College

Morling College is more than just a college. It is a community of men and women, staff and students from diverse backgrounds, cultures and churches dedicated to knowing God and being equipped to serve.

Welcome

Morling College recently celebrated 100 years of Biblically grounded, quality education and training. Morling is committed to it’s Baptist heritage, however, our community of students are from a wide range of denominations. We aim to prepare you to apply your studies within your profession, whether that be in ministry, teaching, mission, nursing, accountancy, building or wherever God is calling you.

If you are searching for a Bible college that will challenge, stretch and equip you, we invite you to consider Morling College. Morling offers cutting-edge training in Bible, Ministry, Theology, Evangelism, Mission, Education, Counseling, Chaplaincy and Leadership development.

The people at Morling are diverse in culture, gender, language, spiritual gifting and church background. We are a dynamic, creative and colourful group of people who seek to love God with all that we are. We are a community of believers who recognise that it is Christ who unites us and calls us His people. As God’s people we celebrate the unique testimony of each individual and how God has uniquely created them in His image and gifted them for service. We invite you to experience the richness of a united, yet diverse community of men and women at Morling College.

Ross Clifford, Principal

History

Morling College recently celebrated 100 years of Biblically grounded, quality education and training. Morling is committed to it’s Baptist heritage, however, our community of students are from a wide range of denominations. We aim to prepare you to apply your studies within your profession, whether that be in ministry, teaching, mission, nursing, accountancy, building or wherever God is calling you.

Yarra Theological Union is an inclusive and welcoming community, Catholic by tradition and ecumenical in spirit. We are committed to being a community of scholarship, prayer and pastoral care.

Welcome

Yarra Theological Union is an inclusive and welcoming community, Catholic by tradition and ecumenical in spirit. We are committed to being a community of scholarship, prayer and pastoral care.

We offer theological education and ministerial formation, open to those who seek educational and personal transformation in changing contexts.

Our mission is to equip people for various ministries in the churches: parishes, schools, hospitals, church agencies and in the world at large.

Reverend Dr Chris Monaghan CP, Principal

History

Yarra Theological Union (YTU) was originally founded in 1971 by the Carmelites, the Franciscans, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the Passionists. Over the years other orders joined: the Redemptorists (Australian and New Zealand Provinces), Pallottines, Dominicans, Divine Word Missionaries, the Discalced Carmelites and the Blessed Sacrament Congregation. Graced by the generosity of the Franciscan Friars YTU is located at St. Paschal Friary.

On 18th January 1973, YTU was granted formal recognition as an institute of priestly formation by the then Archbishop of Melbourne, James Cardinal Knox. In September 1973, YTU, together with the Catholic Theological College in Clayton and the United Faculty of Theology in Parkville, was approved by University of Divinity (then MCD) as a College with the right to teach for the degree of Bachelor of Theology. This was extended to approving the right to teach towards the postgraduate degrees of Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology in 1975.   Over recent years YTU, together with the other college members of University of Divinity (UD), has extended its teaching program to provide postgraduate units for candidates for the degrees of Master of Theological Studies and, from 2000, Graduate Diploma in Theology, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

Whitley College is a culturally diverse community of learners committed to practical expressions of God’s activity in the world. We wrestle together in spiritual formation through theological reflection, creative exploration and academic rigour.

Welcome

Whitley College is a culturally diverse community of learners committed to practical expressions of God’s activity in the world. We wrestle together in spiritual formation through theological reflection, creative exploration and academic rigour.

Shaped by the Bible, and drawing on our Baptist heritage, we are responsive to the contemporary needs of church and society, affirming liberty of conscience in conversation with other traditions of religion and spirituality.

Our educational ethos unifies heart, thought and hands, giving priority to personal and social transformation.

Reverend Professor René Erwich, Principal, Whitley College

History

Whitley College has been offering theological education in Victoria since 1891, originally as The Baptist College of Victoria, and since 1965 as Whitley College in Parkville. It was a founding member of the Melbourne College of Divinity in 1910, which in 2012 became Australia’s first specialist university: The University of Divinity (UD). Whitley College is an agency of the Baptist Union of Victoria.

Originally focused solely on the training of pastors for ordained ministry in what would later become the Baptist Union of Victoria, Whitley College now educates people from all walks of life, recognising the contribution of theological discourse to a wide range of endeavours. Formal courses of study are available from Diploma level through to postgraduate research at Doctoral level, enabling students to find a level and a pathway appropriate to their interests and pursuits. Whitley currently holds the distinction of having the most students enrolled at Diploma level in the UD, and is one of the leading colleges involved in postgraduate research awards. Alongside these formal academic programs, Whitley partners with Camp Wilkin in the delivery of education to their 12WATTS interns, runs programs for students from non-English speaking backgrounds (TransFormation), for school leavers (NEXT) and young adults (NEXT2), and for Indigenous studies (in conjunction with NAIITS). Our partnership with The WellSpring Centre brings a range of study options at post-graduate level in the areas of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. In conjunction with Global Interaction, Rev Dr Ian Dicks serves as lecturer in Intercultural Studies while continuing work on a project in Malawi.

These developments seek to give concrete expression to Whitley’s stated purpose: Equipping leaders for a different world.

In 2018, the College embarked on a new era with the closure of the Residential College in December 2017, the appointment of Principal Reverend Professor René Erwich.

Trinity College Theological School is committed to shaping women and men who wish to pursue ordination in the Anglican Church, develop skills for lay ministry, or simply explore Christian faith for personal or vocational enrichment.

Welcome

Established in 1877, Trinity College Theological School is committed to shaping women and men who wish to pursue ordination in the Anglican Church, develop skills for lay ministry, or simply explore Christian faith for personal or vocational enrichment. Alongside its degree and diploma programs, Trinity also serves the wider church community through workshops, seminars and lectures in our Continuing Education program.

Trinity prepares students for the diversity of the modern church by learning about a variety of models of church and theological ideas in contemporary society. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, both from within Australia and from overseas; many study part time and online, but all are supported on their journeys. Everyone at Trinity is encouraged to engage in open discussion and lively debate about the scriptures and Anglican traditions and how these apply to life today.

Reverend Dr Robert (Bob) Derrenbacker, Principal

At Stirling we believe that the preparation of God’s people for service, leadership, ministry and mission is absolutely crucial. We are convinced that something life-giving and hope-filled happens when behaviour, belonging and belief converge.

Welcome

Stirling College was established in 1907 as the college of the National Conference of Churches of Christ in Australia.

Our mission is ‘Forming God’s people for leadership, mission and ministry’. Our approach to ministry, theology and faith is both evangelical and ecumenical with a passion to receive and share the good news of God. We enjoy a diversity of students from a wide variety of backgrounds and Christian traditions who all enrich the life of our community. We are situated in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs between the M3 and M1 making it an easy drive from just about anywhere in Melbourne. With loads of easy parking and a bus stop at the front, our well-equipped campus is spacious with lush gardens and views to the Dandenong mountains.

Steve Sutton, Principal

History

“The chief purpose of the College is to provide Biblical instruction and to furnish ample facilities in education for Christian ministry…”
(Principal A R Main, 1911)

Stirling is firmly grounded in the Christian story. Our roots come from the early vision and commitment of men and women from the Churches of Christ Movement. Even before the establishment of the College, the need to train people involved in preaching and evangelism was recognised. One of the early advocates for founding the College wrote that no one could:

“dispute the propriety and imperative necessity of our preachers being fully instructed in the sacred Word, and this is the prime object of the Bible College” (1871).

The College of the Bible (COB), as it was known, began with 16 students under the tutelage of Principal H.G. Harward on 19th February 1907. For a brief time, lectures were held in the Lygon Street Church of Christ (Carlton), and then on Rathdowne Street. With the assistance of a generous benefactor, the College moved in 1910 to a four-acre property at Glen Iris.

In 1911, the second principal, A.R. Main, clarified the College’s reason for being:

The chief purpose of the College is to provide Biblical instruction and to furnish ample facilities in education for Christian ministry…to encourage an impartial and unbiased investigation of the Christian Scriptures, and in the spirit of devout faith in the Divine Word, freely to lay under tribute every source of light and truth available to modern scholarship.

The construction of the Monash freeway forced the College to sell its property to the State Government. What seemed at the time to be a setback proved to be a God-given opportunity. The spacious new premises in Mulgrave, with views towards the Dandenong Ranges, were opened in February 1989 and our name was changed to the Churches of Christ Theological College (CCTC).

In August 2011 the College announced two exciting developments. First, as a college of the University of Divinity, we were pleased to announce our elevation to become Australia’s first specialist University. Second, we announced a name change from the Churches of Christ Theological College (CCTC) to Stirling Theological College: a ministry of the Churches of Christ. The name ‘Stirling’ was chosen after considering the life and ministry of Gordon Stirling (1914-2010). Gordon remains one of the most influential ministers Churches of Christ in Australia has produced. His excellence and faithfulness in local church ministry (and more broadly) serves as a prime example of the qualities that Stirling aims to nurture in its graduates.

Today, Stirling seeks to prepare and support people for effective and faithful Christian ministry and mission through the provision of flexible learning programs. The primary purpose of Stirling is still the formation of ministers and leaders to serve churches, but the College is also committed to providing a stimulating learning centre in which diverse groups of people can engage in theological education.

Pilgrim Theological College is an initiative of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, providing a rich tapestry of ecumenical theological education under the leadership of a Faculty of eminent scholars.

Welcome

Pilgrim serves the church by providing educational and formation programs for all who are engaged in Christian service. However, it has a special responsibility for preparing women and men who have been recognised as candidates for the Ministry of Word and Ministry of Deacon within the UCA.

In doing this work, Pilgrim Theological College recognises that:

• • Each person who feels called to Ministry of the Word or Ministry of Deacon is different. Therefore a program of formation should take a person’s background, experience, circumstances, and prior learning into account.
• • Formation is of the whole person. Therefore the College seeks to provide formation programs that integrate classroom learning, experience and skills with personal and spiritual development.
• • Ministry is always exercised within a specific cultural context and also within the multicultural context of church and society in Australia. Therefore any formation program should include exposure to different cultural contexts and to the diversity of viewpoints, values and practices that accompany them.

History

Pilgrim Theological College, inaugurated in September 2014, has evolved from the Uniting Church Theological College, which was a partner teaching institution of the United Faculty of Theology (UFT).

The UFT was formed in 1973 when the theological colleges of the Anglican, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches joined with Jesuit Theological College to pool their teaching resources.

These theological colleges were part of the Melbourne College of Divinity, which was founded in 1910.

In 1977 the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches combined to form the Uniting Church of Australia and, from this union, the Uniting Church Theological College was formed.

From then, the UFT comprised the Uniting Church Theological College, Jesuit Theological College and Trinity College Theological School.
In 2012 the Melbourne College of Divinity gained university status and from 2014 began operating as the University of Divinity.

During 2013 it was decided the UFT would close and two of its three partners – the Uniting Church Theological College and Trinity College Theological School – would become independent colleges of the University of Divinity. Jesuit Theological College chose to cease operations as a teaching institute.

In 2014 the pronouncement was realised, with the Uniting Church Theological College being transformed into Pilgrim Theological College within the Centre for Theology & Ministry, a vibrant hub of educational advancement.

Eva Burrows College is The Salvation Army Australia’s national learning centre and is part of the international Salvation Army that has been working in Australian communities for the past 150 years to transform lives. A college for all people, we combine quality training along with expertise of frontline work to equip and empower individuals for life, mission and service.

Welcome

Our theology is founded on the Bible and is based on the doctrine of salvation and the relationship between grace, faith, and holiness of heart and life, a Wesleyan focus. Supported by our commitment to excellence in online learning, our students are equipped for social action and engagement with their local communities and the world.

Our awards cater for a range of study interests. You can study towards a higher academic qualification in the disciplines of theology, ministry or divinity.

We aim to be inclusive and diverse, and support students for whom English is not their first language. Our friendly staff, lecturers and librarians are here to assist you access a broad range of support services, online learning communities and course advice that both informs and inspires your learning.

In short, we are about inviting all people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God by living a life that puts faith and love into action. We value scholarship and learning that stimulates the mind, shapes character development, produces lives that demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, and above all equips people to live out their faith in the world.

Colonel Graeme Rigley, Head of College

History

The Salvation Army has engaged in frontline mission and service since 1865. Their experience in understanding the challenges on the ground and focusing their training to meet the needs for effective service is unparalleled. The Salvation Army has a long rich history in educating its people for a life of mission and service.

Eva Burrows College is The Salvation Army’s national college in Australia born out of the unification of Booth College in Sydney and Catherine Booth College in Melbourne. On 13 September 2017 the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Divinity, Professor Peter Sherlock met with the Commissioner Floyd Tidd and Colonel Mark Campbell at Sydney to sign a new collegiate agreement between the University of Divinity and Eva Burrows College. The signing of this important document in effect marked the birth of Eva Burrows College.

St Athanasius College (SAC) specialises in Coptic Orthodox theological studies both on campus and online. Christian fellowship, liturgical worship and learning are at the heart of our community.

Welcome

I welcome school graduates, university students, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, ministry workers and seminarians to study theology and be spiritually formed.

The College is on a growth trajectory. The new Eporo Tower Campus, opened in 2017, presents new learning opportunities for both Melbourne-based and interstate students.

At SAC we offer a selection of rich, diverse and distinctly Orthodox theological units in the School of Alexandria tradition, as founded by St Mark the Apostle.

SAC has delivered theological courses in the Coptic Orthodox Christian tradition since 2000 and was accredited in 2011 as a College of the University of Divinity.

We have built a reputation for thought leadership through our diverse course offerings which include undergraduate, postgraduate and higher research degrees.

I wish you every success in your studies. May your God-given talents shine and may all that you do in your life be for the glory of God.

Fr Daniel Ghabrial, Principal

History

Our college is named after St Athanasius, the great pillar and defender of the Scriptural doctrine of Christ. St Athanasius the Apostolic (20th Pope of Alexandria) stood boldly in defence of the biblical doctrine of Christ. We follow in the footsteps of St Athanasius by pres

We support local and international students as they journey towards a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity and spirituality, helping them grow in their faith as they prepare for diverse fields of ministry.

SAC provides a positive and supportive learning environment nurturing spiritual growth and cultivating the gifts of each individual. This is achieved through the pursuit of prayer, knowledge, communication, service and fellowship to each other, through the Grace of God. Our students are equipped with the ministry skills and confidence to serve in the priesthood and religious life. We also prepare lay people to serve as theologians, religious educators, youth leaders and mission workers.

Classes are held at our Donvale Campus, based on 22 acres of bushland in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and our Eporo Tower Campus which is located in the Melbourne CBD. Residential facilities are onsite for full-time and part-time students, to help them more fully participate in liturgy, prayer and community life.

Australian Lutheran College is a diverse learning community, committed to learning for life, providing excellence in theological education and training that prepares tomorrow’s leaders in church and community.

Welcome

A pathway-focused theological educator, we provide a distinctive Lutheran theology within the wider Christian tradition. Our graduates are equipped to think imaginatively about issues that affect life in the church and the contemporary world.

We welcome students of all ages, offering high-quality learning and teaching to prepare our students to be effectual workers and leaders who bring life and renewal in the context they serve. You will learn from teachers who care about students, the mission of the church, and the ministries to which people are called.

Come and join us on a transformative, enjoyable, empowering journey of discovery.

Reverend James Winderlich, Principal

History

The theological position of ALC is that of the LCA as contained in the confessional paragraph of its constitution. All our theology has its beginning and centre in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that God accepts sinners unconditionally and forgives them because of Christ. This central teaching of Scripture is spelt out most clearly in the doctrine of justification by faith, which has always been foundational for the Lutheran Church. This states that people, alienated from God because of sin, are put right with God (or justified) through faith in Christ. The Lutheran Church holds that the doctrine of justification is the proper key to unlocking the message of the Scriptures. Read more about ALC’s history

At Catholic Theological College our emphasis on personal reflection and pastoral service, combined with our excellence in academic rigour, enables us to offer students opportunities for deeper understanding of our faith and ways to explore how faith can contribute to our contemporary world.

Welcome

Catholic Theological College is a place of learning and research in a wide range of fields associated with the Christian faith. It offers opportunities for deeper understanding of our faith and for exploring the ways in which that faith can contribute to our contemporary world. Studying at CTC is a chance to be enriched by this reflection, drawing on the Catholic tradition, in a community that is committed to pastoral service of the Church.

The College brings together a stimulating and supportive mix of lay men and women, religious, and those preparing for the priesthood, with students of all ages and backgrounds. Some attend just a few lectures for personal interest, others complete undergraduate or postgraduate awards, with a growing number pursuing research in masters or doctoral degrees.

At the heart of CTC is the Daniel Mannix Library, which continues to add new scholarly resources to a collection that has been built up over more than ninety years. Its shelves of books and journals are surrounded by open and airy study spaces, which encourage its users to take up and read (Tolle lege), as the College motto suggests.

I hope that you will hear an invitation to join us at CTC, to deepen your understanding of the riches of our faith.

Reverend Dr Kevin Lenehan, Principal

History

Catholic Theological College (CTC) was established in 1972 by a group of dioceses and religious orders which agreed to act together as a confederated body in academic matters. This federation currently comprises the Archdioceses of Melbourne and Hobart, the Dioceses of Ballarat, Sandhurst and Sale, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Conventual Franciscan Friars, the Dominican Friars, the Missionaries of God’s Love, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Society of the Divine Saviour (Salvatorians). CTC also has seminarians attending from other dioceses and formation houses including: the Archdiocese of Adelaide, the Diocese of Port Pirie, Darwin, Wollongong, and the Capuchin Friars.

CTC is committed to the highest standards of teaching and research in philosophy and theology, within the Catholic tradition. It collaborates in the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel, and provides academic formation for people committed to the pastoral service of the Church.  In 1973, CTC became a Recognised Teaching Institution of University of Divinity, which was constituted as a degree-granting body by the Parliament of Victoria in 1910.