who we are

Stirling Theological College is an agency of the National Conference of Churches of Christ in Australia and a partner department of the VIC / TAS Conference of Churches of Christ.

The College was established in 1907. We are evangelical and ecumenical in our approach to theology and faith. We have a passion to receive and share the good news of God in Christ and delight to have Christians from different backgrounds enriching the life of our community.

Stirling offers a multi-faceted program of learning incorporating:

• The disciplined study of the Bible which authoritatively declares the story of God's revelation.
• The perceptive exploration of how people in other times and places have sought and are seeking to be Christian.
• The nurture of spiritual development recognising that we can only minister effectively from the resources of our own experience of God's love and grace.
• The development of skills and disciplines for effective leadership and communication in the church and community.

Stirling Theological College is a recognised teaching institution of the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD) CRICOS Provider No. 01037A (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

The Melbourne College of Divinity provides unique ecumenical opportunities for postgraduate studies in theology. It is the world's oldest ecumenical degree granting consortium, established in 1910 by the Parliament of the state of Victoria. The College then represented the Anglican (Episcopal), Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. In 1972 the Roman Catholic Church and the Churches of Christ joined the College. In 1993 the College was affiliated with the University of Melbourne.

The MCD represents Australia's most significant achievement in the realm of ecumenical co-operation in the teaching of theology and has set the standard for theological education in Australia for many decades. Today the MCD is a theologically diverse institution committed to ecumenical co-operation in theological education in a way which enables each participant to be true to its heritage and commitments, yet open to the enrichment of engagement with others committed to the same journey.

This partnership between the MCD and Stirling enables you to benefit from the scholarship and experience of the other teaching institutions of the Melbourne College of Divinity. The fully accredited courses of study we offer enjoy worldwide recognition and attract Austudy for eligible full-time students.