History of MSOBS
The training programme began in 1970 as the Macquarie School of Preaching as an endeavour by the Macquarie congregation meeting at North Ryde in the Sydney area to provide full-time training for church brethren in Australia. At the same time classes were open to those wishing to take individual subjects.
From its inception the school was directed by its principal Coy Roper. In 1979, the name of the school was changed to Macquarie School of Biblical Studies to reflect its desire to offer a greater range of training to a wider number of prospective students and Ted Paull was appointed principal.
The school has continued to operate each year since that date. During this time its classes have provided training for the following:
• 56 Christians who have graduated from the full two-year, and later three-year, training programme;
• 39 other men and women who have completed at least one year of studies in the school;
• Over 300 other students who have completed at least one class in the school.
As well as regular daily classes the school provides lectureships and seminars as well as a range of printed and taped materials in order to make the training more accessible for any one who wants to take advantage of such courses and related studies.
The Macquarie Church continues to operate the school providing facilities for the training, as well as part of the funding for the operation of school. Other interested churches and individuals around the nation and overseas also help to support this training programme.
The Concept
The Basis...
...the concept of providing the experience of daily instruction has its basis in the imperative to "train faithful men who will be able to train others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). It is reinforced by God's commendation of daily fellowship (Acts 2:42), daily Bible study (Acts 17:11), and daily encouragement (Hebrews 3:13).
The School...
...this training program has been developed to provide daily supervised study in the Bible and biblical subjects, and their application in Christian living, along with training in the skills needed to communicate this teaching.
The Vision...
...the ultimate aim is to see churches established in all capital and regional centres throughout Australia with competent teachers and supporters to equip the brethren and invite the lost to Jesus.
The Goal...
...the objective is to equip churches with men and women with a sound Bible background, skills in Christian teaching and edification, and a commitment to live and teach the doctrine of Christ throughout the nation.
The Mission...
...the task is to provide a venue for teaching the truth of God's word and related subjects in a Christian environment training students to know, understand and be motivated to provide leading, teaching and supporting ministries for the churches throughout Australia and beyond.