With more than two decades of ministry experience under her belt, in addition to a Masters of Arts in Theology from Moore College, Natalie Ray might not seem like she needs to do any more study to equip her for her role as Maturity and Magnification Pastor at Toongabbie Anglican Church. But during the COVID pandemic, Nat was drawn to return to study, to undertake the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews College.

She shares her story with us here.

Natalie serves in ministry at a church in Greater Western Sydney. Having already collected a Bachelor of Theology and a Masters of Arts in Theology, she recently finished the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews. At our 2024 Graduation Ceremony, Rev. Dr Keith Condie interviewed Natalie.

Liz Halbisch has loved the country for a long time. Having recently moved from Mudgee to Nowra, Liz noted that though her rural location had changed, the conversations she was having with people were the same - many of these pastoral conversations she has been having are related to mental health, and how it fits within a Christian worldview.

“Mental health is such a huge part of ministry these days. It was something that felt really pertinent and useful to be more equipped in from a Christian perspective, and to think through different aspects of mental health and how to be caring for and loving people.” Read Jocelyn’s story of studying the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at MAC.