Today we begin a new series of interviews investigating the benefits and challenges of theological study. Our first interviewee is Dan Conway, who studied at Trinity Theological College in Perth (BTh), graduating in 2017. He is currently living in Singapore with his wife and three-month old daughter, doing bits and bobs of ministry in anticipation of a position of some kind in the coming year.
TGCA: Can you tell us about your life before studying theology, and how you ended up at college?
I guess I've come the long way round to studying theology. I grew up an unbeliever and spent my teens and early 20s playing music (guitar playing, singing, songwriting in the eastern states)—and I had a boatload of good experiences: bands, record deals, television, radio, touring. But I didn't have Jesus. His absence was beginning to manifest itself in almost every area of my life. So basically, through some musical friends who were Christians, I began to investigate the Christian faith in the hope of coming to a decisive conclusion about God generally (I conveniently oscillated between agnosticism and atheism) and Jesus specifically. After about eighteen months, I was converted over bacon and eggs and things have never been the same. Thankfully as I was investigating Christianity and then settling into church life as a new convert I received a Christianity that was centred on Jesus and the gospel of grace. So it was a no-brainer that I needed to respond to this gospel. After one year of a surprising and providential youth ministry position in Melbourne, I began theological studies in Perth. Green as a cucumber, but amazed by grace and excited for whatever was coming next.
TGCA: Were there any life experiences before college that you think were particularly beneficial?
I'm sure my years in the music world were beneficial in many ways. Anything that gets us into real life with real people is good preparation for theological training and ministry. The year I spent leading the youth group was priceless. Ministering to the kids inspired me to deepen my knowledge of the Bible; strengthened my ability to teach others—and prepared me to learn these things for the sake of others, not just to possess profound information.
TGCA: What were the high-points and low-points of studying theology?
Two high points come to mind. There's really nothing like actually growing in the knowledge of God. The Bible is open; the Word is living and active; the Spirit is at work and Christ is magnificent. There were many, many times when these realities were in play, and they are life changing and shaping. And a second is like it: sharing the above with brothers and sisters along the way. It almost completes the process of learning to turn to someone else and say "Isn't this amazing!" and for them to say “Yes! And what about this!” Those two things were intimately connected for me during studies.
On the low side is the confusion and discouragement that can come from this all taking place in an academic context. It seems inevitable that we will struggle with being marked for work that is so related to our hearts and our identity in Christ. For me the temptation to conflate knowledge and maturity was significant. We all want to grow in Christ. And when you see a 51% on your essay (which I got twice for church history document studies!) it can be very discouraging if you take that to be a reflection of your walk with God. And it might seem obvious that it isn't, but the heart is not only deceitful, it's silly! And the pitfall of making too much of the marks is a real challenge for many in theological studies. Community is key here, I think.
TGCA: Do you have any particular lessons from (or regrets about) your years at college?
The lessons abound. But probably the one that most impacted me was that all of our study of the Bible and theology should be aimed at Christlikeness and the glory of God. This was so evident for me in one lecturer in particular. He knew everything. But it was soon obvious that that wasn't what really mattered. What really mattered was that he often reminded me of Jesus! And his primary goal was making God look fantastic. All the knowledge in the world, even of the Bible itself, would be wasted without that. I regret not following this man around a little more at college.
TGCA: Were there any surprises?
Every week. I was always pleasantly surprised by the unity of the Scriptures. In our circles, we're taught to expect that. But seeing it for yourself is a joy. Also, I think some people think of theology as a dreary subject. Dogmatic (in the bad sense)—boring. I knew it wouldn't be that, but I was surprised just how exciting and gripping it could be. I can't imagine being as excited about any other topic in the years to come.
TGCA: How has studying helped you live and serve Jesus?
Many things come to mind. I think I'm much more comfortable with the fact that Jesus is Lord and I'm not. And all the work that God is doing in the world through him doesn't rest on my shoulders (what a terrifying thought). But this doesn't mean I'm useless, it means I'm free to give all I have for the one who gave himself for me, confident that he will complete his work and use whatever pebbles I offer up in my short burst for his good purposes. I'm so thankful that this is how God works. The power is all his, the privilege all ours. Studying has really unearthed that for me.
TGCA: What factors went into your decision to study where you did?
I was living in Melbourne when I decided to study in Perth. Visiting Trinity, I was struck by the intimacy of the place. The lecturers were down to earth; the numbers were small. I thought this last factor was a plus because I knew I'd have a lot of questions, and I figured I'd be able to ask them in a smaller crowd. On the theological front, it was clear that the Scriptures, Jesus and the gospel, were foundational to all I would learn at Trinity. It wasn't the hardest decision I've ever made.
TGCA: Do you have any advice for people who want to go into ministry but aren't sure whether they need to study theology?
Leaving aside the possible exceptions, I think anyone who handles the word of God in a teaching capacity needs training. God's word is so important and God's people are so needy, especially teachers. There are many ministries and not all involve the direct teaching of the Bible to others. But I would say the more the role requires you to handle the Scriptures the more important it is that you be trained to do so. It is just too important not to be equipped to "rightly handle the word of truth" for the sake of the teachers as well as those being taught.
TGCA: Are there principles you would suggest for those working out where to study?
I think it's good to have clear in your own mind the things of first importance. Then you can be on the look out for these as you consider where to study. Are Jesus and the gospel front and centre here? Is the teaching about them clear and true? Is the Bible the foundation in considering these and all other topics? On a more narrow but probably no less important note, be on the look out for godly character in lecturers. Most of the best stuff is caught, not taught. And there really is nothing quite like learning gospel truth from people who are evidently gripped and shaped by it. It's no wonder God calls those who teach to live lives conformed to their teaching. It works!
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