Ministry

Term 3’s focus is on Construction, exploring what it means to build people up and to allow God to continue shaping us into the people He has called us to be.

One of the ways we have explored this together has been through opportunities to go deeper into God’s Word. A collection of Year 9 and 10 students attended Bible Deep Dive, a conference where they had the opportunity to learn from biblical scholars and explore the Bible in greater depth.

Across the conference, students explored the creation of the world, considered what it means to show unconventional kindness, and had the opportunity to ask their own questions in a Q&A session. They were challenged to approach conflict with what was described as 'non-complementary behaviour.' Choosing not to repay unkindness with more unkindness, but instead responding with the love of Jesus, even when others don’t respond in the same way.

Students also met young people from other schools, sharing about their faith and the ways they are seeking to love and serve their friends and fellow students. It was an opportunity not only to grow in their understanding of the Bible, but to consider how that understanding shapes the way they build into the lives of others.

This theme has also continued through our Chapel program.

In Week 6, College Captains Jemma and Koen shared with our community about two different ways we can build others up.

Jemma spoke honestly about her own wrestle with self-worth and the ways she had sometimes hidden behind her glasses. She encouraged students to have the courage to be themselves, reminding us that our worth is not determined by how we see ourselves or how others see us, but by the incredible value God places on each person.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26–27

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Jemma’s message reminded us that before we can build confidently into the lives of others, we need to understand that God has already placed incredible worth on us.

Koen then shared about an experience with a mentor who encouraged him and took him under his wing. He challenged students to show this same kind of kindness to people they don’t know, or even to those they might feel don’t deserve it.

He invited our community to imagine what our College could look like if we intentionally chose to build each other up. Creating a place where encouragement, kindness and generosity became part of who we are.

This is at the heart of our theme for Term 3. We want to be a community that doesn’t simply build students, but builds students who build each other up.

As the term continues, we are exploring the different ways we can construct lives and communities that help people flourish. Through Chapel, conferences and the everyday opportunities we have to care for one another, we are being reminded that construction happens piece by piece.

Our prayer for Term 3 is that, as God continues His work in us, we would become people who intentionally build into the lives of others, through encouragement, kindness and a deeper understanding of His Word.

Andrea Campbell

Youth Chaplain