“My question was answered, and I’m forever thankful, because if it wasn’t, I would’ve gone home in darkness today.”

These were the words of one student after attending Bible Society’s Masterclass—an event series that brought nearly 1,500 students together across four cities (and nearly 1,500 online) to explore faith, ask big questions, and worship alongside their peers. 

Held in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and the Gold Coast, Masterclass 2025 invited students in Years 9–11 to engage with contemporary issues in Christian life through talks, music, and open Q&A sessions. And this year’s events were among the biggest since the pandemic. 

The Sydney Masterclass alone saw over 500 people from 19 schools gather at Dayspring Church, with some travelling from as far away as the Central Coast to get there.  

“Thanks for engaging our students in some critical thinking as well as being so gospel centred and affirming.” — Teacher and Masterclass Attendee 

The energy the band brought was electric, with the students singing along in praise, dancing and even shouting for an encore. 

“So many highlights! Dan, Natasha and Max have such wisdom to share and are such good communicators. Loved the q and a.” — Teacher and Masterclass Attendee 

Speakers help students explore contemporary issues in Christian living 

The core of Masterclass is the Bible Talks. Students got to hear from three keynote speakers, covering topics such as freedom, biblical prophecy and disagreement in the modern age. 

Dan Paterson, founder of Questioning Christianity, gave the first talk of the day, on the topic of Jesus Foretold: How does all of Scripture point to Jesus? Dan looked at the many Biblical prophecies that point towards Jesus, and highlighted the historical evidence behind them. He walked students through the criteria biblical historians use to evaluate the prophecies, and which ones fulfilled them to the degree that the only explanation for them was being genuinely prophetic. 

Natasha Moore, Senior Research Fellow at Centre for Public Christianity (CPX), spoke on the topic Agree to Disagree. She examined how, in our modern age of outrage, it is possible – and in fact vital – to be able to disagree with someone and love them all the same. She emphasised the power of respectful, loving debate to change people’s hearts and minds. 

CPX Senior Research Fellow Max Jeganathan explored the trappings of freedom and analysis paralysis in his talk The Freedom Trap. He discussed how advances in technology and a culture that allows for greater freedom than ever before are paradoxically leaving people feeling empty and without purpose. Max offered some antidotes that we can find in the Bible. 

One of the teachers in attendance said of the talks: “The talks were really applicable to students’ lives and biblically sound. It’s always a joy to hear the Bible applied personally, especially to give strategies to talk to ‘sceptics’.” 

“It helped me understand my faith better,” one student said. 

Diving deeper with Q&A panel 

After the conclusion of the final talk, students in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers in a Q&A panel.  

Students further unpacked the content of the talks, diving into prophecy, disagreement and freedom, as well as asking other burning questions about Christian living.  

“I would love to see more schools and more students benefit from this wonderful event put on by Bible Society.” — Teacher and Masterclass Attendee 

“People’s questions are so valuable, and the answers gave clarity. My question was answered and I’m forever thankful because if it wasn’t, I would’ve gone home in darkness today. Thank you.” — Student and Masterclass Attendee 

Prayer Points 

• Pray for all the students who attended Masterclass, that they may be challenged and edified in their faith and not soon forget what they have learned. 

• Ask that God may continue to reveal God’s truth to them, to answer their questions and the questions of their friends. 

• Pray that they may continue to stand firm in their Christian faith.