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.

2024 grad Carolyn Hallam shares her inspiring journey with us.

Prompted by 2 Peter 1:5-8, she joined Mary Andrews College to deepen her faith. Balancing studies, parenting four teens, and ministry work, she found joy in learning and grew in confidence.

Anna spent her working life as a casual tutor at Sydney University while serving alongside her husband James in various parishes and roles across the Sydney Diocese. She has three adult children and eight grandchildren. When she turned 60, she decided to prepare for her retirement… by studying.

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.

Rachel Ciano, Dean of Academic Development at Mary Andrew’s College, historian, lecturer, and author provided the keynote address at an event to mark the 150-year celebration of the work of St Stephen’s, Newtown in their current building. Rachel spoke about the contribution of women to the church and the world across two thousand years.

The Church suffers when women’s stories, perspectives and insights are missed. But sadly, women’s stories are often hidden from history, and historically women haven’t been given the same opportunities to study theology in depth.

Historian, theologian, 2023 ADM Fellow and new Dean of Academic Development at Mary Andrews College, Rachel Ciano, is trying to do something about that, with her passions for history, theology and teaching entwined.

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.

When Rebekah was diagnosed with a major, life-altering medical condition, it was her studies at Mary Andrews College that gave her the theological foundations to carry her through a devastating time of her life.

ADM and Mary Andrews College are delighted to welcome Laurel to the role of Principal.

With a passion for knowing Jesus better, and keen to see the Church improve its accessibility for all of God’s people in all their diversity, Kath Thornhill is currently studying remotely at Mary Andrews College, first from Coonabarabran and soon, in 2024, in Dubbo.

MAC’s hybrid learning means that Kath can continue her studies without interruption.

For Sue, studying at Mary Andrews College involved a leap of faith. Feeling called to change careers in her fifties, Sue left a career in health administration to pursue training to work in pastoral care.

“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.

Meet Joanna, a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music who is now studying at MAC to become equipped for pastoral ministry.

Robyn says "All of life is ministry". Robyn is a Mary Andrews College Alumni and shares how she has been equipped for life with her studies at MAC.

Are you looking to be equipped for ministry? Meet Verity, who has done just that. Verity was quite nervous to come and study at MAC, but found the staff here to be really supportive. Since graduating from MAC, God is using Verity to minister in her local parish.

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of thrilling stories over 39 books that tells the story of God's character and directs us all towards the much anticipated Savior. Rev. Marge Mills will be teaching Old Testament Overview in Semester 1, 2023.

Do you love history: learning from those who've gone before and how they've wrestled with the same issues, we as Christians wrestle with today? Dr Nicole Starling will be teaching 'Rise of Christianity - From Acts to the Reformation' in Semester 1, 2023.

What Professional Development will you be doing this year? Rev. Dr Keith Condie has some options for you in regard to Pastoral Care for Mental Health.

Denva shares her story about her studies at Mary Andrews College.

Hear from a group of our MAC students about why they are passionate about studying at Mary Andrews College.