Community
Learning at college isn't limited to formal classes or other organised activities. Much of the value of spending time at College is in the relationships formed with fellow students and staff. We often have our most profound learning experiences while doing something completely unrelated to the classroom. As we share our life together and live that out in conversation with God, there are wonderful opportunities for gaining insight into Christian life and ministry.
Each week students meet together for chapel, prayer groups, small groups and fireside discussions. These are important opportunities to pray, sing, read the Bible, hear it taught, and discuss issues raised in class or in ministry. Ministry networks formed at College provide sources of support and encouragement in your ministry situation, as well as people to call upon as guest speakers and extra hands. We hope you will form friendships at College that will remain for many years into the future.
Staying in overnight accommodation on campus together also gives students valuable time to share their lives with each other. A compulsory part of the Diploma program, fireside, is an hour of discussion time after dinner which provide students with an opportunity to discuss relevant issues for life or ministry, often with the help of a guest speaker. This time, as well as the conversations and card games which follow, all enable students to grow in relationship with each other.
As part of community life, students are rostered on various jobs each week – from helping prepare a meal to cleaning the toilets. Not only does it help keep fees down, it is an opportunity to take responsibility for the physical environment of the College. Twice a year we have a two-day working bee and there are jobs for everyone regardless of practical skills.
The end of the year culminates in Reflection Day, a day following the exams to look back on the year past and take stock of where we have come to and where we are headed. The day ends with the College’s annual dinner – a night of good food and good fun to celebrate everything that the Lord has achieved among us.
Our community includes:
- Faculty who will seek to love and care for you as shepherds under Christ (1 Peter 5:1–4);
- Support staff who will seek to serve you with diligence and joy (Romans 12:6–8);
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Fellow students who will seek to share their lives with you in love (1 Corinthians 13:1–7).