Vocational Bible College

08/09/2026

God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives.

Paul writes here that Christian life is not divided into the sacred and the secular - the spiritual and the physical day to day.

Eating. Drinking. Working. Studying. Raising kids. Serving customers. Laying foundations. All of it, done for the glory of God.

You don't need to be in full-time ministry to live an impactful life following Jesus. Every faithful act - however ordinary it might seem - is worship to God. What a great encouragement!

So whatever today holds for you, bring it to God and do it for his glory.

02/09/2026

One of the unique things about studying with VBC is that every student works with a mentor from their church or ministry to help them grow and put their new skills into action. Mentors have a great responsibility to their students, and also are privileged to have an up-close view of God at work in the life of someone being formed for ministry.

Anthony Sligar from Disciples Church, who is the mentor for VBC student Tomas Cera, is full of praise about how the VBC model has helped enrich Tomas’ theological understanding while also allowing him to continue working, supporting his young family and serving his church community.

Anthony is especially delighted by the work Tomas has been doing with the youth at their church.

“We’ve seen Jesus working in that ministry in amazing ways: teens who had little or no church exposure being invited and welcomed in by the youth who have grown up in the church, who are now walking solidly with Christ. My hope and prayer is that the Lord continues to bless and grow the work that Tom is doing among high schoolers here at Disciples Church, that many more will come to know Him through it, and by His grace, Jesus will sustain Tom in vocational ministry for the long term,” Anthony shares.

Praise God for the wonderful mentors who are supporting VBC students!

25/08/2026

If a homogeneous model for churches is effective, perhaps an argument could be made for establishing specific congregations to reach and disciple everyday people.
But is this model biblical? Is this God’s plan for the local church?

Looking at 1 Corinthians, it seems that being one – being unified – was not well expressed in Corinth. As a result, Paul describes the Corinthian Christians earlier in this letter as ‘still worldly – mere infants in Christ’ (3:1).

Chapter 12 of Paul’s letter implies that some in the church despised or dismissed people who were different to them – resulting in Paul’s reminder further on in chapter 12, verse 21, that ‘the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” nor the head to the feet, “I don’t need you!”

We are one body with many parts. Each one is as needed as the other.

So, what does this mean for our churches today? It's worth questioning: what parts might be missing from your church?

18/08/2026

Since starting his studies with VBC in 2024, Tomas Cera’s life has only gotten busier, as he juggles work, ministry and family life. The father of four boys, Tomas works part time to run the youth ministry at Disciples Church Springfield, as well as working part time as a concrete labourer.

But VBC’s flexible format and accessible pathways of study mean Tomas has been able to continue to be trained and equipped while balancing all these things. Read an update on Tomas's ministry here - including exciting news about the growth of the youth group at his church: https://www.vbc.edu.au/stories/tomas-cera-update

15/08/2026

We had a very encouraging day thinking about bridging culture at Reaching Everyday People. Videos of the day will be available on the VBC website soon.

14/08/2026

It's not too late to join us tomorrow online and in person. Register at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1576010

11/08/2026

What happens when a church full of professionals never talk honestly about their struggles with sin?

When university-educated people build their identity on success and achievement, it can create an unspoken pressure to always appear to have it together - and that pressure doesn't disappear when they walk through the church doors.

The result? Conversations and relationships lack depth. And a community that, without meaning to, communicates that Christianity is about being a good person rather than a sinner saved by grace.

This played out in a heartbreaking way for a young woman who became a Christian in Wollongong. She was overwhelmed at first by the love and acceptance Jesus offered despite her sin and failings. She joined a local church, began meeting with other Christians, and was growing in her faith. But six months later she said something that changed everything, "None of the Christians at church struggle with sin like I do. I don't think I'm cut out to be a Christian."

The very community that God had provided to help her grow in her new relationship with Jesus had failed her because the Christians there did not talk honestly about their struggle with sin.

For everyday people, this kind of culture can be a significant obstacle.University-educated Christians need to shake off the yoke of living success-driven and inauthentic lives. We must accurately communicate the grace of God, show the freedom that we have in Christ, and welcome all people to experience the grace, love and forgiveness of the gospel.

Read more on this series from Andrew Beddoe, our Principal: https://www.vbc.edu.au/blog/2024/9/17/everyday-obstacles-part-2-success-driven-lives

06/08/2026

Does it really matter if everyday people and university-educated professionals end up in different churches?

If lots of other churches – such as charismatic churches and others like the Salvation Army – are reaching everyday people, does it matter if Reformed evangelical churches don’t?

Was it a bad thing that William Booth’s Christian Mission to the poor became the Salvation Army, or that Wilson Carlile formed the Church Army specifically to minister to those in the slums rather than bring them into existing Church of England structures?

Of course these ministries were not, in themselves, bad. But the thing is, diversity is important in the body of Christ.

The argument isn't just that it would be nice to have more diversity in our churches. It's that homogeneous churches - however well-intentioned - don't reflect the unity God intends for his church and ultimately leave the body of Christ missing vital parts.
When everyday people have experienced prejudice and dismissal from university-educated people, the wounds can run deep. Building trust across those social divides takes time, patience, and genuine love.

But when that love is shown? It becomes a powerful witness to a divided world that the gospel really does change everything.

Diversity in our churches isn't just nice to have. It's central to God's purpose.

Read more on this series from Andrew Beddoe, our Principal: https://www.vbc.edu.au/blog/2024/9/17/does-diversity-really-matter

03/08/2026

31/07/2026

Find out more at allforthekingdom.org