Moore College’s venerable training course, the Preliminary Theological Certificate or PTC, has been a staple for church members for many decades, but this year’s graduation may have taken the record for age span.

Sixty-eight awards were conferred on 65 students, from 12-year-old Joshua Liew to 86-year-old Norma Jacques. 

“We are such a diverse bunch and the thing that holds us together is a love for the Lord Jesus Christ and this course that has helped us to know him better,” said the Rev Dr Simon Gillham, Moore’s acting principal.

Geographical diversity was evident, too, as the graduates live everywhere from Fiji to Shellharbour.

“Doing Level 1 PTC has been transformative,” said Adewale Obadina. “It is the best thing that has happened to me. I couldn’t get enough of it. I have grown closer to Jesus as a result of the course because when you get to know someone better, you grow closer to them.”

Norma Jacques began the PTC when she was 74. She was part of a group of 12 encouraged to study by her minister, the Rev Nigel Parker, and has completed all three levels of the course.

“If anyone is contemplating studying a PTC course, don't be worried!” she said. “If I could start at 74, and do it for the last 12 years, anyone can do it – and if God's calling you to study his word so that you know more about him, and so that you can serve him better, please take that opportunity. I've never regretted the time that I have spent learning about our God.”