When Online Isn’t Enough

Every Monday, three women from Bunbury make the two-hour drive to Perth for class at Trinity Theological College. It’s a long day: four hours on the road and several hours in the classroom—but for Tracey, Nola and Paula, it’s been more than worth it.

The three are part of Trinity Equip, a certificate course for women involved in volunteer ministry. The course is designed to be practical, encouraging and deeply rooted in God’s Word. And while there are online options available at other colleges, the opportunity to meet face-to-face, learn in community, and sit under the teaching of experienced Christian women was exactly what they were looking for.

Tracey had been wanting to do something for a while. With her youngest son finishing high school, she saw the course on Facebook and felt quietly excited. 

“It was going to be face-to-face, taught by women for women, and it would be nice to meet some other like-minded women,” Tracey explains. “There would be no academic essay writing—I was going to be realistic with my current capacity.”

Nola also joined in a time of change. After the passing of her husband, one of her pastors suggested Trinity Equip as a way to re-engage and refocus. 

“It was a good idea to get involved and give me direction,” Nola reflects. “It was also encouraging to know Tracey and Paula had already committed to do the course.”

For Paula, the course came at just the right time. “I’ve attended lots of Trinity in Town certificate units over the past 20 years, but I’d never done the assessment component,” she explains. “I thought about starting a diploma a few years ago, but with work, family and travel, it just didn’t seem realistic. When Trinity Equip was advertised, it felt like a good fit.”

Working across three locations in the South West in her family’s accounting practice, Paula was drawn to the course’s once-a-week structure and accessible commitment. “My main reason for applying was to grow in my Bible knowledge and be better equipped to teach the Bible to others in my ministry areas at church.”

Although they don’t carpool every week due to different schedules, Tracey, Nola and Paula often catch up to talk about what they are learning. The women serve at Bunbury Baptist Church and have long histories of ministry involvement: leading Bible studies, playing music, supporting youth, visiting the elderly, and offering hospitality. They’ve always been active in their church, but Trinity Equip is giving them a new sense of clarity and confidence.

Nola says the course has given her “more confidence in God’s Word.” She especially enjoyed the first unit, a big-picture Bible overview, and learning how to read the Bible one-to-one with others. 

“The best part for me has been the face-to-face contact with other women from other churches and the interaction we have in class,” Paula reflects. “Being there in person among other Christian women has been the icing on the cake. Being able to chat with, pray with and learn with others makes a world of difference.”

Tracey agrees. “God has been growing me in confidence, to some degree, and in perseverance… and always appreciation of His Word, of Jesus.”

For Tracey, the practical side of the course has been one of its strengths. She’s found that what they’re learning applies directly to real-life ministry situations: “The practical opportunities that God in His grace makes known, to take and use what we’ve been learning—that’s been the best thing.”

The sense of community has also been a highlight. Conversations over morning tea, and time in prayer, have reminded them they’re not alone in the ups and downs of ministry life. 

The gospel focus of Trinity Equip is another common thread. “I’ve grown in my love for Jesus and the wonder of his grace towards me,” Paula says. “You can never get enough of the gospel, and Equip has the gospel threaded throughout all its units.”

Beyond personal growth, the course has helped these women grow in their capacity to love and serve others. Paula puts it simply: “It’s helped me learn how to listen, love, and be a blessing to others.”

For Tracey, the weekly trip to Perth has also brought another unexpected blessing: extra time with her parents.

Her parents, now in their late seventies and early eighties, are faithful Christians who have supported, prayed for, and generously cared for their family over many years. 

“Without staying overnight with them each week, I doubt I would have been able to keep up the weekly travel,” Tracey shares. “I couldn’t do this without them.”

Nola is taking a break from the course this year while she travels around Australia, but she’s still actively applying what she’s learned so far, and she looks forward to getting back into it once she’s home again. 

Asked what they’d say to someone considering Trinity, Paula doesn’t hesitate. 

“Go for it, even if you’re from the South West! Trinity Equip extends your Bible knowledge and practical ministry skills without the burden of difficult assessments. It’s made learning and growth possible, even with work and family commitments.”

It’s a big commitment to drive to Perth and back every week. But for these three women, the in-person learning, encouragement and growth have made the trip more than worthwhile.