We reached out to one of our postgraduate students to ask them how they were finding their return to studies as a Corps Officer. Ben inspired us with his responses.
Where are you located and what is the context of your ministry?
I am currently the Corps Officer at Benalla Salvation Army (along with my wife Jaimee) in North-East Victoria.
Our ministry varies greatly from day-to-day - we have a traditional Salvation Army worship service and prayer meeting on Sundays; a drop-in space for Doorways and other community programs; Aged-Care outreach and Bible Studies. We have recently started two new worship expressions - a community table after one of our drop-in days; and a Family Fun Sunday once a month, designed for families to learn about God together.
I have also recently been appointed as the chair of MASIC (Moral and Social Issues Council) for the Australia Territory, where we explore some of the pressing moral and social matters of the day and provide resources to aid people to think through these often contentious issues theologically.
What award are you enrolled in and what unit of study are you taking and what are you learning so far?
I am enrolled in a Master of Theology degree
This semester, I am enrolled in Bible and Holistic Mission. It has been an excellent unit, which challenges how and why we use the Bible in a ministry context, and puts the exegetical skills of other Biblical Studies units into a practical context. I have been most challenged by how the Bible can be used with those who have no Biblical context or background, which describes many people who are coming to our new worship expressions.
What compelled you to return to HE?
I had always planned to come back to complete my Masters after taking some time away from formal study to complete the Arrow Leadership Emerging Leaders program. Formal study stimulates my thinking about God, and also challenges me to put my theology into practice! I'm also exploring whether a research degree will work for me in the future.
How have your studies helped you in your ministry?
My current unit in particular has challenged me to be far more intentional in the way I think about the Bible in our ministry context. More broadly, I have noted how exercising the discipline of study makes me a far better reflective practitioner, and challenges my assumptions and bad habits that can easily sneak into a ministry context.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering returning to HE?
Make sure you have the time to really do the subjects you study justice, as I believe the wholehearted investment of time leads to far greater long-term benefits. Also, make the most of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that your lecturers will impart - ask them questions that make your study relevant to you. If you can invest the time, your ministry and life with Christ will be enriched!