A Complete 180

When Jordan Ongkili began studying at Trinity Theological College in 2020, it followed a dramatic shift in direction as God called him from school teaching and performing into vocational gospel ministry. Trinity became the place where he was equipped for that calling.

Jordan’s path to ministry hadn’t been straightforward. Born in Malaysia and raised between Brisbane, Malaysia and Perth, he grew up in a Christian family and was baptised at the age of 11. But during his teenage years, he says he didn’t prioritise his walk with God. Eventually, those years of searching gave way to a firm trust in Christ. 

“I knew wholeheartedly that God is real and it is only by his grace that I have faith in him,” he says. “I could gain everything in the world, but nothing else except the love of Jesus will satisfy my life.”

After finishing a psychology degree and completing a DipEd, Jordan taught at a private Baptist college in Perth before moving to London in 2018, planning to teach and do freelance work as a magician. But by the end of that year, everything changed.

“London was meant to be this fun season—travel, teaching, maybe some performing,” Jordan reflects. He was looking for adventure; he was ready to explore the world and try something new. But God had something even bigger in mind.

“God did a 180 with my life,” Jordan explains. “I submitted to him: what can I do for you, God?”

What started with submission led to a growing conviction to serve in youth ministry. So in early 2019, he began working as a youth pastor at a church in London. 

“I absolutely loved it,” Jordan shares. “It was the most joyful thing I’d ever done. I was so passionate about it.”

By early 2020, he’d returned to Perth and begun to explore theological study. 

“I needed theological training to be a better youth worker and youth pastor,” he says. “And I felt called to full-time ministry as a youth pastor.”

After speaking with friends and pastors, all signs pointed to Trinity: “I asked many friends and pastors for suggestions in Perth. All of them recommended Trinity College to me.”

He enrolled in the Master of Divinity program in the second half of 2020, and finished up in 2024. Reflecting on his time at Trinity, Jordan says, “The more I learnt, the more I realised how little I know. My knowledge of God began to grow and more importantly my understanding of God’s love for us. Studying at Trinity helped me grow in my compassion for others, as well as my love for God.”

The classroom learning and student fellowship were both key highlights. 

“Being in class, learning from our amazing lecturers and fellowship with the student body were the best things,” Jordan reflects.

Post-graduation, Jordan is working as the Youth and Young Adults Pastor at St Philip’s Anglican Church in Cottesloe. Looking back, Jordan is grateful for how clearly God led him and how Trinity helped equip him. He highly recommends it to others.

“It will effectively equip you with theological and biblical training for working in ministry,” he says. “For me, Trinity was exactly what I needed.”

Please pray for Jordan as he settles into his role at St Philip’s Church, discipling youth and reaching out to the wider Cottesloe community.