Learning and Serving in Newfoundland and Labrador

Bachelor of Theology – Pastoral Studies student Matthew Rodgers says God has given him a burden for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and a desire to see the place he loves to come to know the person he loves, Jesus.

Therefore, he has decided to study at Heritage and attend classes where he feels God has him to serve in life and ministry. Rodgers studies at Heritage through online and live-streamed lectures throughout the academic year from his home in Newfoundland and Labrador— a choice that allows him to learn and grow while serving the province he feels called to serve.

“It allows me to continue serving my local church and contextualize the things I am learning in my local community,” explains Rodgers. “It also helps me continue to learn about my community and deepen my desire to see the people in it come to faith.”

As he studies at Heritage, Rodgers is serving in St. John’s as a ministry intern with Mile One Mission—an organization dedicated to planting gospel-centred, Christ-exalting churches throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. While helping with outreach initiatives to grow his reading, writing, and preaching skills, he explains that his heart has grown to serve in Newfoundland and Labrador.

With only 1% of St. John’s being evangelical Christians and a provincial population known for being disengaged religiously or even opposed to the gospel, it is an area of tremendous spiritual need. To best serve this need, Rodgers now continues his studies at Heritage to be equipped for his current and future ministry in this province.

So far, he sees how his time learning online alongside the Heritage community from his home province has equipped him for his ministry there while growing his faith and understanding through knowledge of the Bible.

“Learning more about the Bible has given me a better and bigger view of God and a clearer view of myself,” says Rodgers. “A better understanding of the Bible helps with both being able to teach and explain the truths in it as well as live out commands from it.”

“Being able to better live out my faith has equipped me to be a better witness to others and reflect what God has called me to be.”

For more information on Mile One Mission, visit mileonemission.ca.

To learn more about our College programs at Heritage, visit DiscoverHeritage.ca/Academics.