Commencement and Graduation

Last night we had our annual Commencement and Graduation. It was great night. We welcomed lots of new students (John Davies told us that there had been a 17% increase in enrollments and it certainly feels like that). Here is a shot of the new students being welcomed.

We graduated our first Doctoral Student, Max Gilbert (below) who wrote a thesis on Jesus claim to divinity in his use of Ps 110:1; and David Balzer who teaches NT recieved his MTh for a thesis on temple in John's Gospel.

People graduated with other awards as well. Hamdy Awad and Roland Lowther with MA (Theology); Cornelius Nel, Joel Radford and Ian Stenhouse with MDiv; Clare Aroney, Robert Aroney, Karen Astles and Virginia Fay with Grad Dip of Div; Brett Graham with BTh (1st class honours) and Matthew Hong, Jimmy Liang and George Medvedsky with BTh; Steve Pym and Russell Smidt with Advanced Dip Theol and Farid Awad and Jillian Patterson with Cert Theol. Stephen Gould, Russell Smidt, Brett Graham, Ian Stenhouse, Kyou Hong, David Yu and Steve Pym also recieved our Diploma of Theological Studies which is the academic qualification for ordination. Congratulations to everyone for all the hard work that these awards represent. We are excitied about the prospects for service of Christ which all our graduates are taking up.

We also had a wonderful version of "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" from our student ensemble put together for the the evening. I think this should not be their only gig. Here is a shot of the singers.

The evening finished with a excellent address by Sandy Macmillan (minister of the church in South Wagga Wagga). Sandy took us to Ps 67 and challanged us to thank God for his blessings and aim for his glory. Great words for a graduation.

Graduation and Commencement

Last night we had our graduation and commencement service. About 20 graduates received a range of awards, and academic prizes. Everyone looked very smart in hoods and gowns, a bit different to usual college attire.

It was wonderful to celebrate the evening with family, church members and friends who have supported the students through their studies. It is exciting to think about how people have developed during their years at PTC and the obvious work of God's grace in their lives.

Simon Wong's interview and Steve Mannyx's comments on behalf of the graduating students were very encouraging.

The evening finished with a stirring 'address' from Paul Cooper, who used to teach at PTC and is now minister at Beecroft Church. He talked about 'preparation for ministry' from Luke 12 in terms of not underestimating the battle ahead. He warned us to: "be on guard against hypocrisy" (v1); "to fear God who can destroy both body and soul" (v9); and to remember that to disown the Son of Man (which is to sin against the Spirit) will mean we are disowned (vv8-10). All rather somber, though very realistic. Paul started by talking about the fallout from public ministry. We can be like Blackadder's nutty Edwardian British officers who think that the Great War will be a bit of fun. Having called us to take the battle seriously Paul encouraged us that the Lord promises his Holy Spirit who will give us words and strength (vv11-12). A good reminder of the serious work of ministry.