It has been my prayer that the people in the Social Work faculty, where I serve as a ministry trainee or ‘Howie’, will be Biblically and theologically mature; that, to paraphrase Philippians 1:9-11, their ‘…love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that they may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…’

It’s tempting to expect radical light-bulb moments, profound Bible studies, and a telepathically connected student committee. Surely, that’s what maturity looks like! But that’s when I must remember that long-term maturity comes one small step at a time.

God has been working in big ways through many small things in Social Work students. Assistant small group leaders Marina and Courtney, have both adopted my repeated question ‘What does the text say?’ to help the first years they lead to treat their Bibles as the authority. They both have embraced pastoral care enthusiastically, and they follow their members up regularly. This care by students has helped firm the foundation of gospel-centred relationships that are required to strengthen and build this new faculty.

Sharon, in second year, has realised that how she relates to God affects her whole life. Regularly attending Public Meetings has opened her heart to the gospel afresh. Coming to Annual Conference helped her see areas of personal struggle, and she is now regularly meeting with Christians who teach and encourage her, as they too have wrestled deeply and prayerfully with God’s word through various trials and temptations this year.

And while the Social Work student committee can’t mind-read, they do pray earnestly, give self-sacrificially, lead courageously, and they walk humbly with Jesus.

Praise God that HE is bringing students to maturity in Him, one small (HUGE) step at a time.