Love takes centre stage at Moore College’s CCL event, “Is love really all you need?”

March 16, 2023 by Moore College

On Wednesday evening, Moore College’s Centre for Christian Living (CCL) hosted a thought-provoking event on the topic of “Is love really all you need?” The event aimed to explore the Christian understanding of the virtue of love and its role in the lives of believers.

The speaker for the event was Dr Chase Kuhn, Director of the Centre for Christian Living. Dr Kuhn began by demonstrating that love requires a definition—one that not all agree on. He explained that Scripture tells us where true love is known: it’s in Jesus. 1 John 3:16 says, “By this we know love, that he [Jesus] laid down his life for us.”

From this definition of love, demonstrated in Jesus’ life and sacrifice, Dr Kuhn explained that virtuous love is unconditional. Love should not consider qualities in a person worth loving, but should manifest as goodwill toward all in a way that seeks their alignment with God’s purposes for them.

As the main talk concluded, Dr Kuhn demonstrated how the gospel frees Christians for virtuous love: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In fact, by loving as God has loved us, we become lovelier.

The second section of the evening focused on some practical implications of the talk. Moore College student team leader Caitlin Ogg engaged in a discussion with Dr Kuhn about how the principles he advocated would apply to different scenarios: self-love, loving those who are “easy” to love, loving those who are “difficult”, and loving strangers.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which attendees had the opportunity to ask Dr Kuhn questions about the nature of love and its role in the Christian life. The questions ranged from one’s capacity to love, duty versus delight, proximity of relationships, and how to interact with those outside the Christian faith.

Overall, the event was a great example of Moore College’s commitment to providing opportunities for Christians to engage with important topics from a biblical perspective. The Centre for Christian Living continues to serve Christians in their reflections on how biblical ethics relates to everyday issues.

For more resources from the Centre for Christian Living, including articles, podcasts, and previous and upcoming events, please visit ccl.moore.edu.au.

Moore College welcomes back Peter Jensen to launch his latest book on The Life of Faith

March 15, 2023 by Moore College

On Tuesday night Matthias Media held a book launch for Peter Jensen’s new book The Life of Faith: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine at Moore College. The event was a resounding success, drawing an engaged and enthusiastic audience of over 80 people.

Peter’s book is the fruit of his more than thirty years of teaching Christian doctrine. Many graduates during Peter’s time as Principal of Moore College can testify to the brilliance of his teaching and the invaluable resource his lecture notes have been over the years. These are now, freshly edited, available more widely.

The evening began with a warm welcome from the College’s current Principal, Dr Mark Thompson, who spoke briefly about his years learning from and then teaching alongside Peter Jensen. Another of Peter’s former students, Carmelina Read, gave her reflections. After this the Archbishop of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, who himself studied doctrine under Peter Jensen, officially launched the book. Finally, Peter Jensen then shared about his approach in the book and provided a fascinating glimpse into his journey as a theologian and Christian leader.

The event concluded with a book signing, where attendees had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of The Life of Faith and meet the author personally.

“We were very glad to join Matthias Media by providing a venue for this event,” said Dr Thompson. “It is entirely appropriate that Peter’s book should be launched here at Moore College, where through his brilliant teaching he influenced generations of doctrine students. Many of us have been hoping for this day when Peter’s valuable insights into the Bible’s teaching would be made available to new generations of Christian men and women.”

The Life of Faith: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Peter Jensen is now available for purchase online from Matthias Media.

The halls of Moore College come alive as a new academic year begins

February 27, 2023 by Moore College

It’s that time of year when hundreds of students from across Sydney, Australia and overseas converge at Moore Theological College to begin a new academic year, which kicked off last Monday.

First-year student, Phoebe Guerra from the Philippines, said she was both excited and nervous: “I’m enjoying but also feeling nervous about the many new things happening around me at College—so many new people! But it’s so good to be assured by the Moore community that we are here for one another — let’s do this!”

A strong sense of community is evident among the student cohort. At a time when some educational institutions are moving more towards an online model of learning, Moore College remains committed to a face-face communal model of education.

“That’s our main game”, said the Principal, Dr Mark Thompson. “We train students face-to-face and full time for a ministry that is face to face and full time. This is not just a habit, but a deep commitment anchored in the way God values relationships.”

Alongside those studying full-time in the three-year Bachelors or four-year Masters program, are those availing themselves of the flexibility to study the first year of these courses part-time, as well as other courses online. They are just as excited about starting their study and we are thrilled that they are part of our College.

“We thank God for all the men and women that he has brought to Moore College so that we might prepare them for life and service in God’s harvest field”, Dr Thompson said.

Meet Gordon Cain, Moore College’s ‘Study Whisperer’

February 20, 2023 by Moore College

Gordon, what is your role at Moore College?

My title is Academic Support Coordinator, and my goal is to help every student flourish in their studies here at Moore.

What sort of help do you offer students?
All sorts of things! But mainly, I meet with students, and I write resources to help them.

Meeting with students can be one-on-one appointments, drop-ins, or even seminars. The one-on-one meetings cover whatever they need – anything from managing deadlines and commitments, to exam preparation, to working out how to tackle an upcoming assessment. And things like how to study amid a busy life or grief, or how to navigate ADHD or dyslexia, which a lot of good people struggle with.

Four hours a week, students can drop in during ‘The Doctor is In’ sessions in the library. I’m not a doctor, but it’s time for any academic question, one minute or one hour. My motto is ‘No question too small.’ It’s great, and I get to work with lots of students there. Also, when students ask, I run seminars on topics they ask for.

That is all face-to-face, but there is only one of me, and there are 200+ students, and I can’t meet all the time with everyone. So I extend my reach by creating permanent resources, too. I produce blog posts on different academic skills and topics – skills such as reading, note-taking, choosing the best sources, studying in groups, and preparing for exams. I also produce guides for many of their major research essays. Many students I’ve never directly worked with tell me they read and use my posts regularly.

How have you helped students grow in their knowledge and abilities at Moore College?
It took me two-and-a-half years to figure out how to study at College. Granted, that was over 30 years ago, but I don’t want to see that again for any student!

So one goal is to help students adjust to College much more quickly and smoothly, so the academic demands of College don’t get in the way of their godliness and faithful service. I’d like to think that I help them do that, wherever they come from, whatever their background.

Related to that, I want to help students grow independent of me, and need me less and less. So I try not just to answer their questions but to equip them to answer those questions for themselves in the future.

By the time they get to the end of third year, I am no longer providing specific guidance on their final essays, but I am available to work with them if they want. Likewise, I am currently developing resources on academic writing and on writing clearly. Very few of us are ever really taught how to write clearly and effectively. This will help them in their studies, of course, but also in ministry. Practically all my students are heading into word-based ministry. Helping them communicate even more clearly is vital for their service to the Lord.
Could you share a story of how your students moved from struggle to growth?

Sure! Every semester I get to work with some students who lack confidence or university study skills, and I see most of them grow and learn and pass their subjects.

But one of my favourite stories is about four students.

A year ago, one student came to me and said she was having trouble keeping up with her readings – they were advanced, and there is also the motivation factor of reading and studying alone. I asked if she had considered a reading group with a couple other students. So she organised one. They learned, they loved it, and they then decided to meet a second hour every week to discuss more readings and to review their lectures that week.

All I did was point her to a useful strategy. They went and perfected it. So this year, I am pushing students across College to consider reading and revision groups. Research consistently shows that discussing readings and lecture content with others leads to better understanding and deeper learning. Plus, it’s fun.

I see a lot of my work being the delightful coaching and personal stuff. But I am also a resource person who helps students apply lots of excellent research into students, study, and learning. Like a preacher, my job is to take those goodies from the top shelf and serve them up to my people – our students!

Each year, I want to help many students directly, and to leave a growing bank of resources to help future students and academic support officers here.

Gordon is starting his fourth year working at Moore. He lives in Western Sydney and enjoys food and cooking, nature walks, and chilling with his family. You can read his academic skills blogs here.
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7 Important books released by Moore College Faculty over the last 12 months

February 15, 2023 by Moore College

The teaching ministry of the Moore College Faculty extends far beyond the walls of the College. Over the years, members of its faculty have contributed to the wider Christian scene through speaking in churches and at conferences, and also through their writing.

The list of Moore College authors is long indeed, including T. C. Hammond, Marcus Loane, Donald Robinson, Broughton Knox, Paul Barnett, Graeme Goldsworthy, Bill Dumbrell, Peter O’Brien, David Peterson, John Woodhouse and Peter Jensen. Their books have been a blessing to Christians all over the world.

2022 was a busy year when it comes to books published by the current Faculty. We’ve compiled a list for you (just of the books – many articles have been published too).

Embracing Complementarianism, by Jane Tooher with Graham Beynon (Good Book Company)

This book has been attracting a great deal of attention all over the world. Its starting point is that complementarianism is biblical and it is good for us. Jane and Graham and concentrate on what these convictions look like in practice without prescribing one way that suits every circumstance. They move beyond the familiar discussions of gender roles to encourage a church culture where men and women genuinely partner together.  Click here to read a review.

The Doctrine of Scripture: An Introduction, by Mark Thompson (Crossway)

Our Principal has contributed a volume to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series. What we think about the Bible is sometimes considered in isolation from Jesus Christ. This book argues that all we say about the Bible should be determined by how Jesus treated the Old Testament and his commissioning of his first disciples who produced the New Testament. This book aims to strengthen our confidence in the Bible as God’s word which is entirely trustworthy and nourishes faith in Jesus. Click here to hear an interview with the author.

The Beginning of the Gospel: A Theology of Mark, by Pete Orr (Crossway)

Peter Orr has produced this valuable addition to the New Testament Theology series. Peter helps us to understand how the Gospel of Mark makes a special contribution to our picture of Jesus, as he examines its relationship to the Old and New Testaments. Each chapter focuses on a key theme of the book—the identity of Christ, the announcement of the kingdom, the call to follow, and more—and explains how this Gospel is relevant for the church today.

When The Noise Won’t Stop: A Christian Guide to Dealing with Anxiety, by Paul Grimmond (Matthias Media)

Paul Grimmond has written an immensely helpful book for anyone who has experienced anxiety or sought to help others who struggle with it. From his own experience as a pastor, preacher and one who has grappled with this himself, Paul enables us to face the reality of the reality of this struggle with clear biblical thinking and hope. Click here to read a review.

Hugh Latimer: Gospel Ploughman, by Mark Earngey (Australian Church Record)

This is the second in a series of brief biographies of reformation figures that Mark Earngey is producing. Hugh Latimer, sometimes referred to as the “Apostle to England”, was one of the trailblazing reformers of the sixteenth century. He was the great preacher of the English Reformation, and the story of his stand for Jesus Christ has inspired countless Christians and continues to do so today. Mark tells the story of Latimer’s gospel ministry and explores the way he was used mightily by God to save souls and transform lives.

Fight for your Pastor, by Pete Orr (Crossway)

Peter Orr was particularly busy during 2022 and this second book has already been a great help to many. Peter encourages church members to stand with their pastors through times of difficulty, caring for them, praying with them, offering words of encouragement, generously providing for them, and forgiving them when they make mistakes. He includes stories from current pastors about the struggles they face. Click here to hear an interview with the author.

Water for my Camels: Navigating the space between singleness and marriage when the Bible doesn’t talk about dating, by Paul Grimmond (Matthias Media)

Our Dean of Students, Paul Grimmond, also published two books in 2022. In this second book Paul guides us into biblical answers to the ‘who’, ‘when’ and ‘how’ dating questions, while also honestly and humbly tackling other thorny issues, such as ‘How do I know if it’s God’s will for me to get married?’, ‘Is online dating a good idea?’, and ‘How do I get over the pain of breakup?’.

Each one of these books is accessible and worth reading. We are excited to commend them to you, for yourself or to share with others.
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Moore College’s Priscilla & Aquila Centre holds its largest conference to date

February 8, 2023 by Moore College

On Monday 6th February 2023, Moore College’s Priscilla and Aquila Centre held its annual conference at Moore College.

Over 428 people were in attendance, including 140 on livestream.

The topic of the conference was “Lazy Complementarianism: A fresh look at leadership, relationships and church family life”. The keynote speakers were Gary Millar (Principal of Queensland Theological College) and his wife, Fiona.

In their keynote talks, Gary and Fiona explored how Bible-believing evangelicals can slip into “lazy” thinking and practices around complementarianism, by simply doing what we have always done or mirroring the culture around us, rather than looking to the Bible.

There were also several electives, including “The ministry of motherhood” by Jocelyn Loane, “Speaking and relating well with other complementarians when we disagree” by Kara Hartley and Bill Salier, and “Nurtured by God’s word” by Sarah Sholl.

“It is good to keep thinking about how God wants us to live and minister together as men and women,” said Jane Tooher, Director of the Priscilla and Aquila Centre. “The annual Priscilla & Aquila conference gives us the opportunity to do that. The plenary sessions and the electives explored various aspects of complementarianism. This conference is primarily aimed at women and men in vocational ministry, but other Christians are most welcome and attend each year. This year we had our largest conference to date, and there was much to thank God for.”

For more information about the conference and the work of Moore College’s Priscilla and Aquila Centre, please visit paa.moore.edu.au.
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Love takes centre stage at Moore College’s CCL event, “Is love really all you need?”