Justin’s journey in finding a balance between study and passion. 

When Justin Poon steps into his new role as Finance Officer at Christ College this May, he brings with him more than just accounting experience, he also brings a rich theological background in study at Christ College. His journey is one marked by steady faith, moments of uncertainty, and a deepening conviction about serving Jesus. 

Growing Up in Faith

Justin’s story begins in Hong Kong, where he spent the first nine years of his life before moving to Sydney. Raised in a Christian home, faith was always part of his everyday life.

“I spent the first nine years of my life in Hong Kong with my family and then I moved over to Australia at around 9 yrs old. I grew up in a Christian home and always went to church, which I’m very thankful for.”

Unlike many testimonies marked by a single turning point, Justin’s faith developed gradually.

“I didn’t have any moments where it’s like, ‘oh, I’m not a Christian…’ I had seasons of doubts where I really struggled.” Yet through faithful teaching and parents who faithfully taught him about Jesus, his understanding became clear and personal.

“I saw Jesus for who he really is from Scripture and from then on it’s been very clear and I understood that he’s my Lord and Savior… I’m very thankful for that upbringing.”

A Defining Moment at University

It wasn’t until university that Justin began to seriously consider what it meant to dedicate his life to serving Jesus. While studying accounting at Macquarie University, he became involved with the Christian Union group and attended the National Training Event (NTE).

It was during the NTE Conference in 2014 that Justin felt God was convicting him about his life and purpose. 

“I still remember, it was 2014 at the NTE Conference and I was there learning how to read the Bible and learning how to teach the Bible… I left that conference being really challenged about how I’m going to spend the rest of my life serving Jesus.”

That experience planted a question that would shape his future: how should he use his life and career in service to God?

From Accounting to Ministry Training

After graduating in 2015, Justin was eager to start a ministry apprenticeship, but took the advice of a mentor to gain work experience before pursuing ministry. He joined Macquarie Bank, working in customer service and debt collection.

“It was a good entry-level job… and probably… could have made a career out of it.”

But even while working, the sense of calling persisted for Justin and his desire to serve God in vocational ministry was growing.

“I knew as I was working that God was pressing in my heart to do vocational ministry in some shape or form.”

Encouraged by his pastor, Justin made the decision to pursue theological study. In 2018, he enrolled at Christ College, a choice shaped both by recommendation and theological conviction.

“I think in my mind I just wanted something that my pastor recommended and also something a bit more consistent in terms of theology. So that’s how I ended up at Christ College.”

Challenges Along the Way

Justin began with the goal of pastoral ministry, enrolling in the Master of Divinity and later extending his studies to pursue ordination within the Presbyterian Church.

However, the journey proved more complex than expected.

“It wasn’t as simple as I thought it would be… I was starting to lose motivation and with mental health struggles it was very difficult to study.”

After prayer and consultation with his lecturers, Justin made the difficult decision to step back. He finished with two qualifications—a Graduate Diploma of Divinity and an Associate Degree of Theology—but also with questions about what should come next.

A Season of Rest and Rediscovery

Justin spent the next three years working at Reformers Bookshop, a time that proved deeply formative.

“The three year break was really good… getting away from academic study meant that I didn’t have to face the pressure.”

More importantly, it allowed him to serve in church without expectation.

“I was just serving and loving people… doing Bible study… doing itinerary preaching… and I knew throughout that time that desire to be a pastor… was always there.”

This season helped him reframe his calling, not as something to rush, but something to grow into.

A Return with Renewed Perspective

Encouraged by his pastor, Justin returned to study, but this time with a different approach. Now enrolled in a Master of Theological Studies, he is studying part-time while working and serving in church.

“The priority is to slowly finish off my study… and I’m going to keep growing and learning at church.”

Alongside his studies, Justin will soon begin his role as Finance Officer at Christ College. It’s a role that draws on his professional skills while placing him within the very community that has shaped him.

Justin’s Christ College Experience

Having spent several years at Christ College, Justin speaks warmly of its environment and people.

“What I really liked is how approachable all the lecturers are… you don’t feel like you’re just there to study… you’re there to learn… and think… about ministry.”

He also values the theological clarity the college provides, “I picked Christ College because of its consistencies in where it stands with theology.”

“I like that every faculty member subscribes to the Westminster Confession of Faith, so I can go into class confident that I’m not going to learn something a bit outrageous but that the lecturers love the Bible and they’re going to teach what the Bible teaches.”

The Christ College approach has been more than an academic experience for Justin, “I’ve been very blessed in my own theology and formation.”

Looking Ahead

Justin’s journey is still unfolding. With years of study ahead and a growing sense of calling, he is focused not on speed, but faithfulness.

“When I’m finally done with the study then I can go into a parish and love and pastor people there.”

For those considering studying at Christ College, he shares, “I’ll say… do it… there’s no better environment to be encouraged as you’re being equipped.”