The years passed in Perth, where Simon worked as a physiotherapist, lecturing and pursuing a PhD, while Lucy taught Christian studies and they both served at their local church. But when Simon’s long service leave came due, they realised this could be their chance to study the Bible and seriously consider full-time ministry.
A Family Decision
For Simon and Lucy, Bible college couldn’t just be about Simon’s education; they were keen for the whole family to be involved. Lucy explains, “We wanted the kids to be part of Simon’s Bible college experience.”
Lucy’s father had studied to be a pastor at Regent College in Vancouver when she was young, and those three years living on campus had been formative for her family. She wanted that same rich experience for their children.
“We wanted the kids to be part of Simon’s Bible college experience.”
Practically, they needed on-campus accommodation where family life and college life could interweave. SMBC is one of the few residential colleges in Australia, with good local schools nearby, and an on-campus community—a perfect fit. “The kids were excited that it was an adventure to go to Sydney,” shares Lucy.
“Because SMBC was part of the Australian University of Theology, I could transfer the part-time study I’d already done at Trinity Theological College in Perth,” Simon says. “It made it seamless to go to SMBC. That and the on-campus accommodation, it’s been exactly what we were hoping for.”
Simon enrolled in a Master of Divinity. After watching him begin and the impact it was having, Lucy joined him with a Master of Theological Studies.
Growing Together
Living on campus, the Pratts found themselves immersed in a community of faith that went far beyond what they’d known before.
“I’m thrilled for the kids because they’ve seen and met and talked with lots of Christians over meals and just living in community,” Simon reflects. “For them to know older Christians, it really helps. We’ve seen our kids grow in their ability to pray and think through Christian things. That’s been a real big win. They ask questions [about global mission] like ‘Why are they going to that country where they don’t know anyone? Why would they do that?’”
“We’ve seen our kids grow in their ability to pray and think through Christian things. That’s been a real big win.”
“Many of the students became like aunts and uncles, and part of the family,” Lucy remembers.
The family also became part of a ‘Prayer for the Harvest’ group, with up to 30 people gathering to pray for global mission. They weren’t traditional prayer meetings; children were actively involved. Lucy had a large outline map of the world made, and the children would take turns colouring in the country they were focusing on. “For them to have things like that, it’s just so rich.”
“I think the reason we stayed on for two years, rather than just one, was because Lucy thought, oh, this is working. Simon’s around with the kids and us more, and we’re all in this together,” Simon shares.
Stretched and Equipped
Simon had imagined Bible college as solitary study, with days locked in the library away from people and family. The reality was much more interactive and immersive.
“I really loved how we’re not only taught in class by the lecturers, but also have great conversations with them outside the classroom. The access that you have to the lecturers is really great. Often it’s at lunch that you might bring up things from class, and they’re very gracious, and help you process what you’re learning.”
The theological rigour impressed him too. “Doctrinally, what’s been taught has really been navigated well, especially in an interdenominational college where there are different views. I think they’ve been really good at navigating how to present things on church governance, women in ministry, baptism, all those kinds of things.”
When asked about her favourite part of studying, Lucy doesn’t hesitate: “I could sit every week and listen to Alan Thompson unpack a chapter of the Bible for the rest of my life, and I’d be so happy. I’ve just been loving it.”
“I could sit every week and listen to Alan Thompson unpack a chapter of the Bible for the rest of my life, and I’d be so happy. I’ve just been loving it.”
“I loved all of the Church and Ministry subjects. It was great for me to think a bit more deeply about lots of church structures that I’ve never really pondered. Things like baptism and women in ministry and even the Lord’s Supper.”
“Rod Thompson taught Pastoral Skills and Methods with Kristen… they talked about in ministry being a non-anxious presence and how crucial that is,” she recalls. “I think just it’s such a great witness as a Christian to be a non-anxious presence. And I really need to practice that more as a parent as well.”
College-wide gatherings also shaped them. “Community events like Principal’s Hour and Ministry Matters were a real encouragement,” Simon says. “They exposed us to so many ministries and opportunities, especially in cross-cultural settings.”
For Lucy, returning to study as a mature-age student was itself a gift. “I feel so thankful I decided to study. It’s been so exciting getting to study again. Having had the kids and not a lot of time, with always having one that’s not at school, it’s amazing now to just be able to sit and say ‘Teach me.’”
Preparing to Church Plant
Throughout their time at SMBC, Simon and Lucy had been exploring what came next. A friend suggested they do the Reach Australia church planting assessment. The opportunity gathered momentum, and alongside both Reach and FIEC, a plan formed to plant a church in Dunsborough.
Simon and Lucy became the answer to their own half-prayer for a church plant years earlier.
Simon also took a student intern role at Abbotsford Presbyterian, where he preached, led services, gave children’s talks, and ran Bible studies. “I met regularly with the pastor and really appreciated the mentoring I received,” he says.
“The leap from college to planting a church is big, so we really appreciate so many opportunities to prepare and be well supported.”
God has been gracious in providing clear next steps. They have accommodation in Dunsborough and one or two families ready to join them. They plan to attend a local church where they will continue to receive training and experience. Simon will also undertake some training with Providence Church, Perth.
“The leap from college to planting a church is big, so we really appreciate so many opportunities to prepare and be well supported,” Simon acknowledges.
Lord willing, in 2027 they will plant that longed-for church in Dunsborough.