Debates, politics, and exploring the influence of Christianity on policy development is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. But for me, I thrived on the opportunity to experience all of that as part of a fourteen-week internship with the Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI) in 2015.
After finishing my Bachelor of Theology Honours year, and handing in a thesis that focused on the Australian churches’ response to the First World War, I was unsure of the next step. A friend (who happened to be an LMI and BST graduate) encouraged me to apply for the LMI program. I had a keen interest in the way Christianity relates with society and the state, and had a desire to pursue this issue further, so applying for an internship made sense.
My application was successful, and so, from August to November 2015, I was based at the LMI Homestead in Murrumbateman, just a half hour drive from Canberra. The only downside to the internship was that I was away from my wife who was back in Brisbane.
The internship contained a rich curriculum of history, theology, philosophy, law, politics and much more, as well as a variety of more practical activities such as public debating. The debates were intense and fun as we explored topics such as: “It is necessary for a Christian politician to use ‘noble lies’”. LMI teams competed with those from theological colleges as part of the Public Theology Debate Tournament in Canberra. The debates were judged by a panel including Rev Dr Andrew Cameron (Principal of St Mark’s Theological College), Brig. Jim Wallace (ret.) of the ACL, and Chris Uhlmann (ABC’s political editor). Being part of the team that won the tournament added to the excitement!
Through the internship I met a wide array of Christians who have reached a very high level in their field, this included a nationally renowned economist, astrophysicist, winemaker, magazine editor, and author to name but a few, as well as number of state and federal politicians. Hearing a little of the struggles and opportunities they had encountered as Christians in their particular professions was incredibly rewarding and formative.
Listening to these speakers reminded me of the great need for well informed believers to be present and active across society. Vocational ministry is incredibly important, but at Bible college we can sometimes forget that the front line for mission is found not only at the pulpit, but also in the workplace and the local community. It is where relationships are made and influence is developed to see people come to Jesus, and where culture can be impacted. LMI reminded me of the need to have believers at work in all corners of society, as teachers, scientists, bankers, artists, tradespeople and more, as well as vocational pastors and missionaries.
In one sense, the plurality of options presented by LMI has made determining a life post-study harder, rather than easier! I certainly haven’t written off the prospect of vocational ministry, but in the short term I hope to gain employment as a political staffer. I got to experience such work with a week in Parliament in the office of a federal politician, and I found it very engaging. I am also considering whether to continue my studies with a PhD in Australian Church History at some point in the future. I’d like to take this chance to thank the BST community for all the love and support it has shown me over the last several years. Thank you.
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