What a year 2017 has been! One of the highlights of our year has been to witness our first cohort of students complete our newly revamped Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology.
General feedback to the revamped course has been enlightening! Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experiences this year. Includes great advice, if you’re thinking seriously about doing this course yourself.
“This is the course that will teach you things about God that you thought you knew. I’ve had many a-ha moments! The effect is that you will walk closer with God and have a passion and skills to expand the kingdom. Do savour the information and assignments that will be given to you – it really will be good, useful stuff.”
— Erica Dawes, Queanbeyan
“I had wanted to study theology for some time and had been waiting for the right opportunity. The St Mark’s DCMT ticked all the right boxes regarding content, cost and delivery. I’ve really appreciated the genuine mix of theory and practice in the course. It provides an excellent grounding in areas of ministry and theology, as well as including elements designed to stretch and challenge individual participants. The lecturers are knowledgeable and are always encouraging, helpful and flexible in their approach. My involvement at Church has been helped by the practical nature of a number of assessments – for one assessment I was able to establish a Bible study group at my local church. My relationship with God has been enhanced by my study in the DCMT.”
— Andrew Shiells, currently a teacher at the Canberra Institute of Technology
“Having a key lay-leader doing this course has been really helpful – both for him and for our church (St Mary in the Valley Anglican Church, in Canberra). Andrew has clearly grown in his confidence in ministry, and been stimulated to think more about how to use his gifts to serve the people of God. The practical aspects of the course have encouraged a reflective practice that has helped him try new things, and ask himself the right questions afterwards. I hope that others in our church will also give this a try – it’s a win for everyone.”
— Rev’d David McLennan, Minister at Andrew Shiell’s church
Our course coordinator Rev’d Anna Boxwell has thoroughly enjoyed the year as well. In particular, watching as students from all walks of life make connections with each other and between their faith, work, home, and church life. “We’ve had students join us from the Canberra region, Wagga, Tumbarumba, Gippsland and central Queensland. We pray this course would be a huge blessing to individuals and churches across Australia.”
Applications are open from now until 28 February 2018.
