Going Deeper

Students share their experiences of studying Applied Theology at IBI

(From the July - September 2021 issue of VOX) www.vox.ie

Daniel Edewor - Dublin

Twenty-two year old Daniel Edewor has just completed his final assignment for a BA in Applied Theology with IBI. He is excited about how he can apply his studies as one of the team leading Expectation Church - a new CCI gathering established during lockdown.

I wanted to start Bible School straight after Leaving Cert. but I decided to do a Post Leaving Cert course first. I have a friend who is a pastor in the United States. He invited me over to serve in his church, to help out and to learn more about ministry. It was during that experience of serving alongside the youth group and young adult ministry that I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I sent my mum the application form and she sent it in for me and I started the BA in September 2018.

“It is great to be given tools to serve the church and serve people in a high capacity.”

Studying at IBI has been an amazing experience. The teaching and the curriculum are phenomenal. It is great to be given tools to serve the church and serve people in a high capacity. My favourite module was Ministry and Personal Development - learning how to develop as a leader and as a person. Even if I was never to step into a pastoral position, this gave me the tools for self-reflection and critical analysis to enable me to understand where I am at and what I need to do. I feel like I am a lot more self aware and that is a huge thing, no matter what stage of life you are at. It is something money can’t buy.

As someone who is helping out with a new church, it is good to be able to understand the different tools and methods that are needed in different seasons. Pastoral care and intentionality are very important for us right now at Expectation Church. We are trying to build a community and a place that people feel they can call home.