Whilst studying for my A-Levels in college, I fell in love with literature and performing arts. I got accepted into top theatre schools and universities I had applied for in England. However, due to advice from my parents and a strong ‘spiritual conviction’ a week before I started my English and Drama degree, I switched to studying theology instead!
Growing up as a missionary kid and being surrounded by biblical teaching all my life, I was pretty convinced that there wouldn’t be anything ‘new’ to discover about Christianity. I was proven wrong.
I began my theological studies at a well-known Bible college but for the first year, I regretted my choice. Thankfully, my family encouraged me to keep pressing on and I journeyed deep waters with my elder sister who was studying and struggling as much alongside me. My father encouraged us to switch to a college he had connections with. The college was called Springdale College: Together in Mission at the time, now known as ForMission College. It was undoubtedly the best decision I’d made, leading me on a lifelong journey of transformation.
The college provided dispersed campus learning opportunities and fellow students were from all walks of life. What I deeply appreciated about ForMission was their heart for mission. The teaching was rich and practical because it came from practitioners who were passionate about equipping their students to impact their communities. I was elected as one of the Student Representatives and gained deeper insight into other students’ learning, which further helped me reflect that the learning not only built the academic capacity of students, but also developed deep spiritual transformation. Isaac Lasky, who was learning through the intensive campus at the time, now reflects:
“What I loved about studying with ForMission was the focus on the practical application of the content we were learning. It gave me the foundational theological grounding, knowledge and skills to serve the church around the world.”
It was extremely convenient that I was placed in a practical context to reflect on my learning, as we had just started a new church plant as a family. The learning was directly applicable and I was developing new skills of engaging with different individuals in the community. Eventually, I discovered that theology was not just about writing essays, but understanding how to engage with context and culture. This included the analysis of philosophical, psychological, ethical and political issues – everything I was fascinated in literature about, with an added bonus element of faith. My youngest sibling Partei also decided to pursue a degree with ForMission, graduating in 2016. She reflects:
“I gained life lessons as well as a degree with ForMission. The degree has spiritually and practically prepared me for any field of work I venture into.”
After successfully graduating in 2014, God blessed me with a job at the same institution. The degree also led me to pursue ordination and I became an ordained pastor at the age of 23. The transforming journey continues seven years later and I am currently thoroughly enjoying my first year of MA in Missional Leadership with ForMission.
So the answer to the question ‘Is Bible College Worth It?’ is very clear to me. It has definitely been worth it and has opened my world of understanding and experience to one that I never would have had if I’d taken another degree elsewhere. By God’s unwavering grace, my ForMission experience continues to equip me and bless my ministry to this day.
Lalruatfeli (Julie) Hlawndo, Alumni