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The call

February 21st, 2007 by mhjones

You’ve probably heard stories about people who "heard the call of God" and quit their jobs to begin study at a theological college or seminary. They’ve got a good job, family, and The Mortgage. Well, guess what? I’ve quit my job and started study at Tabor College, in the Sydney suburb of Miranda. No, I’m not kidding!

First, some basics: It’s a Bachelor of Ministry, a University level degree, and I’m studying part-time. At that rate I’m guessing it could take five years to complete. My last day as IT Editor at The Australian Financial Review and Managing Editor of MIS Magazine will be Wednesday 4 April, just before Easter (how symbolic, as one of my colleagues observed. heh.). However, I will also continue to work in the technology media in a freelance and consulting capacity (stay tuned for news…). In short, I’m passionate about pursuing theological study and IT media.

Of course, that’s nothing new to people who know me because I’ve been a Christian since I was 17. But news like this is not something that tends to stay quiet. In fact, I’ve had two calls from the media this afternoon (The Australian and Computer Daily News) asking me about my story and rumours of my impending departure. I appreciated the interest. But given they are both daily publications that publish tomorrow, I couldn’t resist the urge to scoop them. I am still a journalist after all… :)

So what makes someone do something like this? The short answer might sound curiously mystical, but excuse me while I breach normal social protocol and keep talking about faith in a public forum – I’m doing what I believe God is calling me to do. Happy to elaborate in person, but when you get The Call, and you’re passionate about what you believe, it’s not too hard to follow through. In fact, I’m really excited about the future and what lies ahead. I honestly can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing with my life. If that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t be making this sort of decision!

And the response from friends and colleagues has been really encouraging. Virtually without exception, my colleagues were all really positive about the news. It’s been really interesting to listen to the different reactions. Some asked if I was a Catholic (no), was I going to be a Priest (no, but possibly a Pastor in the future), and what brand of Christianity was the college (multi-denominational: teachers from Pentecostal, Anglican, Baptist and Church of Christ backgrounds, to name a few). What did I think about Hillsong? (great church, but I go to a different one). One journalist also asked me if the rumour was true that I had accepted a position at a church to become a pastor (no… not yet anyway..).

Now that this is all public, it’s possible I could find myself lumped into one or more stereotypical buckets. That’s fine, it happens. The only thing I can do is hope people will judge me by my (sometimes imperfect) actions, and I’ll continue to do the same.

Oh, and in case you’re worried, I’m not about to turn Filtered into a pulpit! I’ll resume my regular musings soon enough. Although I must confess, the idea of starting a separate faith-oriented blog has crossed my mind more than a few times… :)

Tagged: Personal
Comments: 31 Comments »

31 Responses to “The call”

  1. Mark Aufflick Says:
    February 21st, 2007 at 9:23 pm

    Wow – there you go! Good luck – you’ve got to do what you think is right.

    I’m about to start studying myself – although a Law Masters is a bit different to Bible college!

    Best of luck – looking forward to hearing what your freelance angle will be.

  2. Thomas Reynolds Says:
    February 21st, 2007 at 10:36 pm

    Good luck Mark- your morals and sense of fairness have shown through in your work.

    …now just avoid Cam Reilly for the next millenia.

    Regards
    TomR

  3. scientaestubique Says:
    February 21st, 2007 at 11:10 pm

    I’ll miss your work in the AFR Mark, so I hope you still keep your eye on the tech sector.

    There’s always podcasting as well, if the blog no longer suits.

  4. Cameron Reilly Says:
    February 21st, 2007 at 11:24 pm

    Heh, well dude I never expected THIS move! While I personally think its a shame to see smart people devote themselves to irrational bronze age mythologies, I know it’s something that means a lot to you so I’m glad you are following your passion. You better hurry up though – Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and I are all trying to dismantle religion as quickly as possible. There may not be much of it left by the time you graduate. :-)

  5. Paul Montgomery Says:
    February 21st, 2007 at 11:32 pm

    Good luck with it Mark, I’m sure you know what you’re doing. I presume they allow married clergymen in whatever denomination you’re aiming for…

  6. Asher Moses Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 6:40 am

    Somehow my chosen part-time study of accounting/finance now just seems so…. shallow!

    Good luck with it all Mark – I’m sure Josh will hold the fort at the Fin admirably. All the best.

  7. Simon Sharwood Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 10:31 am

    Congratulations Mark, on your decision and the erudition with which you explain it here.
    I wish you lots of luck with your studies and future endeavors in all fields.

  8. David Flynn Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm

    Congratulations, Mark, on this ‘road to Damascus’ moment. Not that you were ever in the league of Saul and his tax-collecting cohorts, of course, but obviously you heard a clarion call which indicated this was the direction and now was the time.

    Isn’t it superb how the universe manages to take care of its own, at ts own pace, while we fret about so much else!

    Again, wonderful news from the heart, and best of fortune to you and Heather!

  9. Ross Dawson Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 2:00 pm

    Congratulations Mark! Following your passion is the only way to go. Look forward to hearing more about it, as well as to continuing geek-talk!

  10. Darren Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 2:05 pm

    Congratulations mate – looking forward to following the journey! :-)

  11. Michael Specht Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    Congrats on the change!

  12. Hugh Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 4:19 pm

    Good luck, Mark. And yes, ignore Cam.

  13. Frank Arrigo Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 4:38 pm

    Mark

    I had to read the post twice before it all made sense.

    good luck on the new journey, I too await to see how it unfolds and I hope you and Cam hook up to discuss. it will be fascinating to watch/listen/read

  14. Mark Jones Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 5:51 pm

    Hey everyone. Thanks for all your comments – just amazing! Don’t worry, this isn’t the first time Cam and I have broached this subject (offline). Cam, one of the things I like about you is there’s no confusion about what you really think, regardless of subject matter. :)
    Asher – a journo studying accounting? Impressive. I got into journalism to get as far away from numbers as possible.

  15. Trevor Cook Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 8:24 pm

    Congratulations Mark I hope it works out. I think its great to see people do what they are passionate about. I take it your denomination is not like the Society of Jesus where ‘many are called but few are chosen’ or did you have to pass some rigorous entrance test.

  16. Richard Giles Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    It must be your destiny Mark, I’ve never seen Cam be so soft on someone talking about faith ;)

    Rich

  17. Mick Stanic Says:
    February 22nd, 2007 at 10:26 pm

    Its great to see you following your passions Mark especially when you are making the jump from something else you are so passionate about….best of luck with the decision and the future :)

  18. Paull Young Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:17 am

    All the best with your new career Mark. It’s important to follow your passion!

  19. James Farmer Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 11:30 am

    Wow! Good luck with the change Mark… I s’pose you’ve always been a touch of the evangeliser (sp?) so this is natural progression right?

  20. Mark Jones Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 12:12 pm

    Hey Trevor. Definitely not! I actually had lengthy conversations with the college about their beliefs and outlook to see if it was a fit for both of us. No exam, rather an invitation to begin the course. Separate to Tabor, I attend a Church of Christ, which you could say is one of the open, community-oriented evangelical denominations.

  21. Julie Cleeland Nicholls Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    Your news surprised me – and then made me feel really happy for you. Beginning a journey like this must be a really exciting time, and I envy you your certainty in taking this path. The road less travelled – and that has made all the difference? Best of luck!

  22. Nik Cubrilovic Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 10:21 am

    This is a big and brave leap, all the best

  23. Mark Aufflick Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 10:40 am

    Hopefully there’s still time for your official comments on this (http://www.nowwearetalking.com.au/Home/Page.aspx?mid=282) piece of nonsense from the incumbent purveyor of copper :)

  24. Mark Aufflick Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 10:41 am

    Sorry – above link got mangled (not unlike it’s message): http://www.nowwearetalking.com.au/Home/Page.aspx?mid=282

  25. Cameron Reilly Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 10:17 pm

    Rich – I have to go soft on him while he’s still at the Fin. We’ll have a real discussion after April 4. :-)

  26. alan jones Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 11:38 pm

    Hope your studies go well, Mark, and the outcome’s everything you’re hoping for!

  27. Anthony Caruana Says:
    February 28th, 2007 at 8:22 am

    Sensational.

    Like you, I work in the IT media (as a freelancer) but I also hold down a full time job in the energy industry. Similarly, I’ve just started part time study at Ridley College in Melbourne. It’s predominantly Anglican but I’m sure you won’t hold that against me!.

    Your conviction is a great encouragement. God bless you and I pray that God will guide you and provide you with the wisdom and energy you’ll need to complete your studies.

  28. Liz Rex Says:
    March 1st, 2007 at 3:09 pm

    Hi Mark,

    I’m delighted for you! Not to say, of course, that you can’t have true faith in The Fin…but enlightenment like yours is a gift.

    One question, when we get to heaven and you say “I told you so, Liz” can I hire you as my spin doctor with the main guy? No? bit late by then, you think? :)

    I wish you and your family well – keep us posted.

  29. Mark Jones Says:
    March 1st, 2007 at 4:11 pm

    Hi Liz. Hmm…I thought PR was the “dark side”? Maybe there won’t be much demand for PR in Heaven.. ; )
    Seriously, thanks, and likewise to all above. You guys rock.

  30. Caroline Shawyer Says:
    March 14th, 2007 at 11:13 am

    Hi Mark,
    Congratulations on your new chosen career path. I think it is fantastic that you are following your passion. i hope your studies go well and the outcome’s everything you’re hoping for!
    Take care
    Caroline

  31. Aaron Clausen Says:
    March 24th, 2007 at 10:24 pm

    Congrats on the change Mark.

    It takes a lot of balls to throw in a perfectly stable position to follow your passion, but I agree, its the only way to go.

    I’m sure you will never look back.

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