Interview with Brett Layden, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research School of Physics and Engineering
What does staff/postgrad Christian fellowship look like at ANU?
The core fellowship activity at the ANU Simeon Network is weekly bible studies. With growing numbers at the end of last year we began a second weekly study, and have been blessed with new members from both new postgraduates and staff along with others who were now able to attend. Currently we are making our way through the Essential 100 reading plan, which has been a great way to understand the big picture of the biblical narrative and God’s redemptive plan.
How do you support each other as Christian academics/staff?
The university can be a stressful environment, with the challenging nature of research and uncertainty often surrounding funding. There can also be a temptation to hide our Christian identity from our peers for fear of losing their respect. We spend some time before each study catching up with each other and sharing our joys and struggles as Christians in academia, and we pray for each other for perseverance in our work and boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
How have you tried to reach your peers with the gospel?
The Uncover booklets have been a helpful resource for sharing the gospel with our peers, and reminding us of the power of God’s word as we encounter Jesus as lord and saviour through it. We plan to engage the wider academic community through events (e.g., talks, panel discussions) focusing on the intersection of Christianity and our academic disciplines; please pray for us as we consider what shape these events might take.
What have been some of the highlights of 2016?
Earlier this year we had a weekend away (dubbed “Swimeon”) at the ANU coastal campus in Kioloa. It was a fantastic time of fellowship as we discussed our vocation as Christian scholars while relaxing and enjoying God’s creation. The T3 (Thinking Truth Together) Day in Canberra was also a great opportunity to think deeply about the interaction between our faith and our research, and many of us are looking forward to attending the academic missions conference “Cite” in our own backyard in December.
How can we pray for you?
Pray that we would share the gospel with our colleagues without fear, loving praise from God more than praise from men. Pray that we would prize the wisdom of God above the wisdom of this age (and of the university) as we follow the “foolish” message of the cross. Lastly, pray that we would be a caring community that carries each other’s burdens with a Christ-like love for one another.