Class of 2016
What work or ministries have you been involved with since graduation?
Since graduating from Westminster in 2016, I have been involved in various roles within the church and theological colleges in Melbourne, Australia. These academic roles have encompassed both administrative and teaching responsibilities, which I pursued alongside pastoral ministry. The colleges I served, Reformed Theological College and Presbyterian Theological College, are both dedicated to advancing the Reformed faith in Australia, and it was such a privilege to have been part of their mission. Currently I’m pursuing ordination within the Presbyterian Church of Australia (PCA) while also serving as an Adjunct Lecturer in Theology at PTC.
Have you pursued/completed further education since graduation? If so, where?
In addition to my seminary education, I completed a PhD in 2021 through the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. My research focused on the theology of Franciscus Junius (1545–1602), and my dissertation was published by Brill in 2024. I credit the rigorous training at Westminster for providing the foundation necessary for this academic achievement. The critical thinking skills instilled during my time there have paved the way for my continued academic pursuits, for which I am very thankful.
How has your seminary education been valuable in your current vocation (or any vocation since graduation)? Has it been valuable in ways you weren’t expecting?
Reflecting on the impact of my seminary education, several things stand out:
1. Academic Rigor: I transitioned from an MA to a PhD without a ThM, thanks to WSC’s outstanding MA-level training. This experience stands as a testament to Westminster’s educational excellence, a legacy I hope continues throughout its history.
2. Appreciation of Reformed Scholasticism: I wrote about the intellectual depths of scholasticism for my MA and PhD theses. Being in a place where my seminary professors were contributing to this field was a privilege and this shaped my own academic interests and visions as well.
3. Love for Reformed Faith: My desire to learn Reformed theology was strong even before entering seminary, but WSC intensified this passion. The faculty’s collective devotion to Reformed thought kindled my love for the tradition and it was a blessing I did not take for granted.
4. Reverence for God: The education at WSC was imbued with a sense of reverence. God was esteemed as the ultimate pursuit, with His Word regarded as the vital conduit of grace. Such a posture was extended to both the Son and the Scriptures as Word, and it deeply enriched my faith, ministry, and devotions.
5. Global Leadership: As an international student, witnessing a diverse array of world-class leaders visit and teach at WSC was invaluable. It offered a firsthand look at the responsibilities of serving on a global stage, and its implications continue to inspire me.
What would you say to someone who is currently considering seminary education at WSC?
To anyone considering seminary education, I wholeheartedly recommend Westminster Seminary California. Westminster’s distinctive blend of confessional, biblical, and pastoral approaches to theological education cultivates well-rounded individuals equipped for effective ministry. Like many others, I am profoundly grateful for my time at Westminster, and hope that others will also have the opportunity to experience its life-changing impact.
