inform - encourage - unite
InterSections
NEWS
SPBC staff with on-campus Diploma of Christian Leadership students in 2025. SPBC also welcomed new students to its online Certificate in Chaplaincy this year, and will be launching an online Diploma in Biblical Studies in 2026, available to Australians.
New Diploma in Christian Studies at SPBC
The South Pacific Bible College is getting ready to launch new study options, with a revamped Diploma of Christian Studies coming online to Australians in February 2026.
​
‘In Australia we’re often asked about online study. We know things like work, family, and church commitments can all make on-campus study challenging,’ says Steve Raine, New Zealand-based SPBC Executive Director. ‘We’re prayerfully making this change to make it more accessible for Christians all over who want to enrich their relationship with God, knowledge of Scripture, and gain skills to live out their faith effectively – whether in church ministry or day-to-day life. Many graduates have told us this is life-changing, so we hope to bless more people and advance God’s Kingdom.’
​
The diploma will have a focus on God’s Word, with textual studies making up half of the content. The remaining half is designed to help Christians live out their faith practically – through models of ministry, theological tools, personal spiritual development, and a practicum that integrates classroom learning with real-world experiences in a local setting. On-campus study will also remain on offer, and online students may even have the option to do a short term of study in New Zealand, if they choose.
​
Full details of the new diploma, including part-time options, will be available following accreditation with New Zealand’s government, expected in late 2025. Learn more at www.spbc.org.nz/study/courses/DipCS
​
Rosie Atchley, South Pacific Bible College, Tauranga, New Zealand
New premises Gosford, NSW
The Gosford Church of Christ moved into their new premises for their first worship assembly on Sunday, 16 March 2025. After delays from waiting for the tenant’s lease to expire and an 18-month wait for council approval, work began in September 2024 to make it suitable. The congregation is excited to have a bigger space that is a blank canvas and excited about what it can be and what God can use it for.
One of our deacons said it is like standing on the hill looking into the promised land – filled with potential for the congregation and the community we serve. We recently hosted a missionary family from Chile, who we support. We were also able to have a couple of fellowship activities without having to book a venue. Our thanks to all those congregations and individuals who helped to make this happen. You can now find us at Unit 2, 15 Koala Crescent, West Gosford!
​
David Mowday, Gosford Church of Christ, NSW.
CampING 2025, VIC
CampING (Camp I Need God) is the annual family camp of Belmore Road Church of Christ in Melbourne. This year, CampING was held over the (Victorian) Labour Day long weekend, 8–10 March, at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre at the eastern fringe of Melbourne. With around 80 campers plus day visitors, there were over 100 adults and children participating in the Sunday worship assembly – a wonderful time of honouring God and dwelling on his Word.
Lessons and the sermon during camp were delivered by father-and-son team from the Eastside congregation in Sydney, Michael & Christian Bargholz. The camp theme was ‘Just Jesus’. We explored what this meant in Scripture and in practice today. We’re reminded that this includes the pre-eminence of Christ in our lives and the priority of Christ as head of the church. It was a treat to have Michael, Norainie, and Christian again – the Bargholz family were part of Belmore Road in the 1990s!
​
The CampING Committee led by Alvin & Joanne Tjipto did a fantastic job with coordinating events – including thrilling camp sports like water volleyball, soccer, and cornhole toss; a live auction starring Will Tabe as auctioneer assisted by Matt Tabalujan; and a fun-filled Trivia Night run by Ash & Charlotte Crill. To top it off, food and hospitality this year were superb.
That’s why many are now looking forward to CampING in 2026!
​
Benny Tabalujan, Belmore Road Church of Christ, VIC.
