Meet Mr Mat English

Our College Chaplain

Where have you lived?

I was raised in Belbora on a beef cattle property, studied teaching in Newcastle, theological study in Brisbane (Queensland Theological College) and returned to the Manning to be the College Chaplain at TCC.

What’s it like being on staff at TCC?

Most striking when I first joined the staff team was the sense of unity and genuine love between the staff. I’m not saying that anyone is perfect or that the work is without challenges, but the honest care and support that all staff have for one another continues to be a constant encouragement.

What does your role involve?

I’m primarily involved in teaching the Bible and coming alongside individual students to support them through life.  I teach Biblical Studies in to grades 3-12, coordinate chapel services and provide Biblical input to the staff among other things.

How is your second year different from your first?

Familiarity in any role is therapeutic for the mental health. A growing understanding of the culture and questions that the students are wrestling with helps me to be more proactive in planning and more and pastoral support is much more significant when you are a known entity.

What are you looking forward to at TCC?

I love seeing Christian students growing in their maturity and equipped to share the reasons for their hope, I’d like to see more of that. I’m progressively adding more material in class that helps to give Christian students more of a solid basis for their convictions and to engage with the questions being asked of Christianity at large.  I always enjoy putting new content together, but I have to remember that there are only so many hours in a day.

What’s life like at the English residence?

We have adopted an affectionate pet cow, a hen and three of her chicks. After confirming that all chicks would eventually lay eggs, two have since begun crowing. Fortunately my wife and I are early risers, we get most of our quality time in before 7am. We are also expecting our first child mid-December.

How do you like spending your spare time?

I enjoy listening to podcasts while doing maintenance on our property, having people over for meals, dawn walks with my wife, reading and mountain biking at Kiwarrak State Forest.