More Important Than Anything Else

When Matt Dodd first began to take the claims of Jesus seriously, he was a university student studying commerce and arts at the University of Western Australia. Though raised in a Christian home in Perth, it wasn’t until his time at uni that faith became personal and pressing. That shift in conviction quickly reshaped Matt’s direction. The gospel, he realised, wasn’t just true—it was urgent. 

“I now believe these things to be true,” he remembers thinking, “and if they’re true, they’re more important than anything else.”

It wasn’t long before Matt was exploring vocational ministry more intentionally. After completing his degree and working in accounting for several years, he returned to UWA to undertake a ministry apprenticeship with Christian Union. Those two years cemented his sense of call. 

In 2012, Matt took the next step and enrolled at Trinity Theological College. At that point, the decision was straightforward. Trinity had a reputation for rigorous, Bible-based theological education. He and Amanda, his wife, had encountered many of its graduates in their ministry experience—people whose convictions, character, and love for Jesus made a lasting impression. 

“It was kind of a no-brainer,” Matt admits.

But Trinity proved to be more than just a sensible option. For Matt, one of the most formative parts of College was studying theology proper. 

“My mind was being blown,” he explains. That expanding vision of God led to deeper reverence and joy: “The wonder that he would become man was even more remarkable when you realised who you are, so to speak, dealing with.”

Trinity also gave Matt time and space to go deep. He was able to study full-time and invest in relationships that would shape him for years to come. His cohort became a source of support and sharpening—peers who are still close friends today. 

“We had a lot of time for conversations,” Matt reflects. “Those conversations continue—ten years on.”

Matt remains closely connected with his cohort, gathering several times a year in a reading group that continues the theological reflection and encouragement they first tasted a decade ago.

He also appreciated the pastoral structures woven into the college experience. Through small groups and mentoring with faculty, Matt saw ministry modelled, not just taught. 

“People were willing to bring significant issues and discuss them,” he shares. “I thought my lecturers were a good model for how to think about pastoral ministry.”

For Matt, the strength of Trinity wasn’t only in the classroom but in the lives of those who taught and trained. 

“You get a world-class theological education done locally,” he says, “and done by people who have lives, convictions, and character which mirror what they teach.”

After graduating, Matt served for five years as an associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bull Creek before planting a church closer to the city. Now as lead pastor at Vic Park Presbyterian, Matt continues to invest in others considering ministry. 

“We send people from our church to Trinity if they’re thinking about ministry,” he says.

Please pray for Matt as he continues to serve at Vic Park Presbyterian. Pray that he and his church would have a deep spirit of gratitude for how God has carried them through challenging seasons. Pray that Matt and his team would continue to serve faithfully, keeping the gospel at the centre of all they do. And please pray for wisdom and compassion as they care for the many hurting and vulnerable people in their community—that they would not overlook those in need, but love them well, even when it’s hard.