I’ve unfairly made judgments of Bible college students based on my own expectations or interactions with them. The person who loved studying the Bible made me feel less godly for not being excited by the prospect of study. The person who always had time for people made me feel selfish for not always wanting to do the same. On the other hand, the person who always wanted to explain the root word from the Greek translation would test my patience. The person whose lack of social awareness put tasks over people would frustrate me to no end. I often allowed my views of college students to cloud my own contemplation of theological study.
How would you describe the quintessential college student? This year I’ve been taking some theological subjects and find myself surrounded by college students. Forced to look past the stereotypes, it’s helped me appreciate why we study theology and the joy it is to do so in community. If you’re considering theological study, I’m hoping that my reflections will give you something to think about.
One Goal, Many Paths
I have always struggled with decision-making. I’m intimidated by people who know what they want to do and how they want to do it. It always seemed to me like people studying theology know exactly what they want to do once they finish studying. Arriving at college, I’ve seen that, in one sense, everyone else’s plans are the same: a response to Jesus’s invitation to follow him. Seeing the great need for people to hear and to respond to this invitation, most students are investing time and money into a theological education that will equip them to serve the Lord in full-time ministry roles.
But I’ve also learned that in following Jesus, my classmates have varying degrees of clarity about what these roles might look like. Uni ministry, parish ministry, chaplaincy. Some people are keen to stay in Sydney, others to go interstate or out to the country. Some students have it on their hearts to take the gospel overseas, whether to an unfamiliar country or to their home country. Still others, like me, are taking the next step in their journey of faith, wanting to serve God somehow and exploring what that might be.
So also, what their path leading to college also varies. Some of my classmates have been preparing for study for years, others are just dipping their toes in the water. Some are a few years out of uni, others have had two or three careers. Some are equipping themselves to support their husbands in full-time ministry and raise their children. Others’ children are grown up and out of home and they want to use their time to serve their church better.
But, they all have one thing in common: they desire to grow in maturity in Christ and be better equipped to build his church as we have all been called to do (Eph 4:1–16). This is what has driven them to study at a theological college.
One Body, Many Parts
During my time studying so far, I have constantly been reminded of 1 Corinthians 12. I am not a details person, but my understanding is deepened by the sister who wants to understand and explore every possible meaning of a verse and its implications. I am not a patient person and I am awed by the brother who responds in grace and kindness. As we learn together, I rely on the strengths and gifts of others to help me learn and offer up my own expertise in turn. Each of these have been given for the “common good” (1 Cor 12:7) and we strengthen each other as we serve each other.
It’s not just during class when these differences are valuable. The primary goal of formal theological education is to equip our Christian leaders who will be leading others in evangelism, discipleship and training. Yet even within those roles, each person’s gifting will provide a unique flavour to their ministry and require the support of complementary strengths from colleagues.
I also see a future where students come out of college and serve in ways others may not be able to. The teacher can care for his students as a chaplain. The international student can go back to Malaysia and share the good news with her family and beyond. The mother raising her children to trust in Jesus can prepare and share resources with other families. The event planner can go to work better equipped to share the gospel with her colleagues.
At times our differences can mean disagreements, butting heads or hurting each other. That is to be expected. College students are sinful and limited like everyone else. If you’ve seen a college student behave in a way that disappoints you, don’t let that reflect negatively on theological students or theological study as a whole.
When you’re thinking about the college students you know, don’t get caught up in their apparent similarities. God has made all of us so different and made us to be part of the body together. If you think you don’t fit the mould, welcome to the club!
The People We Meet at Bible College
How would you describe the quintessential college student? I hope that we can describe them as someone who loves Jesus and wants to know him and love him more. Someone who acknowledges their sin and their flaws and trusts in God’s promise to grow them in his Spirit.
The people we meet at Bible college are growing in their love and knowledge of Jesus, together with a flawed but Spirit-filled and Christ-centred, community. If you’re studying theology, how can you celebrate the differences with your fellow students?
If you’ve been considering doing some theological study, look past the label ‘Bible college student’ and consider your purpose for theological study. How can you grow in your love and knowledge of Jesus in order to serve him and his people for the rest of your life?
