2015
Unlocking your future Financial planning for your education Find your place of study here
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Equipping the whole believer to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
Bible Theology Ministry Chaplaincy Plunge (Gap-year) Masters of Teaching (Secondary) Counselling
120 Herring Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 www.morlingcollege.com
Phone (02) 9878 0201 Fax (02) 9878 2175 Email enquiries@morling.edu.au
UNLOCKING YOUR FUTURE MIKE FROST has some great words of wisdom about the importance and influence of Christian education...
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s 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 worldview Secular 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 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 culture If 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 ministry If 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
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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.” 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
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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
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Many students are struggling to pay their rent, find money for food, clothing etc. – let alone consider outlaying finances for Christian higher education. Linda Stuart, from Avondale College, takes us through the options available for assistance with fees and planning for higher education. There are education costs, no matter where you do it. Planning ahead, accessing government loans and working part-time are just a few things you should think about if you are considering tertiary studies.
From Certiicate to Masters - Flexible learning, online and on campus
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A RECENT SURVEY OF THE COST OF LIVING EXPENSES FOR STUDENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA INDICATES THAT ON-CAMPUS LIVING EXPENSES ARE LESS PLAN AHEAD The more money you have to pay your fees before you start college, the less pressure you are under to make ends meet, once you commence study. If you have a job, start putting a bit aside from each pay. WORK and STUDY Once you are enrolled you can work part-time to help pay your college fees and a part-time job that fits around your classes is ideal. You may even get work on the college campus, which is a great option because it’s easy to fit your work around class schedules. At Avondale, students work on campus in places such as the kitchen, gardens, offices, or they do some cleaning. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE YOUTH ALLOWANCE – AUSTUDY –
ABSTUDY Youth allowance provides assistance to students aged between 16 and 24yrs. Austudy payment provides assistance to full-time students aged 25yrs and older. ABSTUDY provides assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander full-time students by providing income support and other supplementary assistance, tailored to their needs. To qualify for any of these government allowances, you generally need to study at least 75% of a fulltime load. Information on eligibility and types and levels of allowances is published in Youth Allowance: The Guide; Austudy Payment; or ABSTUDY: The Guide. You can also contact your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or check their website at www.centrelink.gov.au
Courses in Chaplaincy, Theology and Religion at Murdoch University Murdoch University’s School of Arts offers a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Chaplaincy, Theology and Religion.
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
www.murdoch.edu.au
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CRICOS Provider Code 00125 J
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MD9124
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.
GOVERNMENT LOANS (HECS-HELP & FEE-HELP) . Commonwealth Supported places (HECS-HELP) With a Commonwealth Supported place (CSP) the government subsidises the cost of your tuition. Your portion is known as the ‘student contribution amount’, and HECS-HELP assistance helps you to pay your student contribution amount.
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There are two forms of HECSHELP assistance: A HECS-HELP loan: This is a loan, from the Australian Government, for all or part of your student contribution amount. With this option you can defer payment of your student contribution amount (commonly known as ‘deferring your HECS’) and pay it over an extended period in small annual installments, via the tax system. No payment has to be
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made in any year where your income is below $38,148 (this figure is indexed annually). A HECS-HELP discount: If you pay all, or at least $500 of your student contribution amount up front, you receive a 20% discount on the amount you pay. . FEE-HELP If you are eligible for FEE-HELP you are able to borrow up to $50,950, indexed each year, towards the payment of your tuition fees. A loan fee of 20% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses, however the FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. The Commonwealth pays the amount of the loan, directly to the tertiary provider and you repay your loan through the tax system, once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment ($38,148 -
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indexed each year). You generally need to study at least 75% of a full load to be able to defer your fees through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Check with the college where you plan to study to see if you can use HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP to assist you with your tuition fees. If you would like more information on HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP check out the website: www.goingtouni.gov.au SCHOLARSHIPS and AWARDS College funded scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships to assist students with the payment of their fees. Some scholarships are merit based (eg. based on academic achievement) however there may also be non-merit based scholarships available to students who meet the criteria. Check with your
college to see what scholarships they offer. Apply for all scholarships you are eligible for. Other scholarships: Scholarships that are available through organisations not affiliated with your college may also be available to you. Some examples are: - Rural and Remote Scholarships - Commonwealth Learning Scholarships - War Veterans Scholarships - Disability Scholarships Check the website for information on these types of scholarships. Awards may be available at different times through your course. You don’t generally apply for an award, but it’s worth knowing what’s available in terms of Awards as you can then strive to meet the criteria. For example, an award at Avondale called the ‘Avondale
COLLEGE FOR EVERYONE... ONLINE.
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Study online at your own pace. No prior study required. Clear, easy to follow lessons. Interactive support with lecturers and other students online.
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A NSW university estimates that annual living expenses in Sydney are around $18,700
Foundation Award of Excellence’ is given to students who are actively involved in service to the community, while the ‘Sanitarium Business Award of Excellence’ is awarded to a student excelling in all areas of their Business certificate or degree. LIVING ON-CAMPUS Living at home will always be the cheapest option
26 Christian Woman Spring 2014
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when studying. If you are not able to do this, consider living on campus. A recent survey of the cost of living expenses for students around Australia indicates that on-campus living expenses are less. University 1: A Victorian university estimates that the cost of living, including off-campus accommodation in Melbourne, is around $16,300 per year. University 2: A NSW university estimates that annual living
expenses in Sydney are around $18,700. University 3: A QLD university estimates that the annual cost of living in Brisbane is around $16,500. On-campus residential option is not only convenient and safe, but offers great savings on costs of living, because of low residential fees, no large bonds, no utility costs, no daily travel costs and no furnishing expenses.
THINK CREATIVELY Are you training for ministry in a particular church or congregation? Check to see if there is any financial assistance available to you through your congregation. You might offer to do an internship or work for them during your holiday time in return for financial support throughout your studies.
Berea Bible College (Aus) Berea Bible College is passionate about encouraging Christians to study the scriptures. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans as people of “noble character” because they daily searched the scriptures to ensure that what they had been taught about God was, infact, true. It’s that spirit of inquiry that we’d love to develop in you as you study with us. Address: PO Box 536 Wentworthville, NSW 2145 Phone: (02) 9631 0610 Email: Info@bereabiblecollege.com Website: www.bereabiblecollege.com
Capernwray Australia Capernwray is a community where we live in Christ together – guided by His Word, filled with His Spirit and directed by His life. Living out of, and for His glory. Address: 596 Moss Vale, Burradoo, NSW 2576 Phone: 612 4868 1516 Email: office@capernwrayaustralia.org Website: www.capernwrayaustralia.org
HARVEST BIBLE COLLEGE
We are excited to invite you to come and study with us at one Australia’s leading Spirit-filled colleges. We have been developing leaders for local and global ministry since 1985 and have sent over 2,500 graduates ministering in over 44 different nations, fulfilling and mission of training effective ministry worldwide to serve local churches. Address: 1 Keith Campbell Court, Scoresby, VIC 3179 Phone: 1300 HBC NOW / 03 8799 1111 Email: info@harvest.edu.au Website: www.harvest.edu.au
Kingsley College Our 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 eleven training centres around Australia we work hard to ‘develop and equip people to shape their world’. Headquarters: 1/21 Lakeside Drive, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 Phone: (03) 9357 3699 Mobile: 0423 127 199 Email: kingsley@kingsley.edu.au Website: www.kingsley.edu.au Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 27
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Mary Andrews College Mary 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 2000 Phone: (02) 9284 1470 Email: macmin@mac.edu.au Website: www.mac.edu.au Moore College Since 1856, Moore College has been providing the best available theological training in order to prepare men and women as thoroughly and effectively as possible for Christian ministry and mission. Moore College prepares the head - to understand and teach the Scriptures with an emphasis on Biblical theology; nurtures the heart - understanding God and his purposes better leads to a deeper love of God and people; and develops the hands - building practical ministry skills necessary for a lifetime of service. Address: 1 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042 Phone: (02) 9577 9999 Email: info@moore.edu.au Website: www.moore.edu.au Pastoral Counselling Institute Join the growing team of people providing effective care in a hurting world. Our Nationally accredited Pastoral Care courses will teach you to relate your faith and listening skills, turning your compassion into practice. Address: 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta NSW 2151 Phone: (02) 9683 3664 Email: pciuca@ihug.com.au Website: www.pastoralcounselling.org
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 7000 Phone: (03) 6231 5889 Email: registrar@tabor.tas.edu.au Website: www.tabor.tas.edu.au Youthworks Training College Youthworks 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. Fulltime, part-time, online and intensive study options are available. Address: 11 Fifth Avenue, Loftus NSW 2232 Phone: 8093 3400 Email: college@youthworks.net Website: www.youthworkscollege.edu.au Unity College Australia Unity College Australia is an accredited tertiary training organisation which seeks to equip the whole person to serve God. Training in Christian Ministry & Theology, Music & Creative Arts, Information Technology, English as a Second Language, Business Management. VET Fee-Help available; Approved for Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy and International Students. National Office and Canberra Campus: PO Box 467 Belconnen ACT 2616 Phone: 02 61616101 Email: info@unity.edu.au Website: www.unity.edu.au 28 Christian Woman Spring 2014