All full-time students at SMBC (and any part-time students who can) become part of an annual College mission team, led by a lecturer and co-leader. Mission teams travel to different parts of Australia as well as overseas.
Missions within Australia are usually for one week, while overseas missions are usually three weeks in duration. College Mission is an important part of preparation for mission and ministry. It provides opportunities to put classroom learning into practice, to work within a team environment, and to develop spiritual gifts and abilities. After mission, the teams continue to meet regularly during the year as College fellowship groups.
In 2025 we're excited to be taking College Mission Teams to: Cabramatta Baptist, MBM Rooty Hill, All Saints Anew Newcastle, Orange Evangelical Church, Northern Beaches Anglicans Woolgoolga, Gateway Presbyterian Kyogle, Temora Presbyterian with Ariah Park Baptist, Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Auckland New Zealand, as well as two South East Asia locations. This year we're also offering the opportunity for students to elect to organise their own personalised mission or ministry experience (minimum 40 hours) to help prepare for their post college plans.
See reports and prayer points from our 2025 College Mission teams below:
SOUTH EAST ASIA – 14 APRIL
Team Leaders - Derek Brotherson and Anna Brotherson
The South East Asia team has had a busy first week meeting new local and international friends serving as pastors, theology teachers, and university students. They’ve visited two local theological colleges and split up to attend four different churches on Sunday.
Seven team members have had the opportunity to share their stories in various settings, and the team have also preached, run English classes, and one member even travelled to observe a medical clinic in another location.
PAKURANGA BAPTIST, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 13 APRIL
Team Leaders - Geoff Harper and Katy Davis
The team had opportunity to engage in some 'hobbit ministry' on Friday! The weekend was filled with evangelism ministries including three church services – Jess preaching in English and translated into Cantonese; James preaching in mandarin; and Albert preaching to the English congregation.
Then final farewells before heading to the airport. Please pray for safe travel home to Australia and for the ongoing work of the gospel in Pakuranga.
ALL SAINTS ANEW, NEWCASTLE – 13 APRIL
Team Leaders - Ed Grudier and Laura Tharion
As well as attending growth groups, we have been involved in Mainly Music, running kids and youth events, sharing testimonies, speaking at a women's evangelistic event and an Easter outreach, preaching at different services, and enjoying a team day out up at Nelson Bay. It has been a privilege to be a part of this vibrant, unified church where the love of God is evident amongst the people, and we pray that we have been an encouragement to them.
GATEWAY PRESBYTERIAN, KYOGLE – 12 APRIL
Team Leaders - Matt Vander Heiden and Kiri Vander Heiden
We've had a great few days here in Kyogle. On Wednesday we visited three Presbyterian churches in the Northern Rivers to hear about the joys and challenges of ministering in these areas (Southern Cross [Lismore], Byron Bay and Murwillumbah). It was good to be able to catch up with some SMBC graduates, including Julian and Celia Chew (graduated 2020 & 2008) and Diego Alvarado (2018). Thursday we heard the encouraging testimony of a couple who have been faithfully serving in Christian ministry in the Kyogle area for nearly 30 years.
On Friday the team had the opportunity to run three SRE classes (two Easter Assemblies at two primary schools, and a Scripture class to high school students). It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to share the gospel with children that have little opportunity to hear it. Between the classes we caught up with a group of believers in Woodenbong, where a monthly church services have recently started up. The day finished with a lively evening with the youth.
Prayer points:
PAKURANGA BAPTIST, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 10 APRIL
Team Leaders - Geoff Harper and Katy Davis
We’ve had a great few days in Auckland, continuing to partner with PCBC across a range of ministries including an ESL class, young adults ministry, and catching up with church members over meals. We’ve also had opportunity to visit several different Auckland ministries (OMF, TSCF) as well as hearing from a number of pastors and other church leaders. This has been wonderful for granting insight into the challenges and opportunities for gospel work in New Zealand.
Please pray:
ORANGE EVANGELICAL – 10 APRIL
Team Leaders - Alan Thompson and Alayne Thompson
Our team had the opportunity to be interviewed across the four different church services on Sunday, sharing about our journeys into ministry and also people who have had a significant impact on our faith. The team also gave a kids talk at three of these services, The church has been walking with Jesus through the Gospel of Luke and on Sunday encountered God's divine confirmation that Jesus is His Son at the Transfiguration.
We had the opportunity to help out at PlayPals – a kids' play group that runs at the same time as the women's growth groups to free up young mums to spend time in God's word. It was encouraging to see the young kids engage in the Easter Bible story and to have a hand in shaping their understanding of Jesus' saving work on the cross!
We did a MAP (ministry apprentice program) info night on Tuesday night. Ben did a talk on 2 Chronicles 17 to challenge people to think about where their hearts are. There were eight people and we had some good conversations with people as they consider what it might mean to do an apprenticeship. Pray for them to take next steps. Pray for current apprentices Lauren and Tim.
Some of our team were involved in running SRE Easter assemblies in local public schools. We had fun sharing that Jesus is the Greatest Super Hero of all time with students from K-6. We also had a great time joining in and learning about the ministry of Jesus Club. Jesus Club is disability ministry for adults with intellectual disabilities. We sang together, had a bible talk, completed a craft activity and shared supper together.
Give thanks to God for the above! Please continue to pray for the remainder of our week:
TEMORA PRESBYTERIAN & ARIAH PARK BAPTIST – 9 APRIL
Team Leaders - Anthony Brammall and Chris Kotsaris
The team have been busy getting into country life and ministries. Over the weekend, we visited both the Temora Presbyterian and Ariah Park Baptist churches – sharing testimonies and giving talks at services, running youth group and participating in the women’s Bible study. On Monday we ran a women’s basketry event – learning to weave with a gospel talk about how God weaves love into our lives.
We’ve also been hearing from SMBC grads – Derek and Anna at Temora, Anthony and Tamara at Ariah Park – and the joys and challenges of living and pastoring in rural towns. For the rest of the week we will be participating in a nursing home service, playgroup, farm visits, SRE and kids club.
Please pray for:
ALL SAINTS ANEW, NEWCASTLE – 9 APRIL
Team Leaders - Ed Grudier and Laura Tharion
We've been involved with three services over the weekend; Rachel and Bri were interviewed at the 8am and 5pm services and Jesse gave his testimony at the 10am service. We've been involved with kids church, youth ministry, SRE, as well as a Seniors Growth Group where Sarah gave the message, Ben gave a testimony and Rachel, Epi and Fleur taught a song. As well as doorknocking for the upcoming Easter services, we've had many good conversations and have been witnessing the mixed emotions of a church planning to divide in order to multiply.
Please pray:
GATEWAY PRESBYTERIAN, KYOGLE – 9 APRIL
Team Leaders - Matt Vander Heiden and Kiri Vander Heiden
After a scenic drive up, mission started with a BBQ dinner on Saturday night, where we got to meet our billets and some of the church leadership. The next morning, we got to meet the rest of the church, as we participated in the morning service and had lunch with the church family afterwards.
Monday was spent hearing words of wisdom from some of those involved in gospel ministry in Kyogle. First, we met with a local Aboriginal elder, who has a heart to see the gospel impact his community more deeply. After lunch we heard from Luke (the pastor of the church) and his wife Adela about their experience in country ministry. Some great insights were given, as the students look to pursue gospel ministry post-college. Tuesday we had the opportunity to share at the local nursing home, and do a letter box drop letting people know about the upcoming Easter services.
Prayer points:
MBM ROOTY HILL – 8 APRIL
Team Leaders – Kristen Young and Kirk Patston
Our team has had a full and joyful start at MBM! Over the weekend, we visited three congregations—sharing devotions, testimonies, Q&A with youth, and taking part in interviews during the main services.
Monday gave us a behind-the-scenes look at ministry life through staff and pastors meetings. Our active schedule for the week ahead includes several Scripture classes in local schools, Ladies Connect, outreach ministry including ESL classes and a ukulele club. On Tuesday we also have a church planting excursion to MBM Mt Druitt with our brothers and sisters from Moore College. We’ll finish the week helping run a big kids’ sleepover full of fun and gospel conversations.
Please pray:
PAKURANGA BAPTIST, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 7 APRIL
Team Leaders - Geoff Harper and Katy Davis
So far we’ve been involved in three services over the weekend (two Cantonese with Geoff preaching; one English with James Chou preaching), plus kids church, youth ministry, dinner with the young adults, and a late night jam session with the youth!
It’s a quieter day today (Monday). We’ve been hearing from Pastors Albert Tang and William HC about the joys and challenges of ministry at PCBC. There’s also been some time to explore the beautiful Auckland area.
Please pray:
SOUTH EAST ASIA – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Derek Brotherson and Anna Brotherson
Please pray:
PAKURANGA BAPTIST, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Geoff Harper and Katy Davis
Please pray:
GATEWAY PRESBYTERIAN, KYOGLE – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Matt Vander Heiden and Kiri Vander Heiden
ORANGE EVANGELICAL – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Alan Thompson and Alayne Thompson
Please pray that:
ALL SAINTS ANEW, NEWCASTLE – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Ed Grudier and Laura Tharion
Please pray for:
TEMORA PRESBYTERIAN AND ARIAH PARK BAPTIST – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Anthony Brammall and Chris Kotsaris
CABRAMATTA BAPTIST – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders - Janson Condren and Carolyn Woods
Please pray for us at Cabramatta Baptist that God would prepare our hearts for loving people, especially those from very diverse cultural backgrounds. Pray that God would both use us powerfully and shape us in significant ways during the week. Pray for those preaching (in a least one instance through a translator) as well as others doing talks, Bible studies, and giving testimonies. Pray for the ability to be both simple and relevant. And pray for those organising and running kids and youth ministry events. Thanks!
WOOLGOOLGA ANGLICAN – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders – Kit Barker and Rachel Ciano
MBM ROOTY HILL – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders – Kristen Young and Kirk Patston
PERSONALISED MISSION – 31 MARCH
Team Leaders – Karl Deenick and Amy Townsend
Please pray for those students doing a “choose your own adventure” mission. This year we have a couple heading for an exploratory trip to Japan, someone exploring various types of chaplaincy, and another engaging in cross-cultural mission opportunities here in Sydney. Give thanks for the organisations that are creating space for the students to explore these areas of ministry. Pray that the missions would be fruitful opportunities to serve God and others, that even in such a short time they would bear fruit for eternity, that the students would grow theologically, spiritually and practically, and that the missions would bring the students clarity on where God might want them to serve in the future.
WITH ALAN THOMPSON
How many College Missions have you done and where have you been to on those Missions?
I think I've been on about 14 college missions. They've mostly been to NSW churches outside of Sydney, with an additional couple in Queensland, and Canberra. So far I've only led overseas missions to New Zealand and Tasmania. So, in total I think I've been to Evans Head, Scone, Townsville, Brisbane, Moree, Ballina, Mt Albert (in Auckland NZ), Tenterfield, Canberra (Gungahlin), Lismore (including Nimbin), Hobart, Canberra (Tuggeranong), Howick (in Auckland NZ), and Forster.
What have been some of the highlights of College Mission?
Hmm, so many to mention. Of course, it's always a delight to know that you've been an encouragement to a local church and their minister and staff, and to be a part of what God is doing through them there. Often college mission is with a graduate so as a faculty member it's also extra special to see them in their own ministry context and students enjoy hearing and learning from someone who's gone before them, so to speak.
Getting to know the variety of ways churches seek to build up their congregations and reach out to their wider communities is always fascinating. Many are under-resourced so they're grateful for any help we can bring for a week. Sometimes new programs are begun during the mission week and sometimes contacts that have grown cold are reconnected during the week. Sometimes we just join in with what normally happens in the church's life, and the feedback is often that having a team of keen SMBC students is like a "shot in the arm" for the church and spurs them on. Yet, we are the ones who are encouraged as we see faithful believers serving in whatever way they can. We aim to serve where we can and follow the lead of the local staff/leaders there, but we learn so much from them.
Our day off can also be interesting as you get to see some of the key local landmarks. One year we went to the military base (including the fitness course and firing range) and a Cowboys game in Townsville! But we also got to spend a couple of days on Palm Island (off the coast of Townsville) and had the privilege of seeing how ministry is done among the aboriginal communities there. Getting to know the hosts or family that you're staying with can also be a highlight. An extra special highlight of any college mission week though is also getting to know one another as a team much more than we expected to!
What have been some of the challenges?
Well not every event always goes as well as we'd like it to. Sometimes not as many turn up to something as the minister was hoping (once or twice no one turned up to an event!), and it can be a challenge preparing things for an audience that you don't know. Sometimes the minister has been facing difficulties from the congregation. These can be lessons in learning the regular ups and downs of ministry and lessons in trusting God to be at work and depending on him in prayer.
What sorts of things can we be praying for our hosts, our teams, ourselves and our leaders as we go on College Mission?
Pray that the team would be an encouragement to the pastoral staff or local missionaries and the local believers, and that time spent with billets and getting to know them in their homes would be an encouragement to them. Pray for those who have opportunities to speak in various ways that they'd speak faithfully, clearly, and engagingly and that there would be receptive hearts. Pray for harmony, enthusiasm, joy, patience, and perseverance (and good health) for the team, that they'd work together well. And pray that we'd share wisely in the conversations that come up with both local believers and those that don't know Christ; humbly, gently, and clearly pointing to Christ. Ultimately we pray that God would be glorified in all we do and say.
John's Gospel: That They May Believe
A great opportunity to check out SMBC in person
A great opportunity to check out The Bridge gap year program
A great online or on-campus opportunity to check out SMBC
Come and try out The Bridge for a day!