Talk of ‘studying theology’ can sound pretty daunting! Yet at its best, ‘talking about God’ can be the most exhilarating thing we can be involved in. Whether over a cup of coffee or in the context of a tutorial, it should be an experience of excitement and passion. For ‘studying theology’ is essentially all about God: God’s character, purposes, promises. It is to have before us the great sweep of God’s loving engagement with this world, from creation through to ‘theend of the beginning’, the vision of a new and transformed creation. It is to see that the great story of God is an ongoing one, and one that includes us—one way or another!
Foundational to it all is a great truth: God is not silent, and has revealed himself in many and various ways, but especially through his Son, Jesus Christ. We don’t need to make guesses about God in the dark. God speaks, and calls us to listen. Our understanding of God and faith is grounded in the Word of God, the Bible. Central to it all is this wonderful person of Jesus: his life, teachings, and actions, culminating in the momentous events  of his death, resurrection and ascension, with the promise to return. And in giving his church a job toget on with in the meantime (nothing less than joining God in his great mission), we have not beenleft in isolation. The Holy Spirit of God has come upon God’s people, guiding us to his truth, comforting us in all circumstances, and empowering us to witness to God in word and deed. Exciting stuff indeed!
Our vision for Bishopdale Theological College has two core elements. We want to explore with excellence the breadth and depth of God’s Word as disciples keen to know the ways of the Lord.
Secondly, such a privilege to study the things of God is to be put to good use—to equip ourselves for service in his name.
Why come to BTC? Come that you might, in God’s good grace, be further equipped for ministry and mission in whatever way and wherever God calls. We aspire to excellence and depth in study, seeking in God’s mercy the transformation of our minds as we enter more deeply into the mission heart of God.
We count ‘studying theology’ as an enormous privilege and something that is as real as it gets—to study God is to desire God and enter further into the fullness of life that God alone can give.
Rev Dr Timothy Harris (BA, BTh (Hons), Dip A (Hons), MTh, PhD)
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