In our lives, we often find ourselves at crossroads, hesitant to take the next step forward. The prospect of committing to a full-time degree programme can be overwhelming, and many reasons can hinder us from pursuing it. Perhaps we are grappling with personal obligations, financial constraints, or a lack of confidence in our ability to succeed in an academic setting.
In such moments, we must remember that the Lord's plans for us are vast and intricate, and we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and talents He has given us. I, too, have faced such a crossroad in my early 30s, juggling a young family, part-time work, and writing for a city newspaper. However, my passion for my calling kept tugging at my heartstrings, and I yearned to turn it into a vocation.
With the Lord's guidance, I discovered a way to ease into a Bachelor's degree programme and gain valuable academic credits at the same time. I took baby steps, dipping my toes into the academic waters with one paper at a time. As I grew in knowledge and passion, I took another and another, and before I knew it, I had signed up for a degree programme. I began part-time, and as I progressed, I moved cities and went full-time on campus.
If you find yourself in a similar position, the Lord has opened up pathways for you to pursue your passions and build a solid foundation for your future academic and ministry pursuits. One such pathway is the NZ Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Theology) (Level 5), offered by Pathways Bible College. This course can be completed part-time over two years or full-time within one year, and you can cross-credit towards a Bachelor's degree at leading education providers in Theological Studies, such as Laidlaw College, University of Otago, or Carey Bible College.
Studying part-time towards a Bachelor's degree is a wonderful option that allows us to explore different areas of study, build a strong academic foundation, and earn valuable credits for a full degree programme in the future. Through this journey, we can learn to work out our faith and discern God's calling for our lives. As the Scriptures say, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:6).
Therefore, I urge you to take that first step and enrol today. Let us trust in the Lord's provision and guidance, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us.
– by Vivette Bradley
