Exploring the Trinity

Growing to know the Trinity Who Do You Say I Am? Trinitarian Thinking

Autumn 2013

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From the Principal

Changing Times

It is a truism to the point of clich that we live in changing times. Currently ICC is facing significant changes and recently we have been reflecting on the colleges vision, purpose and the nature of the training that we offer. The overall vision can be summarised as training for the ministry challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Much of this will be for those from Scotland, since a high proportion of our students come from Scotland and remain in Scotland after their studies. This training will be missional in focus, seeking the transformation of our students and of Scotland through its churches, retaining ICCs focus on biblical & theological studies and understanding contemporary contexts, providing training and reflection alongside practice. It will be accessible and affordable. In future we will have fewer full-time staff and more part-time/visiting lecturers, many of whom are active in Christian ministry. Courses may be taught by intensive weeks, with online/ virtual learning support and video access where possible, alongside local tutor groups, thereby widening access to our programmes. More of the training we offer in future will be in context, with assessed competencies learned through substantial placement practice. Our current BA (Hons) Youth &

Community Work with Applied Theology and new Certificate of Higher Education in Pioneer Ministry programmes already reflect this approach, and a new BA (Hons) Theology and Ministry will be developed to extend this to other forms of ministry training. The existing BA (Hons) Theology programme will continue to be taught in a revised form. A number of partnership discussions have been held, some of which entail ICC providing training and theological education and some in which we are co-working with others to provide a specific type of validated degree programme. We note the challenging comments of Alan Roxburgh, expressed in February on the Fresh Expressions website; there is now a new environment of experimenting. Some schools (colleges) are putting everything on the table in an effort to discern the adaptive shifts they need to make we are in a space of new learning and discovery. These words seem prophetic and very applicable to ICC as we look ahead with hope to the future that God has for us. As we plan for this future, we recognise the considerable financial investment that we will need to make to attain it. For this reason, we have opened a Future Fund that will be used to support the investments in people and technology that will be needed to allow us to effectively serve the church in Scotland and beyond, providing training and theological education for the changed context that the church increasingly finds itself to be in. Will you join us on this journey through changing times, supporting us in prayer and giving, as we explore and develop new forms of Christian education for the 21st century?

ICC Publications
We issue a number of publications throughout the year. Insight, our news magazine, and Outlook, our prayer diary, are published 3 times per year. If you do not already receive these publications from ICC, and would like to do so, please contact the College. Similarly if you would like more copies of either of these publications please get in touch. You can also receive regular news through our e-magazine by subscribing using the box on our website: www.icc.ac.uk Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/icc.glasgow International Christian College, 110 St James Road, Glasgow, G4 0PS | 0141 552 4040 | college@icc.ac.uk | www.icc.ac.uk
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Graduation 2013

For Such A Time as This

Awards were conferred on students graduating with degrees in Theology, Youth & Community Work with Applied Theology, Theology with Childrens Ministry, Theology with Pastoral and Preaching Ministry, Theology with Urban Ministry, and Biblical Interpretation. We were also delighted that Steve Roberts and Aileen Pender were awarded a Doctorate and a Master of Philosophy respectively for their research. For such a time as this was a theme which carried through the whole of the ceremony. ICCs caretaker of 12 years, Phill March, who will retire in August, led the congregation in prayer. He took the opportunity to express his thanks to the staff and students for the years of friendship he has experienced at ICC, and his desire for Gods blessing on the college in the years to come, despite the challenges it presently faces. He wore a blazer with the badge of the Bible Training Institute, one of ICCs preceding colleges, and the one from which Phill graduated some 40 years previously: a symbol of the continuity of theological education provided over more than 100 years by ICC and our preceding colleges. The address to the graduates was given by John

Mason, MSP, he too spoke about the value of the kind of education offered by ICC and for

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? These words spoken by Mordecai to Queen Esther were also spoken to graduates and their families and friends at our annual Graduation ceremony in June. As well as members of the colleges Academic Staff team, Principal Richard Tiplady was joined on the platform by Dr John Morrison, Head of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen (the institution which validates our degree programmes), who very much enjoyed being part of the ICC Graduation Ceremony for the first time.

the need for Christians to be well grounded in their faith in order to speak with clarity into the situations of todays world. He reminded the graduates that although many had a clear idea of their next step after ICC, God may use them in unexpected and exciting ways for such a time as this. This years graduates can be found as far away as Asia and Africa, and as close to home as Glasgow. They will be pastoring churches, training as teachers, working with children and young people, and much, much more, each called by God for such a time as this.

GRADient is the facebook group for graduates of ICC and our previous colleges, a place to connect with fellow graduates and share updates, prayer points, photos, memories and so on. Find us at facebook.com/groups/ICC.GRADient

Trinitarian Thinking
Lecturer in Christian Doctrine, Jane McArthur, considers what to look for in the many books about the Doctrine of the Trinity (and she has neatly put it together in threes!).

We must never attempt to construct a theology then look for proof texts to back it up; rather we start with Scripture, with what God reveals about godself in his Word, and build our theology round that.
to construct a theology then look for proof texts to back it up; rather we start with Scripture, with what God reveals about godself in His Word, and build our theology around that. Of course, we do not find the word Trinity anywhere in the Bible (unless perhaps in a paraphrased version) but we do find many references to Gods oneness (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5) and to his plurality (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 28:19) and differentiation (1 Peter 1:2, Matthew 3: 16-17). As TF Torrance, remarks, Scripture reveals God as a Whole but a differentiated Whole.1 Those who have gone before: The traditional understanding of One God in Three Persons that we take for granted can be traced all the way back to the second century, to a Christian theologian called Tertullian. It was Tertullian who gave us the word Trinity. He emphasised that God is one and, at the same time, spoke of three Persons. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are, he tells us, one in essence - not one in Person. In the centuries since then, his Michael Reeves, The Good God: Enjoying Father, Son and Spirit (Paternoster 2012) Reeves did not simply write this book to inform our understanding of God but in the hope that it would be, deeply reforming and reviving for many2. Accessible without being wish-washy, this little book (just over 100 pages) creatively blends challenging theology with humour. Throughout the book Reeves addresses the three aspects mentioned above he makes frequent reference to Scripture, draws heavily on the wisdom and understanding of theologians from the third, fourth, fifteenth, nineteenth, twentieth centuries, and more and encourages his reader to ask themselves the important, so what? question. The Good God, which could be easily read in an afternoon, is written in such a way as to have something to offer both the serious student of theology and the absolute beginner. Oh, and if you like a book with pictures (and who doesnt?) this book has over thirty.

According to Augustine, a 4th century theologian, If you deny the Trinity you lose your soul, if you try to explain the Trinity you shall lose your mind. In thinking about what to read on the doctrine of the Trinity it seems important to

As I periodically remind students, if our theology has no value outside the classroom, it probably has no value.
remember that the purpose of doctrine is to help us understand who God is. So in order to ensure that I do not lose my mind, I would want a book on this notoriously difficult doctrine to be accessible without being vague. As with any theology, what is important is not so much whether I agree with the author, as whether the book is written in such a way as to stimulate thought or challenge presuppositions. It seems apposite that there are three specific areas I would want to see addressed: Biblical material Those who have gone before So what? Biblical material: In doctrine, as in life, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are our authority. We must never attempt thinking has been built on by many people. In our theological understanding we owe an enormous debt to those who have gone before; we are Like dwarves standing on giants shoulders and without the giants our vision of God would be severely reduced. So What?: If our theological understanding, whether on the Trinity or on anything else, has no practical application in our day-today lives, I have to question its validity. As I periodically remind students, if our theology has no value outside the classroom, it probably has no value.

In our theological understanding we owe an enormous debt to those who have gone before; we are Like dwarves standing on giants shoulders and without the giants our vision of God would be severely reduced.

Stephen R Holmes, The Holy Trinity: Understanding Gods Life (Paternoster 2012) The Holy Trinity is a more weighty volume than The Good God, both theologically and in size. Holmes describes his book as being more like a road map as opposed to an Ordinance Survey map of the subject, giving the reader the big picture rather than the fine detail (xv). He traces the development of the doctrine from the Bible to the present day, presupposing a certain amount of prior knowledge on the part of the reader, both of biblical material and the thinking of later theologians. The book, which is a historical analysis of the doctrine, ticks two of my three boxes it is biblically informed, outlining the biblical basis for understanding God as Trinity and draws on the work of a great many theologians from the second century to the twenty-first.

Robin Parry, Worshipping Trinity: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship (Paternoster 2005) The weakness of Holmes book (the lack of the so what? challenge) is the great strength of Parrys. Worshipping Trinity is all about knowing God as Trinity and worshipping God as Trinity; as it says on the back of the book, If worship is God-centred and God is the Trinity then worship should be Trinity-centred. As with the other two authors, Parry looks at biblical evidence for the Christian belief that God is Trinity. He explores what early theologians understood about God as Trinity by looking at the relevant statements from some early creeds, We believe in one God (Nicene Creed), Their glory equal, their majesty co-eternal (Athanasian Creed). Written with church leaders, worship leaders and songwriters in mind, I think this book has a much wider appeal as it considers matters that should concern every person who worships God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and written, as it is, in an easy style, using humour and anecdotes, it is very readable. The absence of the Trinity from many hymns and worship songs was what motivated Parry to write this book and part of the solution, he suggests, is that worship leaders and song-writers should be theologically trained. Having considered what the Bible teaches us about God, Parry looks at some popular hymns and songs, critiquing their Trinitarian content. Just as he encourages us to be intentional in our worship of God as Trinity, so too he encourages us to be aware of God as Trinity in our prayers. This is a challenging book that, if we address is challenges can help enrich our worship and expand our vision of who God is.
1. TF Torrance The Christian Doctrine of God: One Being Three Persons Edinburgh: T&T Clark 1996: xi 2. www.theologynetwork.org/christian-beliefs/ doctrine-of-god/interview-with-mike-reeves-why-write-the-good.htm

Heres what some other staff are reading about the Trinity:
Anna Forrest, Librarian, is reading The Trinity: A Guide for the Perplexed by Paul Collins. This book raises more questions than it answers for me, but it uses a wide variety of sources in a fair-minded way.

Julie Green, Communications Officer, is reading The One, the Three and the Many by Colin Gunton. Colin Guntons whole theology is deeply Trinitarian, but the way this book brings together how we think about God and therefore about ourselves and others, makes it one of his best.

Graeme McMeekin, Vice-Principal, is reading A Community of Atonement by Scott McKnight. An easy to read book which attempts to deals with the complicated and controversial subject of the atonement in a Trinitarian way.

Opening Eyes to Gods People and Gods World

The real point of the trip is not only for Christians from Scotland and India to experience different cultures, but also to realise that they have a common bond in their Christian faith as worshippers of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
and India to learn from one another and to experience something of life in the others country. The first trip to India with six young people from Boness took place that same year, with three young people from India visiting Boness the year after. A group of four women visited India in February and this group included youth & community work graduate Lilias Snedden along with current youth & community work student Stacy Stewart. In the middle of February a group of women from Boness left the cold and damp of Scotland for the sweltering heat of India. They are part of St Andrews Parish Church, which is partnered with Christ the Rock Church in Chennai. The India Charitable Trust, which has board members from St Andrews Church and which runs various projects in Chennai, was set up to support projects in India not just by sending money but by encouraging mutual prayer support. The projects which are supported in prayer and financially include school classes for children, tailoring Classes for women, work with Leprosy sufferers and a childrens orphanage. The India Youth Exchange was set up in 2008 to encourage young people from Scotland Lilias has been on five such trips and she still gets excited as the young people grow and learn from their trip and from one another: The most enjoyable part of the trip for me is watching the faces of the young people on the trip, she says, watching their reactions and seeing people within the team grow and learn. This is my fifth year in India and its such a privilege to see both Indian young people and Scottish young people learning about different cultures. For Stacy, visiting India for the first time, the opportunity to learn from a new culture was exciting, but it was also the most difficult part of the trip. In experiencing a whole new culture and way of living she said It really opened my eyes seeing how little people have and hopefully it has made me a bit more grateful for the things back home I would usually take for granted. Clean tap water and toilet roll being two main ones! During their time in India the group visited the various social outreach projects organized by Christ the Rock Church. In the slum area of Chennai 56 young children crammed into two rooms for their schooling, all eager to learn and all with great big smiles on their faces. Women with very difficult backgrounds, married to husbands who abuse them or have problems with alcohol misuse, learning to dress make in order that they can work for themselves, Its amazing seeing women gain their self-worth through learning a new skill and being valued by the Church, observes Lilias. And to show their skills the group had Salwars made by the women learning to sew. Or an orphanage which not only looks after children who have lost their parents but which also has a monthly food distribution programme to widows in the surrounding villages the command to look after the widows and orphans put into very real practice.

They also saw the work being done with leprosy sufferers. The stigma of leprosy, and not just its physical symptoms, is one of the main problems faced by sufferers, but things are getting better thanks to the support of people who care for those who have contracted the disease. Sharing worship not only with those in the leprosy community, but with others on the very edge of society Lilias describes as amazing. And that is really the point of the trip, for Christians from Scotland and India to experience different cultures, but also to realise that they have a common bond in their Christian faith as worshippers of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Indeed, the trip opened their eyes to the Triune God at work in his world: for Lilias, seeing the pastors of the church constantly on call for their people, opening their door to people in need day and night shows God the Father at work; seeing widows receiving food packages or the work carried out by fellow villagers within the leprosy village - people helping people by the power of the Holy Spirit; and all the time there are pastors, volunteers and other people who really care for their communities not just working selflessly to support people in need but living alongside them: inspired by God the Son.

This is my fifth year in India and its such a privilege to see both Indian young people and Scottish young people learning about different cultures.

Growing to know Trinity

Talking to children about the Trinity is more than water, ice and steam says Vicki Shaver

What are you drawing, Andrew? asked the Sunday group leader. God the six year seriously answered. No-one has seen God, we dont know what he looks like, replied the leader. Still concentrating Andrew responded, They will when I am done! Chuckle you may at this true story, yet Andrew was actually doing theology. After all, theology is really humans studying and attempting to understand theos, God. The

experience and development. Developmentally, infants through preschool age experience God rather than adopt a belief system. Whether or not children use the name God, Jesus, Holy Spirit is determined by assimilation in their growing world. This is not as difficult at this age as it may seem. For example, children soon know that Dad has several names and roles in life, but they are all the one person, Dad. He may be known by a given name, a nick-name, a job title, but they are all Dad to the child.

thinking. (See Godly Play for good examples of how this can be done with children. www. godlyplayscotland.co.uk) In late primary school years and adolescence, cognitive ability to manipulate ideas, imagine possible outcomes and consider other peoples perspectives usually progresses. Young people begin to realize some of the complexities of believing in a triune God, such as how is that different from believing in three equal but different gods. Some teens ask how the Holy Spirit is different from human conscience. The thinking questions begin to come and need serious responses. Over all, remember that we are introducing the very children whom God has made in his image and who develop in the way God has designed human growth, to GOD a relational being not a concept or doctrine. We must introduce over time and in appropriate ways to their stage of growth and development, the person of God. This rate often varies between children of similar ages and between genders, so methodology and content must be considered. Thus while Dr Alistair McGraths Theology: The Basic Readings (2012. Wiley-Blackwell), is useful to the thinking school leaver, it would not be helpful for the three year old. Andrews drawing revealed Andrews understanding of God. I wonder about our drawings of God. Adult verbal drawings of the trinity are complex (see Augustine, Ireneus, Jenson, MacQuarrie, or Moltmann to name but a few): these explanations picture a big God who is relational in nature. Wish I would have seen Andrews picture. Adjunct Lecturer and Childrens Ministry Adviser with ICC, Vicki Shaver is

God is a person not a concept. Being made in the image of God, people are able, at whatever age, young or old, to relate, albeit in different ways depending on background, experience and development.
very limitations of being human mean that our comprehension of God will always be less than who God actually is. Andrew had begun that exploration along with other theologians. Can a boy of six years understand the Trinity? Perhaps. Can a man of 66 years understand the Trinity? Perhaps. Andrews drawing of God was based on his own encounters with God, possibly in the home or in a Christian church or group. He may have heard or read Bible stories involving Father God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit. His picture likely reflected his experiences and conversations of others. For adults, the understanding of God also grows from their experiences and studies. Can children understand the Trinity? is a question sometimes asked, usually followed by How do we teach them about the Trinity? Firstly, remember that children have already encountered the Trinity as children are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). God created people to be in relationship with others, with themselves and the world in which they live. Thus, children were made with a capacity for awe, wonder, mystery, thinking, feeling, valuing, transcendence, in deed, relationship. The relational capacity, while damaged in all of us (Genesis 1-3), none the less exists. Thus we have a clue about understanding God, indeed a triune God. God is a person not a concept. Being made in the image of God, people are able, at whatever age, young or old, to relate, albeit in different ways depending on background, Primary school age children love Bible stories of God doing things and of the exploits of Bible people as they follow God. In these stories, the Trinity name is not directly mentioned; rather the Trinity is experienced. Jesus commanded the disciples to make disciples in the name (note not names) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 20). With primary age children, object lessons or metaphors to explain bible truths or Christian beliefs are rarely helpful to these literal thinkers. Explaining metaphors and complex teaching with more metaphor seems to defeat the purpose. For example saying trinity is like a three leaf clover, or even like H20 water, steam, ice complicates the issue. The object lesson is remembered; what it is trying to help us understand is often blurred even more! Exceptions are metaphors found in in Scripture such as the Good Shepherd, Light, Door, etc. as biblical metaphors usually come within a story and encourage wondering, pondering, feeling,

Vicki Shaver was instrumental in setting up our undergraduate specialism in Theology with Childrens Ministry. She retired from the staff team in 2012 and since then has been an Adjunct Lecturer and Childrens Ministry Adviser with the college. She is passionate about ministry with children, particularly those with additional support needs, and those who have experienced trauma. Vicki is involved in various academic and practitioner networks both in the UK and internationally, and travels extensively training people in ministry with children.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Colin Edwards considers the best way to share the experience of God as Trinity with Muslim friends

As I talk with my Muslim friends, we can have intellectual discussions on the nature of God. But more important, and more meaningful than discussions on the nature of God is sharing experience of God.
up a verse that said it was OK to eat meat sacrificed to idols for all that the readers could hear what was being said by the Apostle John when he wrote those words. Does this mean that in understating God as Trinity we have reached a stumbling block so big that we cannot move past it? Are we to join the guy above banging our heads against a brick wall of understanding, so that at least when we stop it feels good? Well no. But the way forward is not through statement of belief but through every day expressions of our the one we can follow and model our lives on. And the wind of the Spirit moving us and empowering us. I tend to think of being filled with the Spirit not so much of my being a vessel (that leaks) but as being like a wind fills sails, empowering and being the engine to my life as Gods new creation works in and around me. As I talk with my Muslim friends, we can have intellectual discussions on the nature of God. And these are important. For example, Muslims understand the concept of begetting as involving sexual intercourse, the Quran teaches clearly against a Trinity of God, Mary and Jesus the son. And I agree. That is something we agree upon. Another area we can explore together is the meaning of the role of Gods Holy Spirit, for that is a topic that opens doors. But more important, and more meaningful than discussions on the nature of God is sharing experience of God. As we pray, do we see answers? Can we point to the work of the Spirit in our life? Can we show how Jesus has touched us, changed us, and calls us forward? It is this experience of God that speaks with eloquence and power to our Muslim brothers and sisters. I have a friend who is part of a

The Christian project I was visiting wanted to put some scripture verses on the walls in a way that would speak to the mainly Muslim population that used their services. After some thought and prayer they chose their first verse, beautifully printed in nice calligraphy to grace

True friendship will want to share spiritual journeys and we dont need to hide ours, for true friends will hear it through that lens of relationship. We can truly walk with our Muslim neighbours, sharing the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
the space where people waited. Now women in burkha and men in white hats with flowing beards could look up and read For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son .... Hmm. I think the dent in the wall just below the framed words was where one of the more culturally aware evangelists had been banging their forehead in frustration at how the work of sharing the Gospel had just become a lot harder. For every Muslim knows that Allah does not have a son, as the Quran says: Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: (17:111 (Y. Ali)) and that It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is. (19:35 (Y. Ali)). The project may as well have put relationship with the Father, the Son and the Spirit. As Martin Goldsmith says in the excellent teaching series Friendship First, we need to understand the strength of the Trinity, the threefold nature of the living God that means we can relate to him in a full and wonderful way. The father heart of the God who loves and moves us to maturity and holiness. The understanding of the Son, he who was God with us,

Friendship First is an excellent course which is aimed at helping people with little or no experience of relating to Muslims. It is a six week course with DVD, Leaders Pack and Study Books. For further information on the course go to www.kitab.org.uk

Muslim Sufi group. Like all Sufis, he wants an experience of Allah, joining with others as they seek to lose themselves in him. But I saw him pulled up short when a young Christian student replied to his question as to why she was working in the project and she replied Because God told me to. He would love to hear the voice of God, and here was a young woman, barely in her twenties who was saying that God had spoken to her. That statement did more to cause him to think than all the

experienced, our story speaks to the truth of events. Our experience may be of the Father who watched for us and ran to us as we came to him, throwing his coat on us, covering over the dirt and wounds that our lifes journey had brought, and bringing us back to family. Our experience may be of a gentle breath that speaks daily through his word, through prayer and through our spirits. Our experience may be of knowing Jesus with us, keeping us safe, leading us on, and bringing peace when life was tumultuous.

will want to share spiritual journeys and we dont need to hide ours, for true friends will hear it through that lens of relationship. We can truly walk with our Muslim neighbours, sharing the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ.

The way forward is not through statement of belief but through every day expressions of our relationship with the Father, the Son and the Spirit.
philosophical discussions that I had enjoyed with him. And in this I realised afresh that whilst discussion about ideas and concepts can be fun (and they often are), challenging (and they often are) and helpful (and they often are), what really speaks to people is seeing God in action. If our experience of God is relating to the fullness of the Trinity then, like all witnesses, all those called to give testimony about what they have In this, discussion usually comes to focus on Jesus question who do you say that I am? He is Word of God, the Messiah (the king), he is most pure, performs miracles and is alive now. All these truths are in the Quran, and as Jesus walks through the Gospels and through our lives the question who do you say that I am? starts to reverberate in the Muslim neighbours that we know. We dont need to be shy of this or cautious of offence. True friendship

Colin Edwards works with Interserve and teaches MuslimChristian relations in Bible Colleges through the UK, including ICC. He did his PhD through ICC looking at the beliefs of Believers in Jesus from a Muslim background in South Asia.

Connecting Gods Word and Gods World

BA (Hons) Theology with Cross-Cultural Ministry In our multi-cultural world this programme offer a Biblical, theological and historical foundation for ministry. For more information: www.icc.ac.uk | college@icc.ac.uk | 0141 522 4040 110 St James Road, Glasgow, G4 0PS

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Staff Update

This year has brought about many changes in staffing at the college, some as a result of the restructuring which took place over the summer, some as a result of people moving on elsewhere. We are aware that the quality of our staff, both academic and administrative, contribute hugely to successful delivery of our programmes. In April/May we underwent a consultation period with staff, and as a result we regret that one administrative staff member will be made redundant. Several other staff, both lecturers and administrative staff, will be moving from full-time to half-time posts, or making similar reductions in hours. We are delighted that we have been able to retain the skills and expertise of so many dedicated people, some of whom are now looking for part-time roles in Christian ministry or elsewhere.

Elizabeth Charters
joined the staff team in 2010 initially working as receptionist and providing administrative support to our postgraduate programmes. Latterly she worked entirely on reception, juggling the many demands of a busy reception area with good humour and just the right amount of sarcasm! Elizabeth will be much missed by students and staff alike, as well as by the many regular visitors to the college.

Earlier this year

Sandra McSporran
Leadership Team Administrator, also left the college to take up a similar post at Hutchesons Grammar School. Sandra has been on the staff since 1999. She came to ICC having spent the previous 8 years as a housewife, and her time at the college has helped her grow in confidence and develop her many skills. Being part of a worshipping community has deepened and challenged faith in many ways, and, as for many staff, our students have often been and inspiration.

In August our Caretaker

Phill March
Sandra has been replaced by retires. Phill has a long connection with the college, having been a student at the Bible Training Institute 40 years ago. He has been the caretaker at ICC for the last 12 years. Phill did a lot more than the maintenance work you would associate with the caretaker role. He has been a listening-ear for many students and staff, offering advice, practical help and prayer as and when required. His gentle manner and humble attitude of service will be missed in the college.

Moira Baxter
Moira and her husband Simon are graduates of the college. When she was a student at ICC Moira really enjoyed being part of the college community, and she is glad to be part of that community again, believing that ICC is a great resource for Glasgow (and further afield). As well as working at ICC, Moira and Simon are currently looking into church planting opportunities in Glasgow.

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Theology for All

International Christian College is an institution that is well known for teaching theology at undergraduate and postgraduate level, to prepare and equip people for a range of ministries. And while that is a big part of what we do it is not all of it. One of our goals is the equipping of the wider church to engage more effectively in its mission, or rather, to share better in Gods mission of redeeming and remaking His creation. And part of that goal is fulfilled through the range of training and learning opportunities which we offer to people who dont want, or arent in a position, to undertake a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme. Theology is not for a select few, theology is for all. So, what kinds of things do we have on offer?

Saturday Classes Monday Morning Classes

For a number of years we have been running classes on Monday mornings every autumn and spring. These classes are one hour long and run for eight weeks. The 2013-14 session is likely to cover topics such as Christianity and Art, the Old Testament, and Church History. For more information visit: www.icc.ac.uk/monday-classes Saturday classes are part of our BA Theology programmes, and can be taken for credit towards an award or just for interest and for stretching your thinking. In 2013-14 we will run two Saturday courses, one in each semester. Semester 1 Understanding the Developing Child (Graeme McMeekin, Vice-Principal, ICC) This course explores how children grow and mature, and what happens to their faith during this growing process. Semester 2 Science, Faith and Modern Worldviews (Rev Dr Alistair Donald, Chaplain, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh) Faith and Science are often presented in the media as being at odds with one another; in this course we explore the relationship between the two, looking at ways in which they may enrich one another. For more information visit: www.icc.ac.uk/saturday-classes

Summer Schools
Summer schools present an opportunity for some deeper thinking and a chance to engage with some key issues affecting church in society today. 19 23 August: Church After Christendom 26 30 August: Evangelism and Conversion Keep an eye on our website for details of summer schools in 2014: www.icc.ac.uk/summer-schools

Personal and Professional Development

For those in leadership roles looking for opportunities for personal and professional development it is possible to attend some intensive week-long courses throughout the year. These courses are part of our Master of Theology programmes but can also be taken as stand-alone study weeks. In 2013-14 these include: 19 23 August 2013: Interpreting Christian Scripture 6 10 January 2014: Leadership and Spirituality 13 17 January 2014: Urban Church 7 11 April 2014: Theology and Justice 2 -6 June 2014: Preaching from a Selected Biblical Text

Neopolis conferences
These explore aspects of mission and ministry in urban contexts and run at intervals throughout the year. These are suitable for all those involved or thinking about getting involved in this sort of ministry. Find out more about forthcoming conferences, and read the papers from previous events, at www.neopolis.org.uk

Our Theology for All mini-prospectus is available from August 2013, so if you would like more details about what is on offer then please get in touch with us or visit the college website for more details. Were sure that youll find something which will both appeal and help you in your own spiritual growth.