An interview with Moore
Tuesday, 07 September, 2004
Despite the car being out of commision and us leaving a little later than planned, we still got to Moore College twenty minutes early. When walking from where we had parked up to the college, we ran into the guy who is in charge of all the ordination candidates in the Sydney diocese (Mark Charleston). He's very friendly—he works with my mother-in-law at the cathedral and, during the time when Ben was thinking through ordination, Ben and Pete went up to see him together (“I'll sell my soul if you sell yours!”). He walked with us onto campus and to the right place so we didn't even have to pull out the map.
The first person I spied there was Loren from QUT who had flown in just that morning and was flying out that afternoon. It was great to catch up with her. She said that they had just completed Week 7 and that all the staff team were feeling low and exhausted. (Good to hear we're not the only ones!) Others eventually filed in—interviewers and interviewees—and then Michael Hill started off the proceedings by first informing us that John Woodhouse (the principal) was on holidays, opening in the prayer and then opening the Bible with us to Ephesians. I thought that was very cool that he did that—I suppose it's to be expected since it's Moore College. I just felt very ... comfortable. Not that I was nervous to begin with (Ben was more nervous than I was about the whole thing). It was just a reminder that we were there among God's people, and even though it was for this interview thing which is supposed to be scary, I felt comforted.
There were four committees comprised of two people each. Two took one lot of people and two took the other lot of people. We only had two half hour interviews instead of three twenty-minute interviews which I thought was very sensible, though it would have been nice to have spent more time mingling with the other candidates (among whom were Ben's old Physics teacher and some MTS-ers from Campus Bible Study who started MTS the year we started in Wollongong but who were once students that we used to see around the traps).
Our first interview was with Barry Newman and Peter Tasker (Bishop of the Georges River Region and a lovely man who told me to say hi to Amanda. I've yet to meet an unpleasant bishop!) Barry greeted us by saying, “You two look much better than your photos!” They started off the interview by praying (which I again really appreciated) and they also finished the interview with prayer. It seemed like they were quite happy to go on chatting and chatting were it not for the time constraints. I really enjoyed chatting to them. Ben I think was too nervous to really enjoy it. They asked us the following questions:
(NB: Not everyone gets asked these sorts of questions but I hope they give you some idea of what they do ask. I didn't write down the questions word-for-word either—I just wrote down keywords—so I'm sure I've gotten some of this wrong.)
- Why did you put down Wuthering Heights on your list of books that have most influence your Christian understanding? (to me)
- What was it about Guidance and the Voice of God that you found helpful? (to Ben)
- (then we had a good chat about guidance generally)
- In what areas do you think you've matured in doing MTS? (to Ben)
- How do you both meet? (to both of us)
- How has marriage changed you? (to both of us)
- Given your past academic record, how would you cope if you came to Moore and started getting Passes or Pass Concededs for your work? (Not that you are going to—it's just a hypothetical.) (to me)
- What were you hoping to do after college?
- (We talked about ministry generally at this point—specifically writing ministry which they both said there wasn't a lot of options for.)
- Have you considered the possibility that you might be wanting to come to college to escape the depression? (to Ben)
- One of your referees has said that some people find you “eccentric”. Do you know why s/he would have said that? (to Ben. We ended up discussing Ben's yellow bucket and Peter's yellow trailer.)
We headed back downstairs for another little while to drink juice and hang out with the other interview candidates. We met a guy named Andrew who comes from Parramatta and has recently been to South America. He got into a big conversation with Mark Charleston about ordination. I also took the opportunity to go powder my nose and I swear it's the first time I've been in an educational institution since primary school where there wasn't graffiti on the toilet doors.
The second interview was with Lesley Ramsay and Michael Hill. This interview was a bit scarier—partly because of Michael's manner and partly because of the questions. They asked us:
- Explain to me the doctrine of election. Would you teach it to your parish? What is its importance? (to Ben. Michael also asked Ben, “Do you know who the elect are?” Ben said, “No. Do you?”)
- What is the relationship between God and your marriage? (to me)
- What do you think are the qualities of a good leader? (to Ben. He was disappointed that they didn't ask “What kind of leader are you?” like they did to Pete because he had been looking forward to saying, “A purple one.”)
- Why do you think leaders are referred to as “shepherds” in the Bible? (to both of us and I must say all I could think of was Adrian Plass)
- When Jesus ascended into heaven following his resurrection, was he a man? (to Ben)
- Why is it important that he is still a man now? (to me)
- What sort of things have you been able to do with your writing? (to both of us but I answered it)
- What sort of ministry do you want to go into post-college? (to Ben)
- (Again we had another short discussion about ministry options with both of them saying that there wasn't much in writing available and suggesting, like so many people before them, that Ben should talk to Tony Payne about it.)
- What boundaries do you set for yourselves in writing? (to both of us but I answered it)
- When preparing for preaching, how much of your time is spent on content and how much time is spent on packaging? (to Ben)
- (Then Michael asked us if we had any questions and we said we didn't so then he asked us:)
- Define “authority”.
Lesley closed in prayer. I thought of a question as we were leaving (about FEE-HELP) which Michael answered. Then Lesley said to me as we were leaving that I should check with Centrelink whether or not I could get Austudy because I have a double degree (bother!) so I will have to investigate that. The whole thing was over by about 11 am and we headed back downstairs and they told us we could go. (For some reason, other people were staying on but I'm not sure why.) Then Ben remembered that he had to give them a cheque for John Woodhouse's preaching at MYC and he groaned because he was hoping to use it to “sweeten the deal” (you do realise he was joking, yes?) So we headed back and ran into the registrar who took responsibility for the cheque and promised to send a receipt.
We find out on the 24th of this month whether we've been accepted.
Current:
seen: Moon 15/10/2009
read: The Incredibles 11/10/2009
seen: She's the Man 05/10/2009
read: I Kill Giants (Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura) 04/10/2009
read: Astro City The Dark Ages Book 1: Brothers and Other Strangers (Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson and Alex Ross) 04/10/2009
seen: Children of Men 02/10/2009
seen: Metric (The Metro) 30/09/2009
seen: 500 Days of Summer 25/09/2009
seen: The September Issue 18/09/2009
seen: Gilmore Girls: Season 1 17/09/2009
read: Flight (Volume 1) (edited by Kazu Kibuishi) 16/09/2009
seen: Ponyo 11/09/2009
read: Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert) 05/09/2009
heard: Aimee Mann (Enmore Theatre) 04/09/2009
heard: Ben Folds Solo (Opera House) 31/08/2009
read: Phonogram: Rue Britannia (Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie) 26/08/2009
seen: Northanger Abbey 20/08/2009
read: The Princess Diaries (Meg Cabot) 18/08/2009
seen: The Phantom of the Opera 17/08/2009
seen: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 10/08/2009
seen: District 9 10/08/2009
read: Shortcomings (Adrian Tomine) 02/08/2009
read: AIR Volume 1: Letters from Lost Countries (Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker) 28/07/2009
seen: Persepolis 25/07/2009
seen: Ghost Town 25/07/2009
heard: Gutter Twins (Seymour Centre) 23/07/2009
seen: Coco Avant Chanel 20/07/2009
seen: Gutenberg! The Musical (Seymour Centre) 16/07/2009
seen: So You Think You Can Dance? Australia Live Tour (Sydney Entertainment Centre) 11/07/2009
seen: Every Little Step 07/07/2009
seen: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen 03/07/2009
seen: Synecdoche, New York 30/06/2009
seen: Charlie's Angels 27/06/2009
seen: Penelope 26/06/2009
seen: Coraline 10/06/2009
seen: The Sky Crawlers 08/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Ultimatum 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Supremacy 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Identity 06/06/2009
seen: Stick it 05/06/2009
Comment:
@Sarah: Thanks for the tip RE Australian Breastfeeding Association! I never would have thought to look there. Ditto KMart: I was wondering if they did since Target don’t.
@Rae: Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out.
@Little Rachel: Oh, I’ll definitely be up for visitors! I may not be very good company (brain-dead, etc.) but I’ll certainly appreciate visits!
@Rachel C: CONGRATS!!! So excited for you 
Yours sounds like a good philosophy. One day I shall have to blog about Outliers!
@CafeDave: Thanks for the tip!
@Elissa: Thanks for your kind words! It makes me happy that you and Dave were excited we were getting married! Thanks also for the prayers!
@Elsie: There are lots of other lovely things I could have said about you, but let’s not overload my readers, shall we? ;P
Aww...thanks for the lovely things you said about me! I enjoyed reading this post (as I do with all yours). xo
Congratulations to you both. I know you will be such wonderful parents. You sound WAY too sensible! 
(Sorry to read that there were some unusual comments made about your marriage! We thought it was exciting. We still have a lovely photo of you & Ben in our lovely box of special memories. (I was only 22 when married & I was 30 when we had Bonnie...)
Everyone is different! I nodded through your post. SO many people feel the curious need to share their “horror stories” which is just dreadful. I remember complaining to David who said - go find people who are positive & listen to them. Great advice, which I did. Those people still have a big place in my heart because their advice was honest & gentle.
Bless you & Ben & the little Peanut. We pray all goes smoothly over the coming weeks/months ahead. We sometimes forget what a precious little miracle life really is…
Another book from the dad’s perspective I found helpful was From here to paternity - it’s an Australian book, and was followed up with a blog.
Hi!
I’m so excited for you reading your blog about being pregnant I am 13 weeks pregnant with #2.
You’re so right about all the pessimism “advice” that you get. I got so mad about it but never found a good response. I’ve had such joy right from day one with E that I just don’t want to buy into the negativity (I’m sure kids pick up on it too!).
My philosophy was/is to be a relaxed mum and from that figure out what was best for my baby/child. Get advice when you’re not sure on things or want to know how other people approached things, read books (loved Outliers!) that aren’t all about parenting… but just enjoy.
In a sample size of one to date, I’ve had such a happy, chilled out son right from day one. People say all the craziest advice… glad you don’t do guilt
With love,
R
Thanks so much for writing more! I love hearing how you’re going and all your thoughts.
After watching my sister I agree with you that it seems the first six months are perhaps the hardest. She got quite lonely at home all day; weekends were all right because then her husband was around but it’s just as you say… one feed ends then the next begins! If you are accepting visitors during this period then I hope to use some RDOs to come have grown-up conversations!
The book review of The Second Nine Months makes me want to read it now!
Names: We have one girl name that we both like and no boy names that we agree on. But they are also top-secret… so if anyone else uses them we can’t accuse them of theft! 
Yay Peanut, keep on growing, can’t wait to meet you!
Hello! Thanks for sharing
I loved reading your pregnancy update! I am glad to hear that things are all going pretty well, and I hope the rest of your 2nd trimester is as good.
I just wanted to add, that some other blokes decided that there was not much for the fathers-t0-be, and made a couple of DVD’s just for expectant dads. They are called ‘Being Dad’and i think they are available at big W. I have both though, if you would like me to send them!
Just wanted to wish you all the best!
Love
Rae
re: gluten: no idea!! I didn’t have to go on that diet - it was probably related to the test I didn’t do.
At the risk of adding to your list of advice:
Re: maternity bras - because I’m big I had to look hard for something nice in my size and discovered the Australian Breastfeeding Association. They have a massive range online and most are (dare I say it) sexy.
Re: maternity clothes - Kmart have a nice range of basic stuff.. I only found out towards the end of pregnancy and I would have liked to know earlier!
Re: Parenting classes - if you’re at RPA you can just ring the midwives section (they’ll put you through) and ask directly.
Congratulations again
Don’t laminate your ultrasound picture That is my advice.
Congratulations! This is so fantastic!
Thanks so much for sharing all of this… people swap engagement stories but rarely pregnancy stories! And it’s kind of similar don’t you think, all this excitement leading up to a big day!
So happy for you guys! Actually never been more excited for anyone except my sister! I think it’s because I think that you will both be amazing parents and love the idea that someone could grow up in your family.
Looking forward to many more posts on the topic.
Lovely news, Karen.
Thanks everyone! I will be sure to ask for help when I need it!
Great pic!! Peanut is cute! :D
Praying for you all!
xx
:D
I had a similar sort of morning sickness.. except I threw up! I’m suitably impressed that you coped OS.. that must have been tough.
It sounds like you’re doing marvelously otherwise!
Book recommendation on something a bit less technical and a bit more human: ‘Birth’ http://www.birthnet.com.au/
Praise be to God indeed! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
Congratulations, Beilharzen! Welcome to the slightly-bewildering world of pregnancy (and birth...and children...). God has blessed you greatly with this new life. We’ll be praying for Peanut’s growth and development, and for you guys as you prepare.
I’m sure you’re surrounded by baby veterans, but always happy to help with books/advice/recommendations/listening.
B&L;
Excellent job Karen! You SHOULD be pleased with yourself!
Have you discovered http://www.ravelry.com ? It is an excellent site with thousands of free patterns in its database, lots of support, tips, forums etc and of course - friends like me? Look me up when you get there - fionag77
PS Are you just wearing a bulky dress or are you sporting a bump under that dress?
oooh.... It’s done and it looks great on you! xxx
Well done on all that hard work! It looks great and will be very snuggly come winter!
Thanks for letting me know, Timo!
Hi there,
Thanks for pointing out the shortcoming on our website. I’ll pass it on to my colleagues and hopefully it will be rectified soon.
The documentary at Fashioning Now was by Holly Kaye-Smith; I’d be more than happy to put you in touch with her if you’d like.
Again, thanks for the comment, much appreciate it!
Kind regards,
Timo Rissanen
Thanks Mark! Much appreciated!
Rich survey, Karen. Particularly I was struck by the notion of Jesus being clothed with our sins. I heard recently somebody suggest the crown of thorns was a kings crown but it was made of the symbol of the curse in the Garden - thorns. I would like to read your thoughts about Joseph’s coat of many colours.
Looking forward to the next installment. Regards,Mark
It is lovely - and looks great on you.
You’ve made me want to read it - though I may need an interpreter at times!
Well done with the sewing!
I think it looks good - very relaxed and spring-y.
Hey Sandra! Thanks for the tip! I read it yesterday, but I struggled a bit because Lewis doesn’t start from the Bible. I wasn’t convinced by his argument. What did you think?
Interesting post Karen - Thanks
I like the ending too! :D
xxx
Fantastic post, Karen. Just great. Thanks!
Thanks Bec! Eternal life just keeps getting better and better ...
I do like the way you ended this post - excellent thought.
Personally I don’t feel that way. Maybe that’s something you should blog about?
Wow. Lots of things to pick up on there. It’s been interesting to see the changes to your blog these last 6-12 months: Twitter is certainly more immediate, but are there (gasp) downsides to having its constant buzz in the ear?
Is our (already fractured) ability to concentrate on a single relationship at a time further jeapordised by the regular buzz of tweetdeck (and worse yet, by the imagined sense of loss that goes with being off the grid)?
Or am I just projecting my own fears?
Hi Karen!
If you’re still thinking about this… I just read CS Lewis’s essay “Learning in War-time” which exactly addresses this issue (ie. how can we justify cultural & aesthetic pursuits when people are going to hell around us?). Have you read it? i’d be interested to hear what you think..
(i have it in his little volume “Transposition and other Addresses”, but it’s easily findable online)
I’m doing my own series on the trials and tribulations of writing on my own blog here http://sedshed.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20Head%20to%20Hand
It’s coming along slowly
Coincidentily, I stumbled upon the above Phonogram vs. the Fans cover when digging around for ID concepts for Salt. A disturbingly brilliant image.
Thanks Karen. At the very least, this post gives some context to your myriad of phonogram tweets. At best, it has reinvigorated my stagnated appreciation of comics.
Seriously, though 4,549 words. Is that the best you can do? I say, longer!
Blinks:
Why non-religious parents are starting to home school their children. Problems with American public schools. New models for education that will work (instead of just rote learning and teaching things to kids earlier).
Maybe discomfort is better for writing.
Showing her daughter that women are great by doing tours and walking in the footsteps of famous women. I like that this article is about engagement.
Jordan White, editor for Marvel, answers questions.
Jamie McKelvie answers questions.
Vision therapy as a treatment for ADHD, learning disabilities and even autism. The scientific community's opinion. The results of concentrated therapy.
Kieron Gillen on Phonogram, Siege, Ares, Loki and his collaborative relationship with Jamie McKelvie.
Superheroes and how they have changed the way we see urban landscape. Their attraction to New York.
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Comments
“When Jesus ascended into heaven following his resurrection, was he a man”
Does Jesus transition from Man to God or is he God and Man at the same time right? Since God is timeless it really doesn’t make sense for Jesus to be considered Man at any point.
Michael meant, “Was Jesus both man and God?” but because he knows we’re not complete heretics, he didn’t specify both things in his question.
Your last sentence is theologically incorrect; before Jesus was born on earth, he was not a man. He was God the Son but he wasn’t human. He became human as it says in Philippians 2:5-7.
wow.. some of those questions in the 2nd interview were pretty tricky… did they give you time to think about answering them?
That’s really cool you guys are thinking of going to Moore! A few of my friends are in their 1st year there, and my fbe bible study leader Naomi also had an interview with them not long ago!!
Thanks for describing the process: I’ve always (well, for many years) wondered what applying for college would be like.
Yay Naomi!! She’s a funny one—she was a bit reluctant about college and then she said, “I’ll go if you guys go.” We’re all a bunch of conformists to peer pressure, really. [/joke]
I would like to know why Wuthering Heights is on that list too.
Because it taught me a lot about what sin was like—self-centredness, selfishness, disregard for others, etc. Rebellion against God without God being in the picture.
That’s one heck of a complicated interview. But it sounds like you did well. Look forward to hearing if you got in!
I’m so sure you’ll get in that if you don’t I will donate $50 to AFES
Another great post =) Thanks for blogging about that. I will mentally file away this interview for future reference heheheheheh....
Heheheh George!!
I’m glad I was asked, “What is the relationship between God and your marriage?” and not “What is the difference between Allah and your marriage?” which is what Amy Chaplin got asked!
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