In 2021, Doug Benn (Church on Ingestre, Whanganui) began theological study to better serve his church family:
“I wanted to grow in my understanding of the Word and be equipped to serve the people I was shepherding as an elder.”
At the time, Doug had recently moved from youth leader to youth pastor. The church was navigating a season of transition—its senior pastor had just resigned, and Doug was stepping into wider pastoral responsibilities.
Doug says study provided both practical ministry tools and helped him reflect more deeply on his beliefs:
“My study often challenged my own thinking and beliefs. Many times, what I was studying would affirm what I believed, and other times I was challenged to think through why I disagreed.”
A standout moment came when Doug took a paper on youth ministry foundations.
“Yes, I was a father to my own teenagers, but compared to wider youth culture it was quite different! Research and information helped me develop a sense of compassion and understanding that enabled me to share the gospel more effectively with youth from our community.”
It changed how he approached youth group:
“One example of this was my first couple of times at youth group, I stood at the front and preached, and then they responded by saying, ‘this is just like school!’ So, I changed my approach and turned it into more of a forum, with space to ask questions and dialogue when there was something I was teaching that they didn’t understand.”
This year, Doug graduated with a Diploma in Christian Studies from Carey Baptist College. The journey took several years and was made possible by a team of supporters.
The JH Baldwin Scholarship helped a portion of Doug’s tuition, and Church on Ingestre funded the rest.
“Training people within our church community has proven to be more successful than looking for people with the required qualifications and skills externally,” says fellow elder Baden Brown.
Doug’s learning and growth have been a blessing to the wider church:
“Not only did Doug benefit from the learning for the youth leadership, but we also as a church have seen his solid spiritual development, leading us to offer him the community pastor's role.”
Throughout his study, Doug continued to serve in youth ministry, preaching, and pastoral care—with steady support from his wife, Gill.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the Lichfield Lands Trust for their amazing support over those years,” Doug says. “Through the JH Baldwin Scholarship, I have been blessed with their financial support for a considerable portion of my study fees.
I must also acknowledge the prayerful and financial support of the leadership of Church on Ingestre, Whanganui, who covered the balance of my fees. My wife, Gill, as always is my ardent supporter and encourager.”
“This is exactly the kind of fruit we love to see from the 3Trusts Scholarships,” says Liz Hodge, Scholarships Enabler. “The granting of scholarships is intended to be a partnership between the trusts and the local church.”
If you're part of a CCCNZ Open Brethren Heritage church and considering theological study at any level, check out the scholarship options and chat to Liz Hodge.
