JourneyOnline
FOUR theology students graduated from Trinity Theological College in October.
Acting Principal Rev Dr Malcolm Coombes says that Trinity graduates are moving on to exciting and challenging times.
"This year we are seeing Fa Ngaluafe and Stephen Rothery exiting and have seen Craig Batty and John Dansie exit halfway through the year.
"Queensland will certainly benefit from all their enthusiasm, their willingness to think outside the square, their passion for the Gospel, their grasp of the Gospel tradition which has faithfully been passed on to them, and their administrative skills.
"They all carry with them capacities to relate to a variety of age groups and we look forward to seeing their ministry keep developing," he says.
Dr Coombes suggests that our world is no longer Christendom oriented, and that the Trinity exit students will need to consider fresh ways of engaging with people in the Gospel message.
"This is often challenging in our culture and it is why we will be urging our future candidates to explore options in their training which may take them out of their comfort zone."
Recent graduate Fa Ngaluafe says that in her time at Trinity she has learnt more about herself, and her identity in Christ.
"I now have a deeper understanding of God, Christ, salvation, church and what it means to be church.
"My hope and excitement as a future Minister of the Word is meeting and building more relationships with God's immense family all over the world; even with those who don't know God, but still belong to his family."
Trinity College staff are urging anybody who is considering ordained or lay ministry to act now.
"We are aware that our candidate intake has dropped this year, and so we are urging our presbyteries and folk in congregations to think about who may be called by God into ordained ministry," says Dr Coombes.
"It is even more important in these times for the church to have well-formed leaders amongst us."
Ms Ngaluafe adds, "I would recommend to those who have thought about studying theology at Trinity to come expecting to be challenged, come wanting to question, come with an open mind and an open heart."
For more information visit trinity.qld.edu.au
Photo : Trinity Theological College graduates John Dansie, Stephen Rothery, Fa Ngaluafe and Craig Batty. Photo by Mardi Lumsden
