Simon teaches Mission and Ministry subjects at College, and Margie works raising up missionaries for CMS. They enjoy time with family and friends, sailing and riding their motorbike together.

PAUL GRIMMOND

Paul loves his job as Dean of Students and enjoys lecturing students in Ministry and Mission. He is married to Cathy and has 3 fantastic kids. One of his great joys at College is working with students to develop self-awareness and relationship skills through intentional ministry reflection. He’s also looking forward to study leave in the 2nd half of 2020 and doing some work on expository preaching.

DAVID HÖHNE

The Höhnes have been part of the Moore College community since before the iPhone, attending Newtown/Erskenville Anglican church. David serves as the Academic Dean and teaches theology and philosophy. Amelia serves in the Anglicare ministry in the Northern Region of Sydney supporting ESL ministries in local parishes. As a family we enjoy telling stories and long conversations around the evening dinner table.

PHILIP KERN

Philip and Amy, married in 1984, have four children, Alexandra, Philip Stephen, Eliot and James. They attend Abbotsford Presbyterian Church. Philip came to Moore in 1998 to teach New Testament. Current research interests include Galatians, Christology, and the patriarchal narratives.

CHASE KUHN

Chase is married to Amy, and they have three children. He lectures in Christian Doctrine and Ethics, and is the Director of the Centre for Christian Living. With his family, he enjoys listening to music and going fishing. They are members of St Thomas’ Anglican Church, North Sydney.

ANDREW LESLIE

Andrew is married to Felicity with three children. He lectures in Christian Doctrine. Andrew likes to spend time with his wife, family, and dear friends, alongside music, reading, (a minimal amount of) exercise, and rest. On Sundays he and his family attend All Saints’ Petersham.

PETER ORR

Peter is married to Emma and they have four sons, Ben, Ollie, Jonny and Daniel. Having worked in Romania, London and Melbourne, he joined the faculty in 2014 and lectures in New Testament. Peter loves spending free time with the family and watching and playing lunch-time cricket at College. Peter and his family are at church at All Saints’ Petersham.

ARCHIE POULOS

Archie is married to Ainsley and they have three children, Georgia (married to Ben), Zoe and Archie. Archie has the joy of teaching in the Ministry Department and is currently formalising his lifelong research in developing clergy competency. He doesn’t have any passionate hobbies apart from learning about anything he observes. He loves helping out in cross-cultural ministries.

ANDREW SHEAD

Between teaching, which he never tires of, Andrew spends time with his students, preaches, and writes on the Old Testament. He is excited about the richness of the Old Testament as a source for Christian theology. Andrew is married to Jean. They have three children who fill their lives with excellent conversation.

TARA STENHOUSE

Tara serves in the Ministry Department, teaching in areas of Ministry, Missions and Church History. Tara is the Dean of Women, overseeing the pastoral care of the female students, two women’s chapels and the female residential community. She and Ian love relaxing down south at Jervis Bay, as well as being part of All Saints’ Anglican Church in Nowra.

CHRIS THOMSON

Chris started following Jesus at university. Before moving to Sydney, he was a biblical researcher and taught at Cambridge, Oak Hill College, and the University of Edinburgh. His current research focuses on linguistic misunderstandings in biblical interpretation. He belongs to Church by the Bridge in Kirribilli.

WILL TIMMINS

Will is married to Lizzy and teaches in the New Testament department. Originally from the UK, he has spent time both as a pastor and a lecturer. Early on in his Christian life he was attracted to Paul’s letters, especially Romans, which continues to be his focus. He enjoys music, rugby, cricket, and the natural world.

JANE TOOHER

Jane lectures in Ministry, Church History, and is the Director of the Priscilla & Aquila Centre and lives in Newtown. She loves walking, movies and spending time with family and friends. Jane is a member of All Saints’ Petersham.

PAUL

Paul and Karen have two adult sons, Matthew and Andrew. Paul has taught Old Testament at Moore since 2001. He is currently working on commentaries on Exodus and Ezekiel. Recreationally, Karen and Paul enjoy seaside walks, and playing competitive basketball.

LIONEL WINDSOR

Lionel is married to Bronwyn and they have three children, Adelaide, Harry and Eleanor. Lionel has been lecturing in New Testament and Greek since 2015. Lionel loves seeing people grow in joy and confidence in understanding God’s word and speaking it to others.

DAN WU

Dan is married to Chrissie and they have three sons, Liam, Archie and Harry. On the faculty since 2013, Dan teaches in Old Testament and Biblical Languages. His research explored the relationship of honour, shame and guilt in Ezekiel. Dan also loves fishing, all footy and basketball.

WILLIAMSON

FACULTY AND CHAPLAINS

Chaplains

SARAH BALOGH

Sarah is a wife, mother, friend, psychologist, music and flower appreciator. She and her husband Akos have always enjoyed working as a team in ministry, both for AFES and more recently through Akos’ current position as CEO of The Gospel Coalition Australia. Sarah is extremely excited about serving the students of Moore College.

ALISON BLAKE

With my husband Michael, I’ve had the joy of raising our 2 children and serving in local Anglican church ministry in south west Sydney for 26 years, primarily among women and children, in hospitality, and supporting ministry wives. It’s now a privilege to be members of Fairy Meadow Anglican Church and to serve students at Moore preparing for gospel ministry.

MICHAEL BLAKE

The Lord brought me to Christ when I was 22 while reading the Bible. After a Chemistry degree, 2 years in the UK, MTS at UNSW I married Alison. After College we served at All Saints’ Tregear, then at St Matthew’s Milperra (with Holy Trinity Panania), then 20 years at Narellan. I am now serving as a Chaplain and providing Pastoral Supervision for Ministers.

CAROLINE CLARK

Caroline counts it a privilege to walk alongside female students at Moore, praying, encouraging and proclaiming Christ together. She is married to Mike with four teenage children, and since returning from Germany with CMS they serve at St Thomas’ church in North Sydney.

LOUISE CUNNINGHAM

Louise has enjoyed leading youth, student and church ministry over the years with a particular focus on pastoring women and mentoring women in ministry. She is excited to be involved in the chaplaincy program at a college that loves and serves men and women, training them for ministry. She is married to Roger, the Senior Minister at Emu Plains Anglican and they have three young adult sons and a daughter-in-law.

JOSEPH & NANCY FUNG

Joseph and Nancy serve as cross-cultural Chaplains at Moore College. Both Joseph and Nancy are graduates of Moore. Joseph became a Baptist pastor, and more recently both have been lecturing at Moore and the Chinese Theological College Australia as adjunct lecturers in Christian education subjects. Both serve the Lord as a husband and wife team. Since 1980, they have pioneered one Chinese congregation and three churches. Joseph has now retired from his pastoral ministries but is still active in several Christian ministries in a volunteer capacity. Joseph and Nancy have a deep desire to nurture a new group of disciples and pastors for churches around Sydney (and beyond). Joseph and Nancy were once overseas students. They would love to meet new and old students, particularly students from overseas, and give them spiritual support while they study at Moore College.

CATE HONG

Cate serves together with her husband at Australian Asian Church. They have 4 children and seek to raise them up to follow Jesus. Cate has always had an interest in sharing Jesus with people from other cultures. She enjoys proclaiming Jesus to children and youth and encouraging women in living a life of service for Jesus.

ANNA

Anna is married to Tim and they have 2 school-aged children. Since College she has served in a university team as a women's trainer, in motherhood and in various ministries with Tim. She is thankful for being able to spend time again at College sharing in the challenges and encouragements of ministry with the students.

TIM

Tim serves as a cross-cultural Chaplain at Moore College. Tim works part-time as the Mandarin minister at Artarmon Anglican and the rest of the time in Chinese Christian resources. Since graduating, he has kept up with the work of the College through his involvement with the PTC correspondence course, and he is presently the Partner in charge of the Chinese PTC through Centre for Global Missions.

ISOBEL LIN

Isobel is married to Peter and they have 3 adult daughters. Isobel is encouraged by the next generation of gospel workers, as she meets with them in chaplaincy group. She counts it a privilege to play a small part in their preparations for ministry. Isobel continues to serve EQUIP as an Exec. Pray that she’ll continue to share Jesus in all the opportunities God gives her.

RUTH SHEATH

Ruth, and her husband David, love serving as part of The Lakes Evangelical Church which they planted on the Central Coast 18 years ago. She enjoys encouraging, coaching and supervising people in following Jesus and serving him, and has found being involved as a Chaplain at Moore a great encouragement. Ruth loves spending time with her 3 adult children and 2 daughters-in-law and going for walks on the beach.

CAROLINE SPENCER

Caroline works full-time for City Bible Forum as an Evangelist and Trainer. City Bible Forum seeks to reach the world through the workplace with the good news of Jesus. Please pray for Christian city workers as they love their office neighbours and that God might bring forth a great harvest.

WENDY

SWANTON

Wendy works in Two Ways Ministries as Operations Manager. Please pray for the work of TWM training students and young adults in evangelism. She and her husband Philip Swanton are involved at St Thomas’ North Sydney.

JULIA

WILLIAMS

Malcolm and I have been married for 27 years and have accumulated 6 children and 1 son-in-law in that time. Our 23 years of ministry to the Visual Arts have been a great joy, along with the church plant that grew out of FEVA, Urban Grace. I’m also enthusiastic about women’s ministry, running church events and supporting Fair Trade.

JOAN YOUNG

For most of her adult life, Joan has served in church and Bible college-based ministries. Her happiest moments are when she is focused on teaching the Bible, meeting one on one, and mentoring others seeking to follow Christ. She lives with her husband Warwick in a high rise apartment in Sydney’s inner west. They are members of St James, Croydon.

HU

HU

FILLING THE HOLE

HOW WILL WE RAISE THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOSPEL MINISTERS?

PAUL GRIMMOND

A significant part of my work in student ministry involved persuading young men and women to leave their careers behind to enter into ‘full-time’ gospel preaching.

Semi-regularly someone from another church would ring me up: “We’ve found some money, we can put on a trainee next year, can you send us someone?”

My answer was always, “No.” (It was sometimes an awkward conversation!) V

My aim here is to explain how that answer is related to the very nature of raising people for gospel ministry, and also its implications for us as we seek to see generations of gospel preachers sent into the world.

V Why “No”?

It’s certainly not an answer designed to win friends. And for some, it reeked of parochialism (we were “feathering our nest” and didn’t care about the gospel needs of others).

So, why persist in saying, “No”?

Firstly, because that is what the trainees would say to me. But to understand why potential trainees might say no, we need to stop and think a little bit about what we’re asking people to do as they consider ‘full-time ministry’ (a term that I don’t like very much, although I haven’t come up with a better one).

The call to do fulltime ministry is, in many ways, the very call of the gospel to all of us. What does it mean to become a Christian? It means to come to Christ. But the Bible is clearer than that. It means to declare “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Rom 10:9), to turn “from idols to serve the true and living God” (1 Thess 1:9). To say that Christ is Lord is to declare him the sovereign ruler over every thought, word and action. To turn from idols is to leave behind all of our old passions and desires in order to humbly submit everything we do to the will of our King.

This means learning to do different things with your money, learning to

read and obey the Scriptures, learning to pray, learning to deal with unhealthy sexual desires, learning to transform the kinds of words that flow from our tongue—we could go on but you get the point. All these are implications of coming under the Lordship of Christ, and none of them are learned in an instant (even though God makes us new through his Spirit in an instant, such is the miraculous wonder of regeneration!)

It takes many years, much patience and fellowship for the Lordship of Christ to be fully worked out in life.

In God’s kindness, much of this process happens through relationships with people who share their lives and the gospel with us. The Bible encourages us to watch our leaders’ lives and imitate their faith: to walk according to their example (Heb 13:7; 1 Thess 5:12-13; Phil 3:17). This pattern is the same pattern that Paul employs in training Timothy for leadership. Paul encourages Timothy to “remember his life”, which Timothy has

witnessed first-hand (2 Tim 3:10-11).

The pattern of growing young Christians is the same pattern for training up gospel ministers. Just as learning to give up your idols to follow Christ happens through the relationships and examples of those over you in the Lord, learning to become a full-time gospel minister happens in the same way. It is almost as if being prepared for full-time ministry is an extension of learning to be a Christian!

For most would-be ministry apprentices, standing on the edge, wondering if they should take the plunge into ministry training, the significance of what they are about to do becomes real in a way that it never has before.

Thinking through what God has got to say and finding wisdom and counsel at this moment is vitally important. This is why many potential ministry trainees would say no to a stranger who said: “I’ve got the money, come and train with me”.

Now there is an important caveat to put here. A key aspect of ministry leadership development involves ‘nudging the baby bird from the nest’—there is a moment in every family’s life when you realise that the ‘adult-child’ needs to

leave home and learn lessons for themselves. Our aim in growing up leaders must be to see them leave (for their own sakes as well as for ours). This is partly why gaining experience under other leaders in different churches is a vital part of theological education. With this in place, let’s get back to the argument at hand.

I said no to people who asked us to provide them trainees, because that’s not the way God designed it to be done.

Ministry trainees are raised up in ministries where those who are calling them to the ministry life have lived out an example of godly ministry, provided counsel, and built trust over years.

This has serious implications as we face diminishing numbers of people putting themselves forward for theological training. The knee-jerk reaction to this

would be to run around looking for the nearest person with vague leadership potential (or even worse, charisma!), and exhort them to embark on the long journey of ministry training. If we do this, we are creating a noose for our own necks.

What we need is to ask God to grow cultures in our churches where those who are being taught to give up their lives for Christ are encouraged and spurred on, by those already in the task, to work personally through the challenges and changes required to be prepared for gospel work.

The starting point is churchgoers everywhere, and ministers in particular, prioritising time and energy for young leaders in training. We need to identify those with godliness and gifting, we need to give them responsibility, we need to read the Bible

and pray with them, and we need to work through with them how to deal with the implications of the decisions needed to head into vocational ministry.

Filling the hole we’re experiencing will require time, effort and hard work. A forest won’t grow overnight. But if we don’t plant trees now, we shouldn’t expect a forest in 50 years’ time.

What is vital is that we work together, under God, to find those who are godly and gifted, and help them on the long journey into pastoral leadership of God’s people.

We need to walk with them, pray with them, spur them on when the going gets tough, and maintain our commitment to deep personal and biblical training.

DATE: 7-9 & 9-11 September 2021

LOCATION: Coolangatta Estate

SPEAKER: Simon Manchester

moore.edu.au/preaching-clinic