BCSA Newsletter August 2022

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“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a).

Throughout this month in our weekly chapel services we have been preaching through 2 Peter. The desire for the growth of our knowledge of God and Christ is repeated several times throughout the letter; this is even how it begins and ends (1:2, 3:18). In between, Peter gives many warnings to be alert to false doctrines and those who peddle them because of the dangers they pose to believers, both individually and to the church collectively.

Yet his solution to these things is not primary impressive speech or strong leadership—though these may have their place. Rather, the exhortation is to grow in our knowledge of Jesus and of the grace we have received through him.

At Bible College SA, one of our core aims for our students is that, after they graduate, whatever context they find themselves in, that they would be men and women who diligently seek after the Lord and continue growing in their faith through prayer, reading of the scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. We teach at the highest academic standards, but we want the knowledge we grow and share to be life-changing, faith-stabilising, and church-regenerating. All for the one to whom be the glory both now and to the day of eternity! (2 Pt 3:18b)

Have you ever wanted to be better equipped to read and understand the Bible, and to be able to teach it to others? Or would you like to be a more effective lay leader in your local church? Or do you perhaps even have a desire to work in pastoral or vocational ministry?

If so, then please come along to our Open Day on Saturday 8th October, from 10am at 176 Wattle Street, Malvern to learn what it is like to study at Bible College SA, to find out about the courses and programs we offer, and to ask any questions you might have.

You will meet our faculty, hear from current students about their experiences of study, and take a tour of the campus. We’ll also have some morning tea to share. To find out more, or to register for this event, please contact our office on 8291 8188 or visit our website at biblecollege.sa.edu.au/open-day-2022.

We hope to see you there!

One of the great blessings that Bible College SA enjoys is its most excellent staff team. We have a truly world-class faculty who publish significant works and speak at international conferences—and who also have years and years of practical ministry experience, and a joint passion for good teaching and student formation. They share a strong alignment in core theological and ministry convictions, but at the same time enjoy great freedom for fresh thinking and critical exploration of the Scriptures.

Then there are our outstanding administrative, promotions, and library teams—all of them highly skilled, diligent, and invested in their specialist works that are critical to the College delivering its programs of study and running smoothly and effectively.

But deeper than all of these amazing gifts and the dedicated work ethic, the best thing about the Bible College SA staff team is that it is a group of people who all hold to a sound faith and show good character in Christ. We are not just an efficient and impressive workplace, we are also sisters and brothers sharing our lives in Christ as we joyfully honour him as Lord and together trust in his salvation.

It is hugely encouraging when students of the College reflect on their time here and make particular note of the faith and love of the staff as having had a great impression on them. We praise God that we are not only able to teach his word and work, but also to model the Christian life to those who spend time with us.

This month it has been a special privilege to give thanks for Jan Whitford as she marks forty years of serving in our front office—and who we believe is the longest ever serving member of the Bible College SA staff! Jan embodies so much of what we love about our team; she is humble, prayerful, deeply concerned for others, and straightforward in her trust in Jesus. As all at the College seek to live for him, we are thankful for Jan who has been such a wonderful model to so many over all the years of her service.

One of the greatest challenges facing this generation of gospel workers is raising up the more faithful and capable gospel workers for the future. Identifying, encouraging, recruiting, and training is a big task, but it is essential if we are to see the churches and ministries of our city and state flourish into the years and decades ahead.

Sheep without Shepherds and a Harvest without Labourers is a morning seminar being held here at Bible College SA on Thursday 8th September from 9am, addressing this very topic.

Led by our principal, Rev Dr Tim Patrick, we will consider some hard data, look at what the Bible says, and start outlining some practical steps we can take to address the need. There will be opportunity to meet and pray with other like-minded gospel workers, and we will also be launching a new annual half-day conference to keep addressing this topic from different angles.

If you serve in Christian ministry in South Australia, we would encourage you to make this event a real priority.

To find out more, or to register for this event, please go to:
biblecollege.sa.edu.au/sheepwithoutshepherds.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a bit of a family man, with a lovely wife and three daughters aged four and under. I work part-time as an electrical and electronics engineer while studying at BCSA. Many see little overlap between engineering and theology; however, I’ve always loved understanding things deeply, then teaching them to others. Before the age of two that involved sticking cutlery into power outlets, but these days I’m more focussed on understanding, applying, and teaching my faith, especially to my children.

What are you currently studying?
Master of Divinity (over 6 years).

What do you like most about studying at BCSA?
I love that we can think freely and deeply about issues, coming to our own belief based on biblical evidence; but the faculty also provide wise, well-researched teaching to help us get there. They are well-researched in their fields, but are also good at teaching it effectively. Finally, I love that the college has high professional and academic standards while maintaining the warm, friendly, engaging atmosphere of community.

In what ministry do you hope to work when you finish at BCSA?
I’m still unsure on this one, and I’m not in a rush to get there, given I have four and half years remaining. I think my personality and gifting suits associate/assistant pastoring while maintaining engineering part-time, at least at first. But God constantly surprises me with his leading, so I hold it all loosely.

What is one thing you are learning at the moment that is particularly insightful?
I’ve been learning how the context of Jesus as saviour and his 'gospel' fits into the Graeco-Roman context; the ideas of a 'gospel' and 'saviour of the world' were present in writings about Caesar Augustus, and the Gospels present Jesus as the true saviour in contrast to Augustus; this includes comparing the Pax Romana against the peace Jesus provides, which comes from God. This kind of context helps me understand Jesus, his mission, and the perspectives of the Gospel writers more accurately.

• Give thanks for a good start to the semester for our students, especially for the great community spirit amongst them. Pray that they would continue to grow in their grace and knowledge of Jesus as they study with us.

• Give thanks for the wonderful staff team at Bible College SA. Pray especially for our faculty, that as they teach, they will do so effectively, helping prepare our students well for a lifetime of ministry.

• Give thanks for the many ways people regularly partner with us. Pray that we will continue to grow this core group, and that through their support we will be able to provide our courses of study for many years to come.

• Please pray for our sister college, Chinese Theological College, and its principal Rev. Dr. Dennis Law, as it trains and equips the Chinese-speaking population in NSW, for ministry within Australia and beyond.

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