From Doctorates To Diplomas, Morling Graduates 114 Students
Released on Monday, 9th of March 2009
An overflowing Ryde Civic hall filled with Morling College graduates, new students, faculty and family celebrated as students entered a new journey in ministry opportunities. The annual Commencement and Conferral Service, held on Monday 2nd March 2009 welcomed 48 new full-time students and 170 new part-time residential and distance students into the Morling community, beginning their ministry and theological training. Over 600 students will be studying the bible and theology at Morling in 2009.
114 students graduated with qualifications ranging from Certificates to Doctorates and are heading into a variety of ministry areas equipped with solid Biblical truth. Of those graduating, fourteen students were the first graduates from the Plunge program, a gap year experience that commenced in 2008.
Morling College announced the graduation of Edwina Murphy, who received her Master of Theology for her work on Cyprian, Hope and the Christian Life. Four Doctor of Ministry awards were presented to Nicholas Foord, for his thesis work on Sydney Anglican School Chaplains, Michael Frost for his thesis work on Forge Mission Training and the Emerging Missional Church, Vivian Grice for his thesis work on the Impact of being a Pastor’s Child in Baptist Churches in NSW/ACT, and to Pius Li for his thesis work on Conflict Resolution in Sydney Chinese Churches.
Keynote speaker for the evening was Rev Dr Brian Winslade, the National Director of Crossover Australia and the Director of the Baptist Union of Australia. Brian gave a stirring address, based on Luke 12:48, challenging all to use the gifts that God has given them in whatever capacity they are called to, but to do so in a humble manner. Morling graduates were challenged to use their awards for God’s glory, but to remain humble and to remember that it is God who has given them their gifts.
For 114 women and men, the evening represented the culmination of years of study and preparation as they received their awards from Rev Kel Willis, Chairman of College Council. These people are going out to serve God, God’s people and God’s world in a wide variety of ministries. Some are now pastors in local churches; some will enter cross-cultural ministry; others will take up new and creative opportunities to contribute to God’s kingdom, including re-entering secular employment better prepared to be salt and light in the workplace. 3 graduates were interviewed: James Sutherland has joined the pastoral team at Thornleigh Baptist, Linda Axelsson is returning to Sweden to assist the church in mission work and Oliver Mak will use his Masters of Arts in Christian Studies to better equip him in his leadership and work within the accounting profession.
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