Friends of the College Update (Jan 2024)
Friends of the College Update
Happy New Year dear Friends of the College!
2023 was a busy year with the ratification of the new validating partnership, the appointment of two new staff members, and the ongoing work of training men and women for gospel service in Ireland and further afield. But rest assured, the College purposefully strides forward in magnifying Christ, advancing the gospel, and strengthening the church. We are therefore grateful for your continued prayerful and financial support throughout 2023. (Have you seen our Pray Without Ceasing Resources? Download them here.)
Looking Forward to 2024
Looking forward to 2024 there is one immediate challenge facing the College—finance. Since the onset of the Covid–19 pandemic theological courses in higher education, and particularly ministry training institutions, have witnessed a dramatic downturn in applications. This is the case not just in Ireland, but in Britain and America. As a result, College finances have been placed under increased pressure due to slightly fewer applicants. The best remedy for this remains the raising up of a generation of Gospel Guardians who will stand with the College and its students by donating regularly to the work. To find out more and sign up, click here.
As we approach the end of our financial year on January 31st, however, the College is facing a small deficit. It is not an insurmountable obstacle, but nor is it insignificant. Our prayer is that our generous God might provoke his people to erase this deficit by the end of our financial year. We ask then that you might prayerfully consider whether you are able to give a gift to the Irish Baptist College this January. There is no amount too small and certainly no amount too big—anything and everything given will go directly to the ongoing ministry of training new pastors, missionaries, evangelists, youth, children, and women’s workers, and many others who will serve Christ and his people in the local church. Prepare people for ministry by giving here.
2024 also holds some opportunities. Here’s a summary list of upcoming events:
- Hugh D. Brown Lectures on Thursday 18th January: Ryan Robertson of Reaching and Teaching will deliver two lectures on the local church and global mission. Join us to discover your indispensable role in the fulfilment of the great commission. More details here.
- Open Days: There are two more Open Days planned for prospective students or interested supporters, one on Monday 29th January (5:30pm–7:30pm) and one on Tuesday 27th February (9:00am–12:45pm). More details here.
- Irish Baptist Historical Society Lecture: The next lecture is on Thursday 14th March and will be delivered by Dr Andrew Curry. Find out more here.
- Graduation: Preliminary plans are in place for the College Graduation on Wednesday 15th May. It will be in Ballymena and the guest speaker will be Craig Dyer. More details will follow in due course.
The College’s faculty, staff, and students are grateful to have friends like you. We trust you will continue to support the College as you have done, and that together we will be known for magnifying Christ, advancing the gospel, and strengthening the church.
