Quite a few years ago, the Principal of Mary Andrews College, Narelle Jarrett, took an initiative which I was very doubtful about. She opened up the possibility of diploma level study in a part-time way at centres around the Diocese, especially geared to women students.

It was not, of course, that I was opposed to women studying. My concerns were that this might prove to be an alternative to full-time degree level study, which I also wanted women to be involved in.

Experience has shown that my fears were groundless and that Narelle Jarrett’s initiative was necessary and right. Over the years, many women have found Mary Andrews’ courses to be an effective tool by which they can equip themselves through the knowledge of God for deeper and better ministry. And the way in which the courses are offered (eg: in the day, within school hours and school terms) suits the needs of many women students.

More than this, however, the Diocesan Mission in its third policy, calls for higher levels of education and training from all of us. We want to equip Christians everywhere for ministry. At the very time when the Mission policy is calling for such an initiative, the Mary Andrews College courses are available with long experience and proven capacity to equip students for ministry. I now thank God that Narelle persisted and that the courses are available.

Moore College has similarly, for many years, been running diploma level courses in the evenings in various locations around the city. These, too, have been a fruitful means of equipping Christians. Likewise, the Moore College correspondence courses have a worldwide ministry.

We are truly blessed with great options for further study. I commend all these possibilities to you, confident that one of them at least will suit your circumstances. Details of how to enrol are available on this page.