When God Rewrites the Resume

Christine had a stable accounting career and a strong sense of justice and the need for the gospel—especially for the vulnerable. But a growing desire to serve in gospel ministry prompted a change: first a ministry apprenticeship, which included part-time theological study, and now a move across the Tasman to finish her theological training in person at Christ College. 

Christine’s faith journey began early. She grew up in South Africa with a few key family members who prayed for her regularly and made sure she was exposed to the gospel.

“I can’t remember a time not trusting in Jesus as a child,” she says, “but it was only when I was 15 and going through a hard time that I understood what it meant to submit my whole life to Jesus as Lord.”

That season planted seeds of deeper faith and a growing interest in vocational ministry. 

After studying accounting at university, Christine moved to New Zealand. Her early career followed a typical path: full-time work as an accountant in Auckland, adjusting to life in a new country. But her heart for cross-cultural mission and vulnerable people remained strong. She had a particular burden for children and survivors of human trafficking, and her involvement at church kept deepening. Eventually, her pastor encouraged her to consider a ministry apprenticeship.

That three-year apprenticeship at Auckland Evangelical Church became a turning point. It gave her space to explore ministry, try new things, and be mentored along the way. It also included part-time theological study through Christ College New Zealand.

Though based in Auckland, Christine found Christ College to be a perfect fit.

“They did a wonderful job supporting remote students,” she recalls. “They already had systems in place for Zoom classes, intensive weeks, and regular faculty interaction—even before COVID made that the norm.”

Over six years, Christine continued her part-time study while serving in ministry—first as an apprentice, then as the children’s ministry coordinator at her church. As she neared the end of her studies and finally secured New Zealand citizenship, she made the bold decision to move to Sydney and complete her final year on campus.

Arriving in early 2025, Christine has embraced the rhythms of face-to-face learning and deeper community life.

“Being here in person—just the space to think about things is insane,” she says. “Every class we do is practical. It’s not just big theological concepts; it’s asking, ‘how does this actually work out in the church or in cross-cultural mission’?”

One of the great joys of this year has been the relationships. Even a recent mission trip to Young has become a highlight.

“We did a lot of really beneficial things, and we learnt a lot,” she reflects, “but we also just became good friends. We’re forming close-knit connections, which will hopefully last throughout a lifetime of ministry.”

Christine has also appreciated the preaching at college.

“I just love that when the lecturers preach in chapel, it’s not only about knowledge, and it’s also not only all about being equipped,” she says. “It’s about you, personally—how are you actually deepening in your love for Christ while here at college?”

As Christine looks ahead to the rest of 2025—finishing her MDiv and continuing to be trained for ministry—she’s prayerfully preparing for many years of serving the next generation, and training others to do the same.