A life, any life might be reviewed by dates, key events and important decisions, but the best summary of life is always found in the feeling, the atmosphere, the friendships, the humour, the courage and the sheer wonder of it.
From its inspired beginning to the journey with ACOM, the Stirling story has embraced a core narrative and purpose. Through wars, societal change, dynamic pedagogy and new technologies the college has always existed for ministry and mission. The discipled pursuit of Jesus and the formation of diverse communities of faith has been the primary goal.
In that pursuit, there have been rich ecumenical friendships with others on the road and the gathering of many from other nations.
From the beginning, these compass points have always been in mind.
- Not the only Christians, but Christians only
- No creed but Christ
- Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent; in all things grace and liberty
- All who love the Lord are welcome at the Lord’s table
- The priesthood of all believers
- “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love”.
The College of the Bible (COB), as it was known, began with 16 students under the tutelage of Principal H.G. Harward on 19th February 1907. For a brief time, lectures were held in the Lygon Street Church of Christ (Carlton) and then on Rathdowne Street. With the assistance of a generous benefactor, the College moved in 1910 to a four-acre property at Glen Iris.
In 1911, the second principal, A.R. Main, clarified the College’s reason for being:
"The chief purpose of the College of the Bible is to provide biblical instruction on liberal and scientific principles for students, and to furnish ample facilities in education for the Christian ministry. It is also the purpose to encourage an impartial and unbiased investigation of the Christian Scriptures, and in the spirit of devout faith in the Divine Word, freely to lay under tribute (study or scrutinise with respect) every source of light and truth available to modern scholarship...Pursuant to such ideals, the courses of study are selected, and in all departments of instruction, an evangelistic spirit is maintained in order that together the faith, and inspiration and the usefulness of the student may be cultivated."
The goal was the rigorous study of the Scriptures and the equipping of men and women (since 1912) for mission and ministry. The ‘modern scholarship’ of 1911 was informed by faith and illuminated by a scholarly study of the New Testament’. This focus developed into a concern for, and acknowledgment of, its interpretation as a living text. This awareness led to a growing maturity and richness of Christian understanding within the College. It also opened the way for the College leadership to engage with the ecumenical community, and in wider Christian scholarship. Principal E.L. Williams was influential in these areas through the middle decades of the twentieth century.
The construction of the Monash freeway forced the College to sell its property to the State Government. What seemed at the time to be a setback proved to be a God given opportunity. The spacious new premises in Mulgrave, with views towards the Dandenong Ranges, were opened in February 1989 and our name was changed to the Churches of Christ Theological College (CCTC).
In August 2011 the College announced two exciting developments. First, as a college of the University of Divinity, the college was pleased to announce their elevation to become Australia’s first specialist University. Second, was the announcement of a name change from the Churches of Christ Theological College (CCTC) to Stirling College: a ministry of the Churches of Christ. The name ‘Stirling’ was chosen after considering the life and ministry of Gordon Stirling (1914-2010). Gordon remains one of the most influential ministers Churches of Christ in Australia has produced. His excellence and faithfulness in local church ministry (and more broadly), serve as a prime example of the qualities that Stirling aims to nurture in its graduates.
Stirling College continued preparing and supporting people for effective and faithful Christian ministry and mission through the provision of flexible learning programs through to the end of 2022 when a decision was made to consolidate with its sister college – the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) to form One National College for Churches of Christ in Australia. At the beginning of 2023, the Stirling School of Community Care was established as a vital and strategic piece for the newly consolidated college. It brings together Counselling, Professional Supervision and Chaplaincy, bringing greater strength and diversity to the college’s offerings, particularly with the addition of Counselling through a strategic partnership with the Australian Institute of Family Counselling (AIFC).
Together, the new college continues to have as its primary purpose the formation of ministers and leaders to serve churches, along with a focus on providing a stimulating learning centre in which diverse groups of people can engage in theological and counselling education.
“For the pioneers, the New Testament teaching on ministry was clear. Each Christian was a minister, rendering that service to Christ for which God has given him the ability.”
(Gordon Stirling)