At a recent event we revealed that, from July 1, the college will be continuing its vital work of equipping students for ministry and mission under the new name ‘Brisbane School of Theology’.
Spontaneous applause greeted the unveiling of the new name: without exception the students, alumni and supporters present at the event were delighted by the change. “Brisbane School of Theology is a perfect fit for us,” one of our young female students said. “It so clearly shows who we are and what we do. I love it!”
College Principal Dr Johan Ferreira explained that this clarity was a vital part of the decision to embrace the new name: “‘Brisbane’ identifies our geographical and cultural location; ‘School’ explains the kind of institution we are; and, most importantly, ‘Theology’ communicates clearly what we are doing.” The college Board Chair, Ian Case, also reflected that the new name signifies “the high academic standards on offer” and is a great way to convey “both our traditions and our current identity here in Brisbane.”
The change process began last year, as we searched for a name that would unambiguously proclaim our identity as a gospel-centred, evangelical and inter-denominational Bible college. Yet Dr Ferreira makes it clear in his message on the website that the change of name does not mean a change in the college’s ethos, standards, or direction: “In line with the vision of our founders, the theology that the Brisbane School of Theology will embrace will continue to be biblical, gospel-centred and missional.”
We will continue to operate as Crossway College while a new website and various other promotional materials are prepared. However, the changeover process will not affect the day-to-day running of the college; we will continue to offer the same high-quality, practical courses in Bible and mission that have earned us such an excellent reputation over the last 70 years.
The heart of the name change was beautifully captured by Dr Peter Law, the head of the Rothwell campus, as he closed the event in prayer: “Lord, we ask that although it will no longer be our name, the cross would still be our way – that the theology of the cross, and the One who died for us upon it, would still be our focus.”
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