Going Deeper

Students share their experiences of studying Applied Theology at IBI

(From the July - September 2021 issue of VOX) www.vox.ie

Lorita Hamer - Dungarvan, Waterford

As Pastor of Dungarvan Christian Church as well as being a wife and mother, Lorita Hamer could not even consider studying at the Irish Bible Institute until the pandemic forced learning to be “On Zoom”. But after studying part time for her first year, she is determined to finish her degree in Applied Theology.

I studied youth ministry, pastoral care, Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus. And because of Covid, I’ve been able to use everything I learnt. In the past, I would have had other people in the church helping out with youth ministry but one person from Italy left to return home and our youth leader was on furlough in America and couldn’t get back to Ireland. I ended up having to use everything I was learning about youth ministry as I was learning it.

We had a two-day retreat “On Zoom” and that was really important too, especially as leaders to have that time of quiet with God. It was a reminder to watch out for ourselves as we are trying to care for others.

Studying the Old Testament overview helped with a lot of questions I would have previously struggled with. It helped me understand the different viewpoints and gave me peace with not having to have all the answers.

Studying in Ireland means I’ve been able to get to know people from other denominations and churches. It is not just about getting a degree. There is a richness and depth to building relationship with one another. It brings a sense of unity and a focus on the Kingdom of God.