One of the real privileges of studying at Moore College is the theological formation that takes place as you live and learn in a community. Studying with other men and women of different ages, from different backgrounds, and with experience in different ministries is invaluable to a robust preparation for ministry. Of course, learning takes place in classroom discussions, the reading of Scripture, and various other theological writings. However, the development and constructive critiquing of lived behavior and ministry conduct is honed by going through the ebbs and flows of the mundane. Students learn to reflect on their own tendencies and inconsistencies when faced with pressure and temptation, but also see modelled what it means to bear one another’s burdens and accept help with humility. In this pandemic season more than ever, students have had to put into practice what it means to live as a follower of Jesus, when it is so easy to allow frustrations and anxieties to percolate and release in a bout of anger. As trying as this season has been, it bodes well for the future ministries of these students, who have lived experience of what it means to be in relationships and walk through a life marred by sin.
Scripture gives great importance to Christian community as a place where we ought to emulate the love that was perfectly modelled for us in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. Such communities are important as a safe space in which to grow and develop, as people sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron (cf. Prov 27:17). They are also a place where people are to work together with their complementary gifts for the sake of the good works that God has prepared for them to do (cf. Rom 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:12-31). If this is the picture Scripture gives to Christian communities, then it is only appropriate that those undertaking the significant task of preparing to serve Jesus and his people within these communities habitually practise these things also. As our Principal has intimated at several Moore College Open Events, “we study face-to -face in community because the ministry of the Word is done face-to-face in community”.
Of course, for an educational institution, living and learning in community requires physical spaces which foster this learning. Outside of class and study time, incidental learning and Christian modelling also take place in living communities. Current student Josh and his wife Larissa had this to say about their time living in the But-Har-Gra (BHG) community at Croydon Park:
“Living at BHG has equipped us for lifelong ministry in ways we never anticipated. It has been such a joy to share life together in community with other ministry-minded people, sharing meals, fellowship, board game nights, conversations while kids play in the backyard, exercising together, traveling to and from College together, hanging the clothes on the line together, the list goes on! By living here, we have formed deep friendships that we know will help us through the ups and downs of long-term gospel ministry. We have experienced overwhelming kindness and support from everyone during times of struggle and crisis, receiving home-cooked meals, groceries, prayers, babysitting, and household help. This example has challenged us and taught us so much about what it means to love and care for others. We are so grateful and thankful to God for our time here!”
As a College, we want to build for the future and invest in that which we believe is paramount to our core business of training men and women for gospel ministry. So, we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting our most immediate building project needs. We are looking to renovate four large modern town houses for accommodation in Newtown and extend a home for a growing faculty family in Croydon Park. There are also plans for the complete redevelopment of John Chapman House.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support of the College. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at Foundation@moore.edu.au should you wish to discuss the College’s building projects. Please also send me any prayer points. I would be glad to pray for you and your ministries, to partner with you further in the work of the Lord.
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