The Preliminary Theological Certificate (PTC) graduation ceremony is always a major highlight at College, and this year’s event was no exception. Attending this event was a great privilege and a guaranteed instant encouragement injection. The energy in the room was electric and inspiring, the interviews were heartfelt, and the people graduating were thrilled to be there. Most significantly, it was incredibly motivating to see how people had grown in their understanding of the Bible and how they were using their studies to serve God in a myriad of ways.
Solid theological education is at the heart of Moore College. In keeping with the raison d’être of Moore College, the PTC aims to build an understanding and appreciation of the biblical theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The first two units, Introduction to the Bible and Promise to Fulfilment, provide the framework for the suite of units. These units establish the unfolding revelation of God in the Old and New Testaments and God’s work in this world focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this year’s PTC graduation ceremony, sixty-eight students from all around Australia, and across the world, celebrated completing various levels of study. Vice Principal Dr Simon Gillham interviewed all 14 students who were able to attend the graduation in person, some of whom had travelled interstate for the evening event. Many students also came with an entourage of supporters, a testament to the reality that completing the PTC and graduating is a significant milestone for all graduates and their families. Many graduates balance completing their studies with full-time work commitments, raising families and volunteering in various ministries. Some students completed all 22 units on offer in just one year, while others had studied over decades—chipping away over time as they drank deeply from Scripture. However, the underlying objective, of all graduates, was the deep longing to have a solid foundation in theological education, to better equip themselves to serve the Lord wherever he had placed them.
Penny Olden shared her inspiring story of being called by God after hearing about the pressing need for people to serve with Restore Mission in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Before embarking on a short mission trip to PNG, Penny and her husband were encouraged to complete the PTC, however they were initially reluctant to commence studying. While serving on mission in Milne Bay, Penny gained valuable insights into the pressing needs of the community. She was able to serve practically with local women by organising and preparing food for theological training sessions, and was given opportunities to read the Bible with women she was serving alongside.
After returning from PNG, Penny was again encouraged to study the PTC, and this time she decided to give it a go. Initially starting with just a few units, within a year Penny had completed all levels of the PTC and graduated with 1st class honours. Penny can’t wait to return to Milne Bay, and is looking forward to serving wherever God needs her. She is more confident in her ability to apply biblical truth to her future ministries.
Please join me in giving thanks to God for our PTC graduates and for the 919 students currently enrolled in the PTC from all over the world. Give thanks to God for the hard work of those who have studied, and by doing so, now know our Lord better and are better equipped to serve him faithfully.
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