People often ask me “what did you learn at Bible College? I tell them I learnt that God loves me – might sound basic or simplistic or even something I should have known before going to Bible College! But IBI increased my understanding of God’s love for me.

I am the youth ministry coordinator within two church communities. These churches are in Kilternan and Greystones. My role includes the running of the youth groups that take place in each of the communities.

IBI has just been a wonderful place to learn, explore and grow in our faith and knowledge in God and his Word. The various ways to do the courses and blended learning opportunities mean that busy people can still have opportunities to enroll and learn.

My early encounters with IBI at the commencement of my course could be
likened to upgrading from a black and white TV with bunny ears to the most
recent smart high definition colour set. My experience of God and
Christianity became sharper, clearer and to be truthful, much more
colourful.

IBI has been the fulfillment of a lifelong desire to study, it has been much more than I expected because of the community, the love, and the modeling of servant leadership.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and especially the fellowship with staff and fellow students at IBI, that was one of the things I've valued most from the module teaching weeks.

Recently a door did finally open and I will be working 2 days a week in the Office (doing the financial and other admin stuff) for a Christian Charity organisation which deals with prisoners and ex-prisoners. As well as doing the office work, I hope to be involved in mentoring ex-prisoners on a one to one basis. I'm really excited about getting back to office work and especially the mentoring.

Jo Ellis graduated IBI with a BA in Applied Theology. During her time at IBI a vision for a ministry which involved gathering community around craft and creativity began to form. She now has a thriving ministry in her community. Listen to her speak about that journey.

During this time of national and global isolation we have used new to us technology to bring you some current interviews with our graduates.

We wanted to reconnect with them and see how they were rising to the challenges of this time and talk to them about what they are doing.

Shane Maguire is Youth Pastor at St. Catherine’s Church in Dublin. Shane graduated with a Diploma in Applied Theology in 2018.

My time in IBI was most certainly one of personal expansion, as I grew in the applied word and benefited from meaningful friendships formed throughout my time there.

IBI has been vital in my personal journey with God. Throughout the course I have learnt the value of Bible reading and context when examining a passage.

I loved my time at IBI and while it was a time for me to learn and grow in my own personal faith, it was also a period where I learned a lot of skills that have equipped me to be more effective in my ministry – in daily life, in my Church as I lead the children/youth ministry and within my workplace in the city.