Last week I had opportunity to visit the Reformed Theological College in my capacity as NSW Classis representative for the Candidacy Committee. As part of that task, I was able to sit in on some lectures, meet with faculty and speak with various students. I should add it also gave us time to spend with family and friends, which is always a bonus.

At the RTC, we have some of the best lecturers in the various disciplines of theology, as well as the more practical disciplines of preaching and pastoral care, complimented with by a great administration staff.

At the RTC, theology is taught from a distinctively 'reformed' perspective, highlighting the authority and inerrancy of Holy Scripture. The Genesis account of creation is taught. The flood in Noah's day as recorded in Genesis is taught and not made more palatable by making it 'green' friendly. The virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, the physical resurrection of Jesus and His ascension are all taught as being part of the authoritative Word of God.

The homiletics units (preaching etc) are taught in a way that encapsulates a 'redemptive historical' approach. In other words, all the events as recorded in Scripture have one clear aim, the redemption of sinners by God's One and Only Son to the glory of God the Father.

In summary, the RTC teaches that, "The Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. That all Scripture is God breathed and useful (profitable) for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for ever good work" (2 Tim 3:15-17 emphasis added).

I think it is obvious by now that I love the RTC, but I am more a 'lover' of the wonderful Triune God the RTC teaches about from Scripture. And it is my earnest prayer that the Lord will use the RTC to train men and women, young and the not so young, to be lovers of the Triune God and His word.

Now you would think things are very well at the RTC by what I have written above. Sadly though, things could be so much better. One of the most frustrating things we have to deal with as a Committee is the reluctance of students to come and study at the RTC. The Board of the RTC as well as the faculty share this frustration.

This reluctance to come to the RTC isn't just caused by the students themselves, but by their mentors, families and friends who encourage them to study locally and then remain in the local church as a ministry worker of some sort. Of course, in one sense, this is perfectly understandable. The need to shift to Geelong for a family can be rather disruptive to family life. Good ministry workers are hard to find in any local church and to see them leave to study and become ministry workers elsewhere is not all that easy.

However, it seems to me that this is the pattern we see in Scripture. We read in Acts 13:1-3, that at the Church of Antioch, while the people were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said that they were to set apart Paul and Barnabas to the work the Lord called them. They didn't stay 'put', but after they fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

I would suggest that as a church community this is also our role. When we see gifted people who we think could be useful in ministry roles, let's pray for them and encourage them to think positively about ministry. Let us pray as churches and individually that the Lord will raise up many men and women for various ministries, for the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Mat 9;37).

Let us pray that our Churches will send these workers to the RTC with our blessing to be further equipped if necessary for the various ministries the Lord has called them to. And finally, let us pray that the whole counsel of God, which includes the wonderful truth of the gospel will continue to be taught at the RTC and proclaimed to the glory of God in the Lord's church. JZ