Benjamin Pearce has a busy schedule. He’s juggling a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, a demanding ministry apprenticeship, and theological studies at Trinity Theological College, as well as working. While his current Master’s program is in Occupational Therapy (OT), his heart belongs to ministry.
Ben was raised in a Christian family, expressing his belief in God around the age of eight. However, his connection to faith was “on and off” through his teenage years. The true turning point came at age 19 when he began attending a new church whose theology challenged his own assumptions. This prompted a deep, personal inquiry – a commitment to research fundamental doctrines, including the very concept of the Trinity, which the other church disputed. This exploration was transformative and fundamentally deepened his faith.
After completing an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science and working briefly as a personal trainer, Ben realised the field wasn’t the right long-term fit. He commenced a Master’s in OT in 2023, but by the first semester, his focus was already shifting. Opportunities for evangelism, outreach, and helping with Bible study and Sunday school at his church, Redeemer Presbyterian in Perth, proved far more compelling. For three years, his pastor had been encouraging him toward ministry, finally prompting him to pursue a Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) apprenticeship, which he began in 2024, pausing his OT degree for the first year.
Unlike many apprentices who take one unit at a time, Ben has committed to studying a minimum of two or three units per semester at Trinity while simultaneously working three or four other jobs to cover living expenses. This level of commitment is sustained by what Ben calls “God’s grace” and “a lot of planning”. His role at church is broad, covering leadership of Sunday school, running Bible studies for young and older men, leading worship and preaching.
This year Ben resumed his OT studies alongside his Trinity degree, which has brought new challenges. It’s a definite juggle, handling the distinct referencing formats and radically different topics of study, from the practical nature of OT to the intensive essay writing required for theology.
But despite the demanding workload, Ben has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Trinity, calling it a “huge blessing”. He notes the unique environment of fellowship – beginning a class with prayer or a Bible verse – that is simply not found in secular institutions. And he loves the fellowship with Christians from various churches and cultural backgrounds. The supportive environment has been especially valuable as he has transitioned into married life with his wife Hellen, allowing him to connect with brothers in Christ with wisdom to share, from newlyweds to those married for decades.
Ben also praises the fantastic quality of the teachers, who are approachable and supportive, offering help and prayer for students struggling with personal matters, fostering a true sense of community even for those studying part-time. “Unless you’re a real introvert and you’re really stubborn, it’s very hard not to be involved in the Trinity community!”
For Ben, Trinity’s dedication to solid, reformed, biblical teaching, which focuses on fundamental doctrines while fostering an open and welcoming discussion on non-core topics, was a major draw. But it’s not just talk – the learning is immediately practical. His cross-cultural communications unit, for instance, has directly informed his marriage to Hellen, who is from Brazil, and his ministry at his multicultural church, which hosts people from “almost every continent”. This practical knowledge has led to meaningful discussions with his pastor on how to present the gospel effectively across various cultural lenses, particularly Asian cultures.
When asked why others should consider theological study, Ben’s advice is direct: Theological college “is where you learn the tools to dive deeper into God’s Word for yourself and how to apply that practically into your life.” While Ben acknowledges the learning that can take place in church, it’s at college where you can go far deeper.
Ben also has words of advice for those considering other theological colleges that might be cheaper, or easier to access, but not in theological alignment: “If you’re in Perth and you’ve got a reformed background, whichever denomination that is, I think Trinity is probably one of the best options you can choose. Why would you go to a college and learn something you’re not going to agree with just so you can get the qualification? We’re actually studying our great God. So study where you think you’re actually going to grow closer to God, not in conflict.”
Looking ahead, Ben hopes to finish his Graduate Diploma at Trinity this year and his Master’s in OT by 2028, with a plan to work in the OT field or ministry. He and Hellen are actively discussing future mission work, utilising their complementary skills in OT and nursing overseas. For now, their next two years depend on securing Helen’s permanent residency in Australia. Facing multiple unknowns, Ben is learning to rely on prayer, trusting that putting one faithful step in front of the other is far better than relying on a detailed personal plan.
