www.findachristian.com.auSEARCH FOR COLLEGES NOW

18 Christian Woman Spring 2015

WANT TO STUDY THE BIBLE?STUDY AT MORLING COLLEGE

EQUIPPING THE WHOLE BELIEVER TO TAKE THE WHOLE GOSPEL TO THE WHOLE WORLD

Thurs 26 May 2016 – 6.45pm | Sun 16 Oct 2016 – 2.00pm | Thurs 27 Oct 2016 – 6.45pm

STUDY OPTIONS ≈ Full-time ≈ Part-time ≈ Online ≈ Intensives ≈ Residential

STUDY AREAS ≈ Bible ≈ Theology ≈ Ministry ≈ Chaplaincy ≈ Plunge (Gap-year) ≈ Master of Teaching

(Secondary) ≈ Counselling

STUDY LEVELS ≈ Certificate ≈ Diploma ≈ Degree ≈ Graduate ≈ Postgraduate

120 Herring Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113www.morlingcollege.com

Phone 02 9878 0201 Fax 02 9878 2175 Email enquiries@morling.edu.au

At Eastern College Australia we prepare you to be thoughtful and faith-filled so that you can have a significant impact in the context that God has called and gifted you.

eastern.edu.au

44-60 Jacksons RoadMulgrave VICPhone +61 3 9790 9200

Why Bible College?

As you consider the variety of college choices available to you, your responses to the questions posed in this article will shape one of the most

important decisions of your life.When it comes to considering whether to study at

a Christian college or secular university or college, the most important question to answer first is, why do I want to study in the first place? Leonardo Da Vinci was noted for saying, “Study without desire spoils the memory and it retains nothing that it takes in.”

He’s right. Never study ‘without desire.’ It’s a waste of your time and energy. If you have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve with your life and where you think you’re headed, it will make it easier to choose the most appropriate college, whether Christian or secular. Both options have their pluses, but there are a number of very good reasons to consider enrolling at a Christian college:

To develop a Christian worldviewSecular universities and colleges will offer fully accredited degrees and diplomas in a wide variety of disciplines, but what they don’t offer is a way for you to think about your life and your career from a distinctly Christian perspective. If you want your faith to be discussed as part of class subject matter choose a Christian college where you can explore a Christian framework for your

Find a Christian College.

20 Christian Woman Spring 2015

studies. This is about the development of a distinctly Christian worldview that allows you to examine science, art, business, education, medicine and other related issues through that lens. Only a Christian college can assist you to see course subjects via the lens of your religious beliefs.

If you completed your studies with only a set of new skills but with no ability to think ‘Christianly’ about your world it would be a real shame. Find a college that helps you to do both.

For the nurturing lifestyle and cultureIf you are a committed Christian, you might prefer a college that affirms your faith and creates a learning environment that supports your beliefs and lifestyle. Many Christian colleges have chapel services, chaplains, Bible studies and a number of other extra-curricula options to encourage your faith. Also, most secular institutions encourage a wide variety of lifestyle options, which can be a distraction to both your faith and your ability to focus on your studies. Or you might just feel more comfortable in a more conservative environment than is commonly available at many secular universities and colleges. So if you would prefer to attend a college where your faith is a part of the lifestyle and culture of campus life, definitely choose a Christian college.

Furthermore, in a Christian college you’ll meet faculty and fellow students who are examples of godly living and academic excellence. It was once said, “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” In any

decent college you’ll acquire knowledge, but in a Christian college you’ll also get to observe the lives of mature followers of Jesus.

To prepare for ministryIf you feel that your chosen career is more than just a job and that you’d like to see your future employment as an avenue for ministry then a Christian college will certainly help. Furthermore, if you sense a calling into ordained ministry as a pastor or church leader, you will need to attend a Christian theological or Bible college. A number of these colleges are linked to certain denominations, so you’re best advised to speak to your local church about which college will prepare you best for your chosen denomination. If your calling is to overseas mission, the agency you prefer will be able to recommend colleges for missionary preparation. But remember also, that some theological colleges have links with secular universities that allow you to do double degrees and get the best of both worlds.

Here’s a word of warning about studying at a Bible college. Some churches have started their own ‘colleges’ and these are great for preparing people for service in that church, but often the education they offer isn’t well regarded in other churches or denominations. You are better off attaining a degree or diploma that can be transferred across a variety of church contexts. This will keep your options open should you want to minister beyond your church some time in the future.

Whatever your motivation, you must make sure that the Christian college you’re exploring is fully accredited and academically respected. Choose diplomas or degrees that can lead into further study, even if you doubt that you’d ever complete more study. If the award you’re gaining ‘articulates’ into further study (that’s the technical term), then the chances are that it’s a well regarded, accredited course. ‘Mickey mouse awards’ don’t lead into anything else. They’re academic dead-ends and you’re better off avoiding them.

Tertiary study is expensive and time consuming, so you don’t want to graduate with a diploma that doesn’t get you into the kind of professional work you want to do. And also be aware that when it does come time to find a job, if your college is known for being ultra conservative, some employers may be a bit squeamish about offering you a job. Remember that study in a Christian college can offer you a variety of things – a religious worldview, lifelong Christian friends, an environment that nurtures your faith – but if it doesn’t open employment or ministry options for you it may not be worth the time and financial expense.

Study is not a chore or a form of torture. If approached properly it can be the source of great personal growth and spiritual development. Any award you complete ought to better equip you in the service of God and others. Never lose sight of Albert Einstein’s wisdom about academic study, “Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which you belong.”

Mike Frost

“To acquire knowledge, one must study;

but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 21

theological education that is...• Biblically-grounded• theologically robust• Gospel-hearted• spiritually rich• culturally relevant• winsomely engaging

www.rtc.edu.au• affiliated with the Australian College of Theology

• residential accommodation on campus

• FEE-HELP and Austudy available

• online learning options

125 Pigdons RoadWaurn Ponds Victoria 3216

T: +61 (03) 5244 2955 E: admin@rtc.edu.au

Do You Care For People?

Pastoral Counselling Skills Course The Pastoral Counselling Institute offers you

the opportunity to equip yourself to effectively minister to people in God’s world.

2016 will include Chaplaincy Units – apply now - starts in March

Nationally accredited part-time full year course - weekend intensives Basic counselling skills related to spirituality, bible and theology Learn the biblical ‘Story Whispering’ © model of providing care

Learn skills to provide a caring link between church and community Find wisdom within the stories you encounter

Compile a referral kit and liturgies for specific pastoral situations Designed to meet continuing education requirements

Learn to provide practical visitation in both parish and community settings

Call: 02 9683 3664 Email: pciuca@ihug.com.au

Visit our website: www.pastoralcounselling.org

This course is delivered in Partnership with Wesley Vocational Institute –

National Provider number: 90091 RTO legal Entity “Wesley Community Services Limited”

Find a Christian College.

22 Christian Woman Spring 2015

Gavin Martin guides students through the financial maze when making a decision about Christian tertiary education. He encourages students to get out of debt with his strategies and examines the different ways to pay for education...

Murdoch University’s School of Arts offers a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Chaplaincy, Theology and Religion.Each course has a unique pathway designed for those who wish to study the multicultural and multidisciplinary perspective of religion or work as a chaplain, for a church, a school or an agency. There are further postgraduate offerings for professionals already working in ministry who seek a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition.

• Religion (BA)• Graduate Certificate in Theology• Graduate Diploma in Theology• Graduate Diploma in Chaplaincy• Master of Divinity

For more information or to apply go to www.murdoch.edu.au/Courses or call 9360 6141

Courses in Chaplaincy,Theology and Religion at Murdoch University

www.murdoch.edu.au

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College is a wonderful season in life. It’s an exciting time of knowledge acquisition and personal growth, not to

mention the opportunity to interact with interesting people from a range of backgrounds who often end up being life long friends - and potentially even spouses. Oh, the good old days.

Increasingly, the ‘good old days’ of college life are turning into the bad old days of poor spending habits, living for the now and debt accumulation that burdens graduates well

beyond their college years.My challenge to you is to ‘be weird’. Don’t follow the

norm; stay debt free during your college years. Learn money management skills now while you are young and it will change your destiny.

For many of us our first major debt is student loans — either in the form of Commonwealth HELP debt or bank loans. The trouble is, the debt accrues without us really thinking about it and then, with the HELP debt in particular, we don’t have to think about repayments until we’re earning about $38,000 and the ATO takes care of them.

The fact is, by going down this route students are missing out on significant opportunities to get ahead. Yes, that’s right, get ahead during your college years. This is even more important for those pursuing Christian ministry, as these vocations are not renowned for paying well.

If you pay your HECS fees upfront you save a massive 20% of the fee. Now that is worth writing home to mum about. If you have already incurred a HECS or HELP debt you can pay off lump sums of $500 or more and get a 10% discount.

So what can be done to avoid debt to fund your tertiary education? There are four major strategies:

• Start saving now• Scholarships• Other income sources• Funding options

Start saving for college nowI don’t know how many young people get part time jobs as soon as they are eligible but with the unemployment rate at the lowest it’s been in years there should be ample opportunity for them to get a job at 14 years and 9 months. That’s what I did. I worked as a check out chap at a local supermarket before I turned 15 years old. It taught me so much about the ‘real’ world and enabled me to buy my first parcel of shares. There are many benefits to having a part time job. I was able to fund a 12 day voyage on the Young Endeavour tall

Funding your College dream...

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 23

sailing ship, spend a year in Sweden as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and buy the toys that all teenage boys love. Years later, while recruiting university graduates for a global consulting firm, I quickly learned that graduates who worked through college are more attractive to employees. They have learnt responsibility in the work place and can balance work, family, sporting and social activities. A part time job will enable you to achieve these things and help you save for college education.

If parents have the ability to fund a child’s college education, I’m all for it on two conditions: as long the parents don’t go into debt, and as long as the young person is taught financial responsibility. Failing to teach financial responsibility by completely supporting children through college may result in character flaws in the child. If a student is entirely supported by parents he is sheltered from the ramifications of his actions and may not care how many subjects he fails,

how many times he changes course or how much money is wasted on extended time at college. Why should he when Mum and Dad are paying?

The best place to invest savings set aside for education depends on the time frame. I recommend a high interest-paying, low frills, no fees, at call, internet or phone banking account with a bank or quality financial institution. If you have four to seven years to invest I would invest at least some of the savings into a Listed Investment Company such as Australian Foundation Investment Company, an Exchange Traded Fund or an index fund with international diversification.

ScholarshipsScholarships are a great way to fund tertiary education. The Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS) programme provides financial support to eligible undergraduates to assist with higher education costs. There are two

scholarships – one for general education costs and one for accommodation costs.

The scholarships are administered on behalf of the Australian Government by individual higher education providers. The providers are responsible for conducting their own application and selection procedures in line with Government guidelines. Contact your college to see if you are eligible for a scholarship.

There are also a plethora of scholarships provided by various corporations, universities, church groups and foundations. Investigate the opportunities. Sometimes they are not available until the second or third year of the course. Your college student services office is a good place to start.

Other income sourcesCentrelink is a potential source of funds for living expenses during college. Payments including the Youth Allowance (16-24 years olds) and

Find a Christian College.

24 Christian Woman Spring 2015

Counting the cost

Kingsley CollegeOur ministry focuses on equipping lay people and ministerial candidates for Christian ministry in their communities and local church. Kingsley College is the ministry training arm of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia with a student body drawn from many different backgrounds. Through thirteen training centres around Australia we work hard to ‘develop and equip people to shape their world’. Headquarters: 1/21 Lakeside Drive, Broadmeadows VIC 3047Phone: (03) 9357 3699 Mobile: 0423 127 199Email: kingsley@kingsley.edu.auWebsite: www.kingsley.edu.au

Mary Andrews CollegeMary Andrews College equips women to serve Christ through all of life. From a Pastoral Care Course of just 2 units, through to a 12 unit Diploma, there is something for everyone.Address: Level 1 St Andrew’s House, 464-480 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000Phone: (02) 9284 1470Email: macmin@mac.edu.auWebsite: www.mac.edu.au

Youthworks Training CollegeYouthworks College is the only theological college in Australia to offer specialised training which integrates theological study with the particular cultural and developmental challenges of ministry to children, families and young people. Full-time, part-time, online and intensive study options are available.Address: 11 Fifth Avenue, Loftus NSW 2232Phone: 8093 3400 Email: college@youthworks.netWebsite: www.youthworkscollege.edu.au

Tabor College (TAS)Tabor Tasmania is a non-denominational tertiary education provider that is passionate about equipping people to make a difference in the community. Our nationally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Applied Social Science and Ministry provide students with valuable skills, knowledge and practical field experience in specialisations including Ministry, Counselling and Community Work. Address: 45 Melville St, Hobart TAS 7000Phone: (03) 6231 5889 Email: registrar@tabor.tas.edu.auWebsite: www.tabor.tas.edu.au

AUSTUDY (25 years and over) have eligibility criteria including an income and asset test. Students can earn up to $6,000 p.a. without it affecting their allowance. There is no reason why you shouldn’t work during term or at least during the long summer break.

Awards can be another source of funds for the diligent college student. I managed to receive two prizes at university. One was a book prize that was nice but didn’t help the hip pocket. The other was a cash prize which certainly came in handy.

Funding optionsCommonwealth loans

There are three types of loans available to fund your Christian

tertiary education provided by the Commonwealth under the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP):• HECS-HELP is a loan available to

eligible Commonwealth supported students to cover all or part of their student contribution amount.

• FEE-HELP loan is available to eligible fee-paying students to cover all or part of their tuition fees. Limit is $80,000 or $100,000 depending on the course.

• OS-HELP is available to assist eligible undergraduate Commonwealth supported students to undertake some of their course of study overseas. Limit of $5,196 that can be accessed twice over your lifetime.

I would not even consider the FEE-HELP or OS-HELP as there is a loan fee of 20% of the amount borrowed.

Other options I would avoid are bank loans and credit cards. Work and study part time, seek out a cheaper institution. If you are suffering genuine hardship let it be known in your local church. We supported an international student who experienced financial difficulty six months before completing her degree when funding from her home country ceased after the death of a family member.

So go ahead. Be weird, swim against the tide, stay out of debt and reap the rewards.

Gavin MartinFinancial Planner

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