Student Reflections (first and second year)

Monday, 18th July 2022
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Student Reflections (first and second year)

First Year by Alan McCartney

Monday 6 September 2021 marked the start of my first week at the Irish Baptist College, where I am privileged to be studying the three-year Preparation for Ministry course. Time has passed swiftly by, and with the Lord’s help I have successfully completed my first year, making many new friends along the way.

First year has been busy — essays to research and write; group presentations; sermon preparation and delivery. Evangelism Week was a highlight. Along with a small team of students we supported the work of Brannockstown Baptist Church in Co Kildare, making Gospel connections.

At the start of my first year the words I used to describe how I felt ranged from excitement to fear and trepidation! Excitement at having the opportunity to train to become a more effective servant of our Lord with like-minded believers. Fear and trepidation, as a more mature student, about adjusting from working life to student life, making ends meet, and writing essays after having been so long out of full-time education!

Almost one year on at the end of my first year, I can truly say God has been gracious and good. He has calmed the fears, provided for my needs, and helped in all the adjustments. I’m glad of our Lord’s assurance that our heavenly Father knows my needs and will provide. I need to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness’ (Matthew 6:32-33).

If God is calling you into service for him, and you want to be better prepared I want to encourage you, whatever your age, to contact the College and find out more.

 

Second Year by Jonny Dodds

Throughout my two years at IBC I have been blessed by the sound teaching of the faithful lecturers and fellowship with the other students. Following a first year that alternated between in-person and online teaching, I’m very grateful to have had this past year in-person for the full academic year. Academically, second year was a step up from first year, with longer essays, critical reviews and a higher standard of work required (not to mention the challenge of learning Hebrew!). However, the lecturers were extremely helpful in guiding and assisting as much as they could.

During second year, students also undertake a placement in a local church or parachurch organisation. My placement was with Barrie Clingen in Crumlin Baptist Church. This gave me an insight into what pastoral ministry looks like on a day-to-day basis. It involved preaching regularly, leading services, visitation, youth work, and general relationship-building. I am very grateful for the trust placed in me by Crumlin Baptist Church in allowing me to have so much responsibility. In particular, Barrie’s honest feedback and wise advice were extremely beneficial for me. While balancing the workload of academic study and placement was at times very challenging, it helped to prepare me for the busyness of full-time ministry.

I am extremely grateful that, in this past year, God, through IBC and Crumlin Baptist Church, has continued to edify and prepare me for whatever He has in store for me, and I look forward to beginning my third and final year of study at the Irish Baptist College in September.

    Blog Archive

Let’s Read Irish Baptist College Conference (Online) From Intern to Undergraduate (Emily Middleton) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Reason for Redemption Baptists and Revival in the Long 18th Century Second Year Placements From Intern to Undergraduate (Josh Brown) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The What and Why of Holiness Final Year During A Pandemic 2nd Year Placement Experience Friends of the College 2021 Update The Art of Reading More Books Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Real Possibility of Holiness A Basic Easter Fact The Servant King Podcast Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — You Are Holy Third Year Reflection Gospel Guardians: Protecting the Purity of the Gospel for Future Generations Graduation 2021 Book Review: Succeeding at Seminary Let's Read: The Hole in Our Holiness — A Work in Progress Why the Irish Baptist College is Vital to the Health of the Association A Good News Story: The Ministry Partnership Scheme Why Study the Biblical Languages? Profit in Toil: A Short Message on A Level Results Day Let's Read: Small Preaching Recognition Service Report 2021 Sin Forgiven: Nourishment for Life and Joy for Living Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Character of the Preacher Commencement Service Report Placement Friends of the College Update God Rejoices over His People: A Meditation on Zephaniah 3:17 Let’s Read: Small Preaching—Constructing the Sermon Evangelism Teams: Newcastle and Brannockstown Evangelism Teams: Stonepark and North Belfast Christian Fellowship First Year Reflections (Reuben and Andrew) Some New Books Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Craft of Preaching Let's Read: Small Preaching—What is God Saying? A Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘The coming of the light’ Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘Life, Light & Glory’
Time to read Genesis...again Friends of the College - January 2020 Friends of the College - January 2020 Finances Tribute to Marion Craig The Resilient Pastor: Surviving & Thriving in Ministry Just a Blow-in? What is new on the shelves at IBC? Friends of the College - February 2020 Four Reasons to Study Theology Academically From Spain to Moira Testimonial Financial Update Friends of the College – March 2020 Irish Baptist Historical Society: The Mayflower Thomas Patient: the Father of the Irish Baptist Church Testimonials The Pastors’ Conference: An Encouraging Privilege Testimonials (part-time studies) In the worst of times: COVID-19 and the Book of Ruth Friends of the College - April 2020 The Long Wait: Victory Delayed Testimonials - Preparation for Ministry and Evening Classes The Leadership Podcast Testimonials - Ladies Study Fellowship The Leadership Podcast (part 2) Friends of the College - May 2020 Reflections from the Student Chairman Why do we teach the Old Testament? Reflections on first year at IBC Friends of the College - June 2020 Why do we teach Romans? IBC Placement Is Church History a Thing of the Past? Friends of the College - July 2020 Friends of the College – August 2020 Friends of the College September 2020 Recognition and Graduation Service Introducing the Irish Baptist College’s New Logo Commencement Service Friends of the College - October 2020 Filled with the Spirit: Soundings in Luke’s Theology of the Holy Spirit The Famous Five: The Abiding Relevance of the Solas of the Reformation Friends of the College - November 2020 The Importance of Theological Training in Fulfilling the Great Commission First Year Reflections — Tim Houston Singing: The Place of Theology in Corporate Worship New Library Books Friends of the College – Unite to Pray – December Christmas Reflections
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