Brisbane, Australia:   Nazarene Theological College is announcing the arrival of the Chapman and Tarrant families who are joining the student body. Emman Chapman and Jaclyn Tarrant are studying in the Master of Divinity program while coordinating with church planting pastor and NTC registrar, Roland Hearn, in an effort to create a new mission outreach.

The Chapmans – Jade, Savanah Zoe, Caleb and Emman

The Chapmans – Jade, Savanah Zoe, Caleb and Emman

The Chapmans (Emman, Jade, Caleb, and Savannah Zoe) and the Tarrants (Stephen and Jaclyn) have left home, church, employment, and family in the US (and Scotland in Stephen’s case), to be a part of a bold adventure. Their studies at NTC allow them to work on their MDiv, and ordination requirements, while formulating a strategy to reach the vast masses of lost people in the post-modern, secular, multi-cultural city of Brisbane.

The Australian Northern Pacific District, together with the people of the church plant: New Start River City, have partnered with these two couples to assist and support this creative strategy. This truly is an example of maximizing opportunities and making the most of what is available.

The Tarrants – Stephen and Jaclyn

The Tarrants – Stephen and Jaclyn

The Chapmans and Tarrants, who are part of the Church of the Nazarene Global Serve/Mission Corps initiative, come with a vision for stepping into the lives of the hurting and lost at the point of their greatest need. They seek to develop a response that reflects Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40 – “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” They will immerse themselves in their studies, believing their academic equipping in the midst of ministry will aid their vision.

NewStart RiverCity Church Plant

New Start River City Church Plant

With the ease of obtaining student visas to Australia, for people from certain countries, and the crying need for creative church planters in Australia, the leadership team of the Australian Northern Pacific District is hoping what happens with the Chapmans and Tarrants may become a model for others.

Submission:  Roland Hearn