Student Story: Alissa
MAC provides encouragement and fellowship alongside study
Alissa Connelly and her family at the Japanese Gardens in her new home town of Cowra, NSW
2023 has been a year of new things for the Connellys. They joined the Bush Church Aid family (BCA), moved to a new town, where Ben’s taken on the role of senior minister at a new church, and Alissa commenced study at Mary Andrews College (MAC).
This is Alissa's first foray into theological study having previously done two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree. At MAC she's studying the Certificate in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Care. "This course was really attractive to me as they offer it in hybrid, run it in term time and it's just one subject a term in the Certificate program," says Alissa. "Another ministry wife encouraged me as she found the courses at MAC very practical for minister's wives, as you often get called on for pastoral issues."
The Certificate in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Care has a minimum of six subjects and a maximum of eight. There are four core subjects: Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, Biblical Theology, and Foundations in Pastoral Care. There are electives in Disability Ministry, Practical Skills in Pastoral Care, and Pastoral Care for Mental Health.
"I love that we can really apply what we are studying to our own faith and our own churches.”
"So far I've done Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament and Biblical Theology" says Alissa. "I love that we can really apply what we are studying to our own faith and our own churches. I have also found it helpful for seeing opportunities to talk about Christianity in general conversations. I can't say I'm much of an evangelist, but I've been noticing the opportunities and feel more confident to speak about my faith."
In the Certificate course, Alissa jumps online with her cohort once a week, with a two-to-three-hour lecture, and she has to complete two assignments for each subject. "I'm appreciating the time to focus on the Bible," says Alissa. "Because we don't have a Sunday School, I don't get to focus in church as I'm looking after my children. The assignments also help solidify what I'm learning."
A highlight of the program at MAC for Alissa has been the small class sizes (six to eight students) and the interaction with other Christian women from across the country. "I absolutely love the opportunity to meet with other Christian women," says Alissa. "There's good fellowship and with me being more isolated, it's a great encouragement having a connection point with mature Christians."
Find out more about the Certificate course at Mary Andrews College:
Discover more about hybrid learning at Mary Andrews College:
By Janine Van den Tillaart
This story first appeared in ‘The Real Australian’ magazine, Summer 2023, by Bush Church Aid Society of Australia. It is republished here with their kind permission.