As Youthworks College celebrates its tenth anniversary at a special service this Saturday, the man who oversees theological education in Australia says it is rare: a newly established Bible College that is flourishing and one with a majority of female graduates.
Youthworks College began operating in February 2000, when the inaugural class of 26 students turned up and were required to roll the carpet out on the floor.
Since then, Youthworks has become the fifth largest affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology (ACT), with over 150 graduates from its Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in Theology and Ministry.
According to The Rev Dr Mark Harding, CEO and Dean of the Australian College of Theology, "the creation of any new theological or Bible college is a comparatively rare phenomenon".
"In today's very competitive market place and in today's educational context new colleges don't have the time to put down deep roots, build up supporter networks, and establish the intellectual capital, research output, and plant and library resources that will support long term education at degree level or better."
"But there are a few colleges that were established in the last decade that are flourishing"”against the odds I might add. One of these colleges is Youthworks."
Dr Harding notes that the College "has proven attractive to women" with 51 percent of enrolments being female compared with the average 60:40 ACT ratio of male to female students.
Among other ACT Colleges, Youthworks also stands out as having "a happy student body and happy graduates".
"When compared to the ACT aggregate, Youthworks' graduates score their experience of learning at the College higher than the aggregate on every single one of the 30 survey stems".
According to Dr Harding, among the reasons for the College's success are its modest educational goals, its learner-oriented education and its niche market that focuses on equipping people for ministry with children, youth and families.
The Rev Graham Stanton, the College’s Principal says, "It's a testimony to God that the College has grown over the past 10 years and become so influential in the development of children's and youth ministries throughout the Diocese".
"This ministry exists only by his grace and ultimately for his glory which is why this Saturday will be a great opportunity for all those who have been blessed by the College to gather together and give thanks to the Lord for his goodness".
