Brisbane School of Theology

FACULTY

ABOUT ⋅ FACULTY

Get to know your faculty

Every member of our BST faculty is united by a shared desire to help you be shaped by God’s word to serve His world.

Meet your lecturers

Rev Dr Richard Gibson

PRINCIPAL, HEAD OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, LECTURER IN NEW TESTAMENT

Dr Robert Edwards

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, HEAD OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

Rev Dr Andrew Prince

ACADEMIC DEAN, HEAD OF MINISTRY AND PRACTICE, LECTURER IN MINISTRY & MISSION

Dr Wally Wang

DIRECTOR OF CHINESE PROGRAM, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

Rev Dr Richard Gibson

PRINCIPAL, HEAD OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, LECTURER IN NEW TESTAMENT

"We want to develop eyes that see the universe God’s way; hearts that echo His love for the world; feet ready to spread the good news about Jesus."

RICHARD GIBSON

 After studying theology and serving as an Anglican minister in Sydney’s west, he spent 20 years as a Lecturer at Moore Theological College. With a Master’s on 1 Timothy and a doctorate on emotions in early Christian thought, Richard has published extensively on the New Testament, church history, and ministry. He took the role of Principal at BST in 2014. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Richard is devoted to his family, teaching the Bible, and mentoring students.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Diploma of Advanced Theology
  • Bachelor of Theology
  • Master of Theology
  • PhD
Scholarly Activities & Publications

 Author: Articles and Chapters in Books

“Prayer.” Pages 65–92 in Explorations 9: Responding to the Gospel. Edited by B. G. Webb. Adelaide: Openbook, 1995.

“The Literary Coherence of 1 Timothy.” Reformed Theological Review 55 (1996): 53-66.

“Paul and the Evangelization of the Stoics.” Pages 309-326 in The Gospel to the NationsPerspectives on Paul’s Mission. Essays in Honour of Peter Thomas O’Brien. Edited by P. G. Bolt and M. D. Thompson. Leicester: IVP, 2000.

“Clement on Gluttony.” Pages 67-83 in Still Deadly: Ancient Cures for the 7 Sins. Edited by A. J. Cameron and B. S. Rosner. South Sydney: Aquila Press, 2007.

“Name Above all Names: Preaching Exodus.” Pages 196-223 in Exploring Exodusliterary, theological and contemporary approaches. Edited by P. R. Williamson and B. S. Rosner. Apollos, 2008.

“Lactantius on Anger.” Pages 1-26 in Consolations of Theology. Edited by B. S. Rosner. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.

“Paul the Missionary in Priestly Service of the Servant-Christ (Rom 15:16).” Pages 51-62 in Paul as Missionary: Identity, Activity, Theology, and Practice. Edited by T. J. Burke and B. S. Rosner. London: T&T Clark, 2011.

“The Affections of Christ: Philippians 1:8.” Pages 21-33 in True Feelings: Perspectives on Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry. Edited by M. P. Jensen. Leicester: IVP, 2012.

“Whose Tears: The Emotional Life of Jesus.” Pages 113-140 in True Feelings: Perspectives on Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry. Edited by M. P. Jensen. Leicester: IVP, 2012.

“Reading Biblical Greek.” Co-authored with Constantine R Campbell. Zondervan, 2017.

Editor: Books

Explorations 10: Justification and Christian Assurance. Adelaide: Openbook, 1996.

Explorations 11: Interpreting God’s Plan: Biblical Theology and the Pastor. Adelaide: Openbook, 1998.

Explorations 12: Ripe For Harvest: Christian Mission in the New Testament and in our World. Carlisle; Adelaide: Paternoster; Openbook, 2000.

Extended Biography

Raised in a Christian family, it was at university that Richard realised the importance of Jesus and his gospel. After studying theology and being ordained as an Anglican minister, he pastored a congregation in Sydney’s west for four years. He then took up a position as Lecturer at Moore Theological College for 20 years.

Seeing the value of continued learning, he completed a Master’s degree on 1 Timothy and a doctorate on the emotions in early Christian thought. Subsequent published articles have addressed issues in the New Testament, church history and ministry. Richard’s love of effective preaching led him to serve on Sydney Diocese’s College of Preachers which he chaired for seven years.

Richard has more than 25 years’ experience teaching Greek, New Testament, church history and preaching, and several years ago published Reading Biblical Greek for first-year Greek students. His greatest passions are his family, teaching the Bible, and caring for students.

Richard and his wife Kim attend Centenary Evangelical Church. In his spare time, Richard enjoys playing golf or tennis.

Teaching Areas
  • New Testament
  • Christianity in History
  • Greek
  • Pastoral Care and Mental Health
  • Child Safety

Dr Robert Edwards

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, HEAD OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

"There are few things of more importance than reflecting deeply on who God is and how he stands in relation to us, and it is a privilege to be a part of that work here at BST."

ROBERT EDWARDS

After a number of years as a researcher in the USA and Germany, Robert joined BST in 2023 as lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies. He is married to Kerensa and they have three children. When they are not out visiting students’ churches, they attend Centenary Evangelical Church.

Credentials

Degrees

B.A. in Classical Studies, University of British Columbia

M.A. in Theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Ph.D. in Theology, University of Notre Dame (USA)

Fellowships

Research Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Doctoral Fellowship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Awards

Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise

Eusebius Essay Prize, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Scholarly Activities & Publications

Books

John Chrysostom: Consolation to Stagirius. Fathers of the Church. Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2024.

Providence and Narrative in the Theology of John Chrysostom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Articles and Book Chapters

“Travelling Festivals in Late Antiquity: How Christmas Came to the Greek East.” Journal of Ecclesiastical History 75, no. 3 (2024): 427–43.

“Canon Lists of Church Fathers in Early Christianity.” Religion & Theology 31, no. 1-2 (2024): 57–76.

“Grammar in the School of Diodore of Tarsus: An Institutional Context for the Transfer of Exegetical Knowledge.” Pages 257–81 in Constructing Knowledge in Late Antiquity, ed. M. Amsler. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2023.

“Jesus’ Descent from the Cross in Ancient and Medieval Reception.” Journal of the Bible and its Reception 10, no. 1 (2023): 43–66.

“Divine Incomprehensibility and Human Faith in John Chrysostom.” Vigiliae Christianae 76, no. 4 (2022): 434–62.

“Providence, Ethics, and Exempla: Reassessing the Stoicism of John Chrysostom’s Quod nemo laeditur nisi a se ipso.” Pages 217–43 in Greek and Byzantine Philosophical Exegesis, ed. J.B. Wallace, A. Despotis. Paderborn: Schöningh, 2022.

“The Gospel of John and Antiochene Christology: The Diverging Cases of Theodore of Mopsuestia and John Chrysostom.” Scottish Journal of Theology 74, no. 4 (2021): 333–45.

“Healing Despondency with Biblical Narrative in John Chrysostom’s Letters to Olympias. Journal of Early Christian Studies 28, no. 2 (2020): 203–31.

“Proverbs 8, Christological Controversies, and the Pre-existence of the Son and Torah in the Third and Fourth Centuries.” Journal for the Study of Judaism 51, no. 1 (2020): 67–96.

“The Theological Gospel of Peter?” New Testament Studies 65, no. 4 (2019): 496–510.

“The Disunity and Unity of the Psalter in the Fathers.” Journal of Theological Interpretation 10, no. 1 (2016): 51–70.

“Clement of Alexandria’s Gnostic Exposition of the Decalogue.” Journal of Early Christian Studies 23, no. 4 (2016): 301–28.

“Clement of Alexandria’s Anti-Valentinian Interpretation of Gen 1:26–27.” Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum 18, no. 3 (2015): 365–89.

Extended Biography

Robert was born and raised in the beautiful but rainy city of Vancouver, British Columbia, where he spent many hours reading indoors (much to the annoyance of his three brothers who wanted an extra playmate).

Since coming to faith as a young adult at an evangelical Anglican church, Robert has spent much of his time exploring the historic foundations of the Christian faith, leading eventually to the study of the doctrines and practices of the early church (from roughly the second to the fifth century AD). This led him to graduate studies at Wycliffe College (Toronto, Canada), doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA), and, most recently, a research fellowship at the University of Göttingen (Germany). In 2023, convinced by the great need for robust theological education in our post-Christian age, Robert made the transition to teaching in the area of Christian Thought and History at BST.

Along the way, he and his wife, Kerensa (a Sydneysider), have had three children, one in Canada, one in the USA, and one in Australia).

In addition to his love of teaching, Robert is also dedicated to his craft as a researcher and writer. He has published extensively in top academic journals and presses, and has been awarded the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and the Eusebius Essay Prize (Journal of Ecclesiastical History) for his research.

Teaching Areas

Christian Thought

At BST we teach a range of units devoted to Christian doctrine—what Christians have had to say through the ages about God and everything in relation to God. Robert teaches several of these, on who God is and how we come to know him; on creation, the fall of humankind, and the person of Christ; and on how God works to save humankind.

Church History

Christians belong to a church that has two thousand years of history behind it: the successes and failures of Christians in the past—even Christians who are very different than us—are therefore also ours. At BST,  Robert teaches Church history as an opportunity to learn from our elders about who we are as a church and how God works in our midst.

Research Methods and Postgraduate Studies

Part of Robert’s role is to train students in our postgraduate programmes (MTS, MTh, PhD), as well as any students undertaking projects, in the skills required to undertake research, both through a dedicated unit in ‘research methods’ and through one-on-one advising.

Rev Dr Andrew Prince

ACADEMIC DEAN, HEAD OF MINISTRY AND PRACTICE, LECTURER IN MINISTRY & MISSION

"It is a joy to play a part in the training and shaping of the lives of our students as they increasingly become more like Jesus through their time at BST."

ANDREW PRINCE

After six years of serving as pastor of two Baptist churches in Brisbane, Andrew joined BST in 2009 as lecturer and Head of Department of Ministry and Mission. He is married to Susan and they have three children. As a family they actively serve at City North Baptist Church. 

Credentials
  • Cert IV in TESOL, Intercultural Training Australia
  • Diploma of Ministry, Moore Theological College
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Sydney University
  • Bachelor of Theology, Moore Theological College
  • M.A. in Ministry, Malyon College
  • PhD in Missiology, Australian Catholic University
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Books

Prince, Andrew J. How Christians Grow: Spiritual Transformation for Life. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2022.

Prince, Andrew J. Contextualization of the Gospel: Towards an Evangelical Approach in the Light of Scripture and the church Fathers. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2017.

 

Articles

Prince, Andrew. “Book Review: Contextualizing the Faith: A Holistic Approach.” Themelios 44.2 (2019): 421-22.

Prince, Andrew. “Preaching to the Unseen: A Case Study.” Crucible 10.1 (2019).

Prince, Andrew. “Book Review: Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice.” Themelios 42.1 (2017): 245-46.

Extended Biography

Andrew grew up in Sydney, and became a Christian at a young age. He originally training as a veterinarian at Sydney University, and was actively involved in the ministry of the Evangelical Union—where he was trained, discipled, and challenged about committing his life to serving in full-time ministry. While working in rural and urban practices in NSW and QLD, Andrew was actively involved in a number of churches, which further fuelled his desire to serve in vocational ministry. It was during this time he married his wife Susan.

In 2000 Andrew studied theology at Moore Theological College in Sydney. In 2003 he returned to Brisbane and pastored two Baptist churches before joining the faculty at BST in 2009. Andrew’s doctorate is on the subject of contextual communication of the gospel across cultures and was subsequently published as Contextualization of the Gospel: Towards an Evangelical Approach in the Light of Scripture and the Church Fathers (2017). Andrew’s research interests include missiology, Asian Christianity, contextualisation, homiletics, spiritual formation, and pastoral health and practice.

Andrew teaches subjects in the areas of missiology and practical theology. Andrew is also BST’s Academic Dean—which gives him further engagement with students. Andrew and Susan have three sons—Nathan, Matthew and Joshua, and are actively serving at City North Baptist Church.

Teaching Areas

Ministry

Ministry units at BST seek to apply what has been learned in Biblical and Christian Thought to different ministry contexts. Andrew teaches two of the units in this area. One is an introduction to preparing and delivering a biblically faithful talk from the Bible while the other is on how to grow as a Christian and the ways God forms and shapes us during our Christian lives through his Spirit.

 

Mission

With the large amount of migration around the world (both voluntary and involuntary), and the changing face of world mission and world missionaries compared to previous eras, the study and practice of mission remains dynamic. At BST we teach a range of mission subjects that engage with the cross-cultural world both overseas and within multicultural Australia. Andrew teaches a number of these subjects including an introduction to cross-cultural mission, engaging with some of the major world religions, doing mission in a culturally diverse context, and evangelism.  

Dr Wally Wang

DIRECTOR OF CHINESE PROGRAM, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

From the first article of the Barmen Declaration: “Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.” To speak after the Word of God is an unthinkable honour bestowed by the merciful Lord, and to see His grace flourishing in the community brings unspeakable joy to my heart.

WALLY WANG

Wally joined BST in 2013 as a lecturer in Christian Thought and became the Director of the Chinese program in 2016. He is married to Ling and they have one married son and two grandchildren.

Credentials
  • B.Sc. in Mathematics, Florida State University
  • M.Sc. in Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
  • M.Div. China Graduate School of Theology
  • M.Th. China Graduate School of Theology
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Book Chapters

“Church Ministry in Light of Munus Triplex Christi.” In the upcoming book Chinese Church in Context: Voices from Downunder.

 “A Chinese Perspective on Theological Education.” Pages 148-159 in Theological Education: Foundations, Practices, and Future Directions, ed. A. M. Bain, I. Hussey, Eugens: WIPF & Stock, 2018.

Extended Biography

Wally was born and raised in Hong Kong. He came to faith during a summer camp before year seven. After graduating from senior high, he went to study in the United States.

After obtaining a PhD in Theoretical Physics, he was convinced that God had called him into full-time ministry. However, before entering theological seminary, he worked as a research associate at Argonne National Laboratory in the US and at UNSW in Australia.

After graduating from CGST, he served in a para-church organisation in Hong Kong and then as a pastor in a Chinese Church in NSW. Later he went back to further his study in theology. In God’s grace and provision, he became a faculty member at BST.

Teaching Areas
  • Units in Theology
  • Christian Thought, Christian Ethics, Church History
  • Units in Practical Theology
  • Preaching, Field Education
  • Units in Bible and Language
  • New Testament Foundation, Greek

Academic Dean, Head of Ministry & Practice, Lecturer in Ministry & Mission

"It is a joy to play a part in the training and shaping of the lives of our students as they increasingly become more like Jesus through their time at BST."

ANDREW PRINCE

After six years of serving as pastor of two Baptist churches in Brisbane, Andrew joined BST in 2009 as lecturer and Head of Department of Ministry and Mission. He is married to Susan and they have three children. As a family they actively serve at City North Baptist Church. 

Credentials
  • Cert IV in TESOL, Intercultural Training Australia
  • Diploma of Ministry, Moore Theological College
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Sydney University
  • Bachelor of Theology, Moore Theological College
  • M.A. in Ministry, Malyon College
  • PhD in Missiology, Australian Catholic University
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Books

Prince, Andrew J. How Christians Grow: Spiritual Transformation for Life. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2022.

Prince, Andrew J. Contextualization of the Gospel: Towards an Evangelical Approach in the Light of Scripture and the church Fathers. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2017.

 

Articles

Prince, Andrew. “Book Review: Contextualizing the Faith: A Holistic Approach.” Themelios 44.2 (2019): 421-22.

Prince, Andrew. “Preaching to the Unseen: A Case Study.” Crucible 10.1 (2019).

Prince, Andrew. “Book Review: Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice.” Themelios 42.1 (2017): 245-46.

Extended Biography

Andrew grew up in Sydney, and became a Christian at a young age. He originally training as a veterinarian at Sydney University, and was actively involved in the ministry of the Evangelical Union—where he was trained, discipled, and challenged about committing his life to serving in full-time ministry. While working in rural and urban practices in NSW and QLD, Andrew was actively involved in a number of churches, which further fuelled his desire to serve in vocational ministry. It was during this time he married his wife Susan.

In 2000 Andrew studied theology at Moore Theological College in Sydney. In 2003 he returned to Brisbane and pastored two Baptist churches before joining the faculty at BST in 2009. Andrew’s doctorate is on the subject of contextual communication of the gospel across cultures and was subsequently published as Contextualization of the Gospel: Towards an Evangelical Approach in the Light of Scripture and the Church Fathers (2017). Andrew’s research interests include missiology, Asian Christianity, contextualisation, homiletics, spiritual formation, and pastoral health and practice.

Andrew teaches subjects in the areas of missiology and practical theology. Andrew is also BST’s Academic Dean—which gives him further engagement with students. Andrew and Susan have three sons—Nathan, Matthew and Joshua, and are actively serving at City North Baptist Church.

Teaching Areas

Ministry

Ministry units at BST seek to apply what has been learned in Biblical and Christian Thought to different ministry contexts. Andrew teaches two of the units in this area. One is an introduction to preparing and delivering a biblically faithful talk from the Bible while the other is on how to grow as a Christian and the ways God forms and shapes us during our Christian lives through his Spirit.

 

Mission

With the large amount of migration around the world (both voluntary and involuntary), and the changing face of world mission and world missionaries compared to previous eras, the study and practice of mission remains dynamic. At BST we teach a range of mission subjects that engage with the cross-cultural world both overseas and within multicultural Australia. Andrew teaches a number of these subjects including an introduction to cross-cultural mission, engaging with some of the major world religions, doing mission in a culturally diverse context, and evangelism.  

Director of Chinese Program, Lecturer in Christian Thought

From the first article of the Barmen Declaration: “Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.” To speak after the Word of God is an unthinkable honour bestowed by the merciful Lord, and to see His grace flourishing in the community brings unspeakable joy to my heart.

WALLY WANG

Wally joined BST in 2013 as a lecturer in Christian Thought and became the Director of the Chinese program in 2016. He is married to Ling and they have one married son and two grandchildren.

Credentials
  • B.Sc. in Mathematics, Florida State University
  • M.Sc. in Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
  • M.Div. China Graduate School of Theology
  • M.Th. China Graduate School of Theology
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Book Chapters

“Church Ministry in Light of Munus Triplex Christi.” In the upcoming book Chinese Church in Context: Voices from Downunder.

 “A Chinese Perspective on Theological Education.” Pages 148-159 in Theological Education: Foundations, Practices, and Future Directions, ed. A. M. Bain, I. Hussey, Eugens: WIPF & Stock, 2018.

Extended Biography

Wally was born and raised in Hong Kong. He came to faith during a summer camp before year seven. After graduating from senior high, he went to study in the United States.

After obtaining a PhD in Theoretical Physics, he was convinced that God had called him into full-time ministry. However, before entering theological seminary, he worked as a research associate at Argonne National Laboratory in the US and at UNSW in Australia.

After graduating from CGST, he served in a para-church organisation in Hong Kong and then as a pastor in a Chinese Church in NSW. Later he went back to further his study in theology. In God’s grace and provision, he became a faculty member at BST.

Teaching Areas
  • Units in Theology
  • Christian Thought, Christian Ethics, Church History
  • Units in Practical Theology
  • Preaching, Field Education
  • Units in Bible and Language
  • New Testament Foundation, Greek

Director of Postgraduate Studies, Head of Christian Thought, Lecturer in Christian Thought

"There are few things of more importance than reflecting deeply on who God is and how he stands in relation to us, and it is a privilege to be a part of that work here at BST."

ROBERT EDWARDS

After a number of years as a researcher in the USA and Germany, Robert joined BST in 2023 as lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies. He is married to Kerensa and they have three children. When they are not out visiting students’ churches, they attend Centenary Evangelical Church.

Credentials

Degrees

B.A. in Classical Studies, University of British Columbia

M.A. in Theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Ph.D. in Theology, University of Notre Dame (USA)

Fellowships

Research Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Doctoral Fellowship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Awards

Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise

Eusebius Essay Prize, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Scholarly Activities & Publications

Books

John Chrysostom: Consolation to Stagirius. Fathers of the Church. Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2024.

Providence and Narrative in the Theology of John Chrysostom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Articles and Book Chapters

“Travelling Festivals in Late Antiquity: How Christmas Came to the Greek East.” Journal of Ecclesiastical History 75, no. 3 (2024): 427–43.

“Canon Lists of Church Fathers in Early Christianity.” Religion & Theology 31, no. 1-2 (2024): 57–76.

“Grammar in the School of Diodore of Tarsus: An Institutional Context for the Transfer of Exegetical Knowledge.” Pages 257–81 in Constructing Knowledge in Late Antiquity, ed. M. Amsler. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2023.

“Jesus’ Descent from the Cross in Ancient and Medieval Reception.” Journal of the Bible and its Reception 10, no. 1 (2023): 43–66.

“Divine Incomprehensibility and Human Faith in John Chrysostom.” Vigiliae Christianae 76, no. 4 (2022): 434–62.

“Providence, Ethics, and Exempla: Reassessing the Stoicism of John Chrysostom’s Quod nemo laeditur nisi a se ipso.” Pages 217–43 in Greek and Byzantine Philosophical Exegesis, ed. J.B. Wallace, A. Despotis. Paderborn: Schöningh, 2022.

“The Gospel of John and Antiochene Christology: The Diverging Cases of Theodore of Mopsuestia and John Chrysostom.” Scottish Journal of Theology 74, no. 4 (2021): 333–45.

“Healing Despondency with Biblical Narrative in John Chrysostom’s Letters to Olympias. Journal of Early Christian Studies 28, no. 2 (2020): 203–31.

“Proverbs 8, Christological Controversies, and the Pre-existence of the Son and Torah in the Third and Fourth Centuries.” Journal for the Study of Judaism 51, no. 1 (2020): 67–96.

“The Theological Gospel of Peter?” New Testament Studies 65, no. 4 (2019): 496–510.

“The Disunity and Unity of the Psalter in the Fathers.” Journal of Theological Interpretation 10, no. 1 (2016): 51–70.

“Clement of Alexandria’s Gnostic Exposition of the Decalogue.” Journal of Early Christian Studies 23, no. 4 (2016): 301–28.

“Clement of Alexandria’s Anti-Valentinian Interpretation of Gen 1:26–27.” Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum 18, no. 3 (2015): 365–89.

Extended Biography

Robert was born and raised in the beautiful but rainy city of Vancouver, British Columbia, where he spent many hours reading indoors (much to the annoyance of his three brothers who wanted an extra playmate).

Since coming to faith as a young adult at an evangelical Anglican church, Robert has spent much of his time exploring the historic foundations of the Christian faith, leading eventually to the study of the doctrines and practices of the early church (from roughly the second to the fifth century AD). This led him to graduate studies at Wycliffe College (Toronto, Canada), doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA), and, most recently, a research fellowship at the University of Göttingen (Germany). In 2023, convinced by the great need for robust theological education in our post-Christian age, Robert made the transition to teaching in the area of Christian Thought and History at BST.

Along the way, he and his wife, Kerensa (a Sydneysider), have had three children, one in Canada, one in the USA, and one in Australia).

In addition to his love of teaching, Robert is also dedicated to his craft as a researcher and writer. He has published extensively in top academic journals and presses, and has been awarded the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and the Eusebius Essay Prize (Journal of Ecclesiastical History) for his research.

Teaching Areas

Christian Thought

At BST we teach a range of units devoted to Christian doctrine—what Christians have had to say through the ages about God and everything in relation to God. Robert teaches several of these, on who God is and how we come to know him; on creation, the fall of humankind, and the person of Christ; and on how God works to save humankind.

Church History

Christians belong to a church that has two thousand years of history behind it: the successes and failures of Christians in the past—even Christians who are very different than us—are therefore also ours. At BST,  Robert teaches Church history as an opportunity to learn from our elders about who we are as a church and how God works in our midst.

Research Methods and Postgraduate Studies

Part of Robert’s role is to train students in our postgraduate programmes (MTS, MTh, PhD), as well as any students undertaking projects, in the skills required to undertake research, both through a dedicated unit in ‘research methods’ and through one-on-one advising.

Principal, Head of Biblical Studies, New Testament Lecturer

"We want to develop eyes that see the universe God’s way; hearts that echo His love for the world; feet ready to spread the good news about Jesus."

RICHARD GIBSON

 After studying theology and serving as an Anglican minister in Sydney’s west, he spent 20 years as a Lecturer at Moore Theological College. With a Master’s on 1 Timothy and a doctorate on emotions in early Christian thought, Richard has published extensively on the New Testament, church history, and ministry. He took the role of Principal at BST in 2014. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Richard is devoted to his family, teaching the Bible, and mentoring students.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Diploma of Advanced Theology
  • Bachelor of Theology
  • Master of Theology
  • PhD
Scholarly Activities & Publications

 Author: Articles and Chapters in Books

“Prayer.” Pages 65–92 in Explorations 9: Responding to the Gospel. Edited by B. G. Webb. Adelaide: Openbook, 1995.

“The Literary Coherence of 1 Timothy.” Reformed Theological Review 55 (1996): 53-66.

“Paul and the Evangelization of the Stoics.” Pages 309-326 in The Gospel to the NationsPerspectives on Paul’s Mission. Essays in Honour of Peter Thomas O’Brien. Edited by P. G. Bolt and M. D. Thompson. Leicester: IVP, 2000.

“Clement on Gluttony.” Pages 67-83 in Still Deadly: Ancient Cures for the 7 Sins. Edited by A. J. Cameron and B. S. Rosner. South Sydney: Aquila Press, 2007.

“Name Above all Names: Preaching Exodus.” Pages 196-223 in Exploring Exodusliterary, theological and contemporary approaches. Edited by P. R. Williamson and B. S. Rosner. Apollos, 2008.

“Lactantius on Anger.” Pages 1-26 in Consolations of Theology. Edited by B. S. Rosner. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.

“Paul the Missionary in Priestly Service of the Servant-Christ (Rom 15:16).” Pages 51-62 in Paul as Missionary: Identity, Activity, Theology, and Practice. Edited by T. J. Burke and B. S. Rosner. London: T&T Clark, 2011.

“The Affections of Christ: Philippians 1:8.” Pages 21-33 in True Feelings: Perspectives on Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry. Edited by M. P. Jensen. Leicester: IVP, 2012.

“Whose Tears: The Emotional Life of Jesus.” Pages 113-140 in True Feelings: Perspectives on Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry. Edited by M. P. Jensen. Leicester: IVP, 2012.

“Reading Biblical Greek.” Co-authored with Constantine R Campbell. Zondervan, 2017.

Editor: Books

Explorations 10: Justification and Christian Assurance. Adelaide: Openbook, 1996.

Explorations 11: Interpreting God’s Plan: Biblical Theology and the Pastor. Adelaide: Openbook, 1998.

Explorations 12: Ripe For Harvest: Christian Mission in the New Testament and in our World. Carlisle; Adelaide: Paternoster; Openbook, 2000.

Extended Biography

Raised in a Christian family, it was at university that Richard realised the importance of Jesus and his gospel. After studying theology and being ordained as an Anglican minister, he pastored a congregation in Sydney’s west for four years. He then took up a position as Lecturer at Moore Theological College for 20 years.

Seeing the value of continued learning, he completed a Master’s degree on 1 Timothy and a doctorate on the emotions in early Christian thought. Subsequent published articles have addressed issues in the New Testament, church history and ministry. Richard’s love of effective preaching led him to serve on Sydney Diocese’s College of Preachers which he chaired for seven years.

Richard has more than 25 years’ experience teaching Greek, New Testament, church history and preaching, and several years ago published Reading Biblical Greek for first-year Greek students. His greatest passions are his family, teaching the Bible, and caring for students.

Richard and his wife Kim attend Centenary Evangelical Church. In his spare time, Richard enjoys playing golf or tennis.

Teaching Areas
  • New Testament
  • Christianity in History
  • Greek
  • Pastoral Care and Mental Health
  • Child Safety

Mr John Coulson

LECTURER IN BIBLE

Karen Lynch

LECTURER IN GREEK & PASTORAL CARE, STUDENT ADVISOR

Dr Jason Bryan-Brown

LECTURER IN BIBLE

Rhonda Oliver

LECTURER IN FIELD EDUCATION, STUDENT ADVISOR

Mr John Coulson

LECTURER IN BIBLE

"I love what God is doing at BST: bringing his people together to study his Word deeply, to be shaped and equipped to serve him in this generation."

JOHN COULSON

John joined the BST faculty in 2004, and taught Old and New Testament subjects for 20 years, retiring from the faculty in December 2024. Along the way he served as Deputy Principal and Academic Dean. He is now a visiting lecturer. He is married to Rowena; they have four married children and four grandchildren. They have been long-term members of Hillsong Church (formerly, Garden City Christian Church) at Mount Gravatt.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours, Griffith University
  • Diploma of Ministry, Garden City School of Ministries
  • Bachelor of Theology with Honours, Australian College of Theology
  • Master of Theology, Australian College of Theology (thesis: “‘The Spirit of Sonship’: The Sonship of Christ and of God’s People in Paul’s Pneumatology”)
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Book

The Righteous Judgment of God: Aspects of Judgment in Paul’s Letters. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2016.

Article

Jesus and the Spirit in Paul’s Theology: The Earthly Jesus.The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 79, no. 1 (January 2017): 77–96. 

Extended Biography

John was raised in Brisbane and came to know the Lord Jesus in his final year of studies at Griffith University. He worked for the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 15 years, mainly as an applications programmer. Through these years he was active in local church ministry and leadership. In 1994 he began an extended period of theological studies in preparation for vocational ministry. During this time he was on the faculty of Garden City School of Ministries for five years. After completing his Master of Theology at BST, he was invited onto the BST faculty in 2004. John retired from the faculty at the end of 2024, after teaching biblical subjects and being integrally involved in the life and leadership of the college for 20 years.

John and Rowena were married in 1987 and have made their home on the southside of Brisbane. Their married children (and grandchildren) live in Brisbane and Sydney. Rowena has a background in general nursing and midwifery, and is working part-time in aged care. In retirement John will continue to teach the Bible, preach in churches, and spend time in writing. Their plan is more time with family and friends, be more active in their local church, do regular camping trips, and spend more time in the garden. “We’ll see.”

Teaching Areas

Biblical Studies

At BST we teach a range of Old Testament and New Testament units: introductory units, covering the whole OT and NT; and exegetical units, studying individual books in more depth. We teach the main biblical languages: OT Hebrew and NT Greek. We conduct study tours of biblical lands: Israel; Greece and Turkey.

John has taught the following units:

  • Old Testament: introductory units, Psalms, Isaiah 40-55, Biblical Hebrew
  • New Testament: introductory units, Luke’s Gospel, Pauline Theology and Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, NT Greek
  • Israel study tour

Karen Lynch

LECTURER IN GREEK & PASTORAL CARE, STUDENT ADVISOR

"It’s a privilege to be in a space where God’s word comes first, where we expect it to work and shape our lives. It’s a deep joy to watch students know and love God more, become more and more like Christ and live that out as the body of Christ to the world."

KAREN LYNCH

Karen came to BST as a student in 2015 expecting to complete a graduate diploma. She ended up completing a Masters of Divinity and in the process became convinced of the need to be better equipped to walk alongside those who were suffering. Karen teaches New Testament Greek and coordinates and lectures in the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health. She is married to fellow graduate, Jared. They delight in two little ones and are members of Oasis Church.

Credentials & Teaching Areas
  • B Speech Pathology (First class honours) – University of Queensland
  • Masters of Divinity (Brisbane School of Theology)
  • Current PhD candidate – Australian College of Theology

Teaching Areas

New Testament Greek – Greek A and Greek B

The text of the New Testament was originally preserved in Koine Greek. Karen supports students as they take on the challenges of navigating learning this language over two semesters. These units prepare students to take on exegetical subjects that prepare them for faithfully understanding, teaching, preaching and sharing the riches of God’s word with others. In Luther’s words,  ‘Let us then, foster the learning of languages as zealously as we love the Gospel… And let us be sure of this: we shall not long preserve the Gospel without languages. Languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained.’

The Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health

The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care for Mental Health is aimed at equipping Christians to respond in a God-Centred way to those who are living with mental health struggles and those who are suffering.

This course equips students with both the theological grounding and the practical skills for engaging in effective pastoral care across professional, ministry, mission and personal settings.

In providing this course, we are partnering with an organisation called Living Wholeness. Living Wholeness have been providing support and training for the wider church across Australia and Asia. The approach is aimed at equipping the whole church to understand how each member of Christ’s body contributes to God’s healing work for those experiencing mental health struggles and those who are suffering. This incorporates our greater concern of God’s mission, by offering a framework that is cross-cultural, whole church focussed and, above all, gospel centred.

Extended Biography

Karen grew up on the Sunshine Coast. Her parents brought her up in the faith in the Lutheran church and she recalls praying and reading the bible from a young age. As a young woman she wrestled with aspects of the faith and drifted. The journey of the prodigal son became a lived reality. It was whilst reading the gospel of Matthew some years later that she realised who loved her most, how far she had wandered, how lost she was—and she came home. Prayers of many family and friends were answered.

Karen worked as a speech pathologist with children with physical disabilities and their families for 10 years both in Brisbane and in the UK (in various locations in Kent). She spent nearly 12 months in a small, remote village in Tanzania, teaching English at a Primary school with no piped water or electricity.

She first came to BST as a student in 2015 expecting to finish a graduate diploma within the year and move onto other studies. Through her studies she became convinced of her desperate need to grow in her knowledge of God’s word and ended up completing the Masters of Divinity. In this time she became more convinced of God’s great work in the world. As she studied she noticed an incongruence between her ability to know things and her ability to live what she had learnt in the face of both her own suffering and the suffering of others. It was during this season she learnt the Christian Wholeness Framework which helped her to integrate her understanding of the faith with practical tools to love and support others walking through dark times.

She was invited to join the faculty team in 2019. She delights in coaching students through the Greek program at BST, watching students grow both in capacity and confidence as they interact with God’s word. She also coordinates the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Health and sees the great urgency for believers to grow in their capacity to live out their faith for the sake of those who are suffering. She has been greatly blessed, challenged and grown by being a resident at BST both as a student and a lecturer.

Karen is currently completing her PhD through the Australian College of Theology. Her work stands between pastoral care studies and biblical studies and explores how stories told and heard impact us in spaces of suffering. Her studies so far have ever increased her confidence of the greatness of God’s word.

Dr Jason Bryan-Brown

LECTURER IN BIBLE

"The classroom is not just a place of learning. It is one of the many places at BST where God forms His people to serve Him and His world. It is a tremendous privilege to witness God’s formation of his people for service."

JASON BRYAN-BROWN

After completing his PhD, Jason joined the BST faculty in 2023. He is married to Courtney, and together they have three children. Jason and his family fellowship at Rosalie Baptist Church.

Credentials
  • BMin/BTh (Hons.) – BST
  • PhD – Australian Catholic University
Scholarly Activities & Publications

(Currently) Unpublished Dissertation – Reading the Catholic Epistles as a Collection (2023)

Conference Papers

The Hermeneutics of Reading the Catholic Epistles as a Collection – Society of Biblical Literature 2023 Annual Meeting

Extended Biography

Born and bred here in Brisbane, Jason grew up on the southside of the Brown Snake. After becoming a Christian towards the end of high school, Jason came straight to BST with a desire to prepare himself for ministry. Jason completed a double-degree with Honours (BMin/BTh (Hons.)), before heading up to the Sunshine Coast to pastor a church.

Having already taken up the role of Tutor here at BST, Jason wrapped up his pastoral responsibilities, and moved back to Brisbane in 2019 to begin his doctoral studies. During his studies, Jason continued to Tutor for us, as well as dabbling in some sessional lecturing. Upon completing his PhD, Jason took up a full-time teaching position here, as Lecturer in Bible.

Jason has long been fascinated by the “fringes” of the New Testament—the Catholic Epistles (James-Jude) and Revelation, have been the primary focus of his research.

Jason is married to Courtney, who is herself an alumnus of BST. They met at BST, and now have three children together.

Teaching Areas

New Testament Survey

 One of the most valuable elements of the academic program for any Bible College student is the biblical survey—a systematic book-by-book exploration of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. At BST, Jason teaches the New Testament portion of BST’s biblical survey. Broken into two parts (NT001: Jesus & the Gospels, NT002: Acts and the Epistles), these units are designed to orient students to the history, interpretation and scholarship of the New Testament as a whole.

Biblical Exegesis (NT & OT)

Students who have completed their biblical survey (see above) can continue to study with Jason in our exegetical units; these units are more significant examinations of the historical context, interpretive history, themes and contemporary scholarship of an individual book or a smaller portion of the Bible. Jason teaches both NT and OT exegetical units, which can be taken in the original languages as well (both Greek and Hebrew). Jason teaches exegetical units on: Luke’s Gospel, the Pentateuch and 1-2 Peter.

Biblical Languages

Before students can take an exegetical unit in the original languages, they need to learn the original languages. BST offers classes in both Greek and Hebrew, designed to take a student from having no knowledge at all, to being proficient enough to undertake an exegetical unit in that language the following year. Jason teaches the two Hebrew language units, that prepare students for OT exegetical units in the original languages.

Rhonda Oliver

LECTURER IN FIELD EDUCATION, STUDENT ADVISOR

“Bible College is treasured time. God is always at work in our lives but, when you are immersed in the study of His Word, God just ministers to you.”

RHONDA OLIVER

A teacher of Christian Education at Somerville House, Rhonda joined BST in 2022. Rhonda brings with her, a breadth of workplace and church ministry experience. She currently attends Village Church at Spring Hill.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Human Movement Studies Education, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Educational Studies, The University of Queensland
  • Master of Educational Studies, The University of Queensland
  • Master of Divinity, Queensland Theological College
Extended Biography

Rhonda brings the local knowledge of someone born and raised in beautiful Brisbane. She has a passion for sport; playing, coaching and spectating. Her particular loves are hockey and touch. Rhonda spent four years in Calgary, Canada working in the Field Hockey coaching groups at University, Provincial and National levels. Her less competitive passion is bushwalking.

Most of her working life has been as a teacher and Head of Department. For the last 11 years she has been working part-time, teaching Christian Education at Somerville House, whilst completing the Master of Divinity program. Rhonda undertook some units at BST where she encountered our exceptional teaching and experienced a real warmth of fellowship and care. The opportunity rose after graduation to apply for the position of Women’s student adviser and subsequently she became our Director of Field Education. Her goal in these roles is fairly simple. “I just want to be helpful”.

Deputy Principal, Lecturer in Bible

"I love what God is doing at BST: bringing his people together to study his Word deeply, to be shaped and equipped to serve him in this generation."

JOHN COULSON

John joined the BST faculty in 2004, and taught Old and New Testament subjects for 20 years, retiring from the faculty in December 2024. Along the way he served as Deputy Principal and Academic Dean. He is now a visiting lecturer. He is married to Rowena; they have four married children and four grandchildren. They have been long-term members of Hillsong Church (formerly, Garden City Christian Church) at Mount Gravatt.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours, Griffith University
  • Diploma of Ministry, Garden City School of Ministries
  • Bachelor of Theology with Honours, Australian College of Theology
  • Master of Theology, Australian College of Theology (thesis: “‘The Spirit of Sonship’: The Sonship of Christ and of God’s People in Paul’s Pneumatology”)
Scholarly Activities & Publications

Book

The Righteous Judgment of God: Aspects of Judgment in Paul’s Letters. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2016.

Article

Jesus and the Spirit in Paul’s Theology: The Earthly Jesus.The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 79, no. 1 (January 2017): 77–96. 

Extended Biography

John was raised in Brisbane and came to know the Lord Jesus in his final year of studies at Griffith University. He worked for the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 15 years, mainly as an applications programmer. Through these years he was active in local church ministry and leadership. In 1994 he began an extended period of theological studies in preparation for vocational ministry. During this time he was on the faculty of Garden City School of Ministries for five years. After completing his Master of Theology at BST, he was invited onto the BST faculty in 2004. John retired from the faculty at the end of 2024, after teaching biblical subjects and being integrally involved in the life and leadership of the college for 20 years.

John and Rowena were married in 1987 and have made their home on the southside of Brisbane. Their married children (and grandchildren) live in Brisbane and Sydney. Rowena has a background in general nursing and midwifery, and is working part-time in aged care. In retirement John will continue to teach the Bible, preach in churches, and spend time in writing. Their plan is more time with family and friends, be more active in their local church, do regular camping trips, and spend more time in the garden. “We’ll see.”

Teaching Areas

Biblical Studies

At BST we teach a range of Old Testament and New Testament units: introductory units, covering the whole OT and NT; and exegetical units, studying individual books in more depth. We teach the main biblical languages: OT Hebrew and NT Greek. We conduct study tours of biblical lands: Israel; Greece and Turkey.

John has taught the following units:

  • Old Testament: introductory units, Psalms, Isaiah 40-55, Biblical Hebrew
  • New Testament: introductory units, Luke’s Gospel, Pauline Theology and Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, NT Greek
  • Israel study tour

Student Advisor & Director of Field Education

“Bible College is treasured time. God is always at work in our lives but, when you are immersed in the study of His Word, God just ministers to you.”

RHONDA OLIVER

A teacher of Christian Education at Somerville House, Rhonda joined BST in 2022. Rhonda brings with her, a breadth of workplace and church ministry experience. She currently attends Village Church at Spring Hill.

Credentials
  • Bachelor of Human Movement Studies Education, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Educational Studies, The University of Queensland
  • Master of Educational Studies, The University of Queensland
  • Master of Divinity, Queensland Theological College
Extended Biography

Rhonda brings the local knowledge of someone born and raised in beautiful Brisbane. She has a passion for sport; playing, coaching and spectating. Her particular loves are hockey and touch. Rhonda spent four years in Calgary, Canada working in the Field Hockey coaching groups at University, Provincial and National levels. Her less competitive passion is bushwalking.

Most of her working life has been as a teacher and Head of Department. For the last 11 years she has been working part-time, teaching Christian Education at Somerville House, whilst completing the Master of Divinity program. Rhonda undertook some units at BST where she encountered our exceptional teaching and experienced a real warmth of fellowship and care. The opportunity rose after graduation to apply for the position of Women’s student adviser and subsequently she became our Director of Field Education. Her goal in these roles is fairly simple. “I just want to be helpful”.

Lecturer in Bible

"The classroom is not just a place of learning. It is one of the many places at BST where God forms His people to serve Him and His world. It is a tremendous privilege to witness God’s formation of his people for service."

JASON BRYAN-BROWN

After completing his PhD, Jason joined the BST faculty in 2023. He is married to Courtney, and together they have three children. Jason and his family fellowship at Rosalie Baptist Church.

Credentials
  • BMin/BTh (Hons.) – BST
  • PhD – Australian Catholic University
Scholarly Activities & Publications

(Currently) Unpublished Dissertation – Reading the Catholic Epistles as a Collection (2023)

Conference Papers

The Hermeneutics of Reading the Catholic Epistles as a Collection – Society of Biblical Literature 2023 Annual Meeting

Extended Biography

Born and bred here in Brisbane, Jason grew up on the southside of the Brown Snake. After becoming a Christian towards the end of high school, Jason came straight to BST with a desire to prepare himself for ministry. Jason completed a double-degree with Honours (BMin/BTh (Hons.)), before heading up to the Sunshine Coast to pastor a church.

Having already taken up the role of Tutor here at BST, Jason wrapped up his pastoral responsibilities, and moved back to Brisbane in 2019 to begin his doctoral studies. During his studies, Jason continued to Tutor for us, as well as dabbling in some sessional lecturing. Upon completing his PhD, Jason took up a full-time teaching position here, as Lecturer in Bible.

Jason has long been fascinated by the “fringes” of the New Testament—the Catholic Epistles (James-Jude) and Revelation, have been the primary focus of his research.

Jason is married to Courtney, who is herself an alumnus of BST. They met at BST, and now have three children together.

Teaching Areas

New Testament Survey

 One of the most valuable elements of the academic program for any Bible College student is the biblical survey—a systematic book-by-book exploration of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. At BST, Jason teaches the New Testament portion of BST’s biblical survey. Broken into two parts (NT001: Jesus & the Gospels, NT002: Acts and the Epistles), these units are designed to orient students to the history, interpretation and scholarship of the New Testament as a whole.

Biblical Exegesis (NT & OT)

Students who have completed their biblical survey (see above) can continue to study with Jason in our exegetical units; these units are more significant examinations of the historical context, interpretive history, themes and contemporary scholarship of an individual book or a smaller portion of the Bible. Jason teaches both NT and OT exegetical units, which can be taken in the original languages as well (both Greek and Hebrew). Jason teaches exegetical units on: Luke’s Gospel, the Pentateuch and 1-2 Peter.

Biblical Languages

Before students can take an exegetical unit in the original languages, they need to learn the original languages. BST offers classes in both Greek and Hebrew, designed to take a student from having no knowledge at all, to being proficient enough to undertake an exegetical unit in that language the following year. Jason teaches the two Hebrew language units, that prepare students for OT exegetical units in the original languages.

Lecturer & Student Advisor

"It’s a privilege to be in a space where God’s word comes first, where we expect it to work and shape our lives. It’s a deep joy to watch students know and love God more, become more and more like Christ and live that out as the body of Christ to the world."

KAREN LYNCH

Karen came to BST as a student in 2015 expecting to complete a graduate diploma. She ended up completing a Masters of Divinity and in the process became convinced of the need to be better equipped to walk alongside those who were suffering. Karen teaches New Testament Greek and coordinates and lectures in the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health. She is married to fellow graduate, Jared. They delight in two little ones and are members of Oasis Church.

Credentials & Teaching Areas
  • B Speech Pathology (First class honours) – University of Queensland
  • Masters of Divinity (Brisbane School of Theology)
  • Current PhD candidate – Australian College of Theology

Teaching Areas

New Testament Greek – Greek A and Greek B

The text of the New Testament was originally preserved in Koine Greek. Karen supports students as they take on the challenges of navigating learning this language over two semesters. These units prepare students to take on exegetical subjects that prepare them for faithfully understanding, teaching, preaching and sharing the riches of God’s word with others. In Luther’s words,  ‘Let us then, foster the learning of languages as zealously as we love the Gospel… And let us be sure of this: we shall not long preserve the Gospel without languages. Languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained.’

The Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health

The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care for Mental Health is aimed at equipping Christians to respond in a God-Centred way to those who are living with mental health struggles and those who are suffering.

This course equips students with both the theological grounding and the practical skills for engaging in effective pastoral care across professional, ministry, mission and personal settings.

In providing this course, we are partnering with an organisation called Living Wholeness. Living Wholeness have been providing support and training for the wider church across Australia and Asia. The approach is aimed at equipping the whole church to understand how each member of Christ’s body contributes to God’s healing work for those experiencing mental health struggles and those who are suffering. This incorporates our greater concern of God’s mission, by offering a framework that is cross-cultural, whole church focussed and, above all, gospel centred.

Extended Biography

Karen grew up on the Sunshine Coast. Her parents brought her up in the faith in the Lutheran church and she recalls praying and reading the bible from a young age. As a young woman she wrestled with aspects of the faith and drifted. The journey of the prodigal son became a lived reality. It was whilst reading the gospel of Matthew some years later that she realised who loved her most, how far she had wandered, how lost she was—and she came home. Prayers of many family and friends were answered.

Karen worked as a speech pathologist with children with physical disabilities and their families for 10 years both in Brisbane and in the UK (in various locations in Kent). She spent nearly 12 months in a small, remote village in Tanzania, teaching English at a Primary school with no piped water or electricity.

She first came to BST as a student in 2015 expecting to finish a graduate diploma within the year and move onto other studies. Through her studies she became convinced of her desperate need to grow in her knowledge of God’s word and ended up completing the Masters of Divinity. In this time she became more convinced of God’s great work in the world. As she studied she noticed an incongruence between her ability to know things and her ability to live what she had learnt in the face of both her own suffering and the suffering of others. It was during this season she learnt the Christian Wholeness Framework which helped her to integrate her understanding of the faith with practical tools to love and support others walking through dark times.

She was invited to join the faculty team in 2019. She delights in coaching students through the Greek program at BST, watching students grow both in capacity and confidence as they interact with God’s word. She also coordinates the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Health and sees the great urgency for believers to grow in their capacity to live out their faith for the sake of those who are suffering. She has been greatly blessed, challenged and grown by being a resident at BST both as a student and a lecturer.

Karen is currently completing her PhD through the Australian College of Theology. Her work stands between pastoral care studies and biblical studies and explores how stories told and heard impact us in spaces of suffering. Her studies so far have ever increased her confidence of the greatness of God’s word.

Sessional Lecturers

John Warlow

Theological Approaches to Wellbeing

John studied medicine at Birmingham University in the UK during the early 1970s. He then studied for one year at All Nations Christian College, north of London. He completed his psychiatry training in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Melbourne by 1989, followed by child psychiatry in 1990, before relocating to Brisbane.

He is the founder of Living Wholeness, a community dedicated to learning, living, and sustainably sharing the Christian Wholeness Framework (CWF). John teaches at BST  alongside Karen Lynch, where his passion lies in applied theology with a focus on holistic, God-centred transformation, particularly through personal transformation, ministries and local churches.

Since the mid-1990s, John and his wife, Jill, have been part of the campus that is now home to Hillsong in Brisbane. They are proud parents of 5 adult children and grandparents to more than 7 grandchildren!

Megan Harris

Chaplaincy Skills 1
Chaplaincy in Educational Settings

After completing a Counselling Degree at the University of Sydney, Megan Studied at Sydney Missionary and Bible College before starting her chaplaincy career in 2012. She went on to complete her training and assessment qualification through Malyon while taking a School’s Ministry training position for SU Australia in 2019 and is completing her Masters in Theological Studies here at BST.

Megan loves helping people to grapple with the incarnational relevance of Chaplaincy in the secular domain being a great opportunity of Kingdom Ministry, in particular she enjoys seeing students become confident with having pastoral conversations. Megan is married to Roger who is an interim Pastor, they have 2 adult children who live, work and worship in Sydney and 2 children completing studies here in Brisbane. Megan enjoys worshiping at Central Presbyterian Church with friends and family.

Matt Cliff

Christian Worldview

Matt is from Liverpool, England. After earning a Bachelor’s in Theology and a Master’s in Theological Research at the London School of Theology, he served as a pastor in London before relocating to Queensland.

Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Aberdeen, he is also the CEO of one of Australia’s largest pro-life organisations. Living on the Gold Coast with his wife, Mel, and their two young sons, he currently attends Liberti Church, Gold Coast. Passionate about equipping the body of Christ, his mission is to help Christians navigate ethical complexities and engage with contemporary issues in a fast-moving world.

Kelsey Fitz-Gerald

Child Abuse in Christian Communities; Prevention and Response

Kelsey completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at UQ which led to 12 years of working with children and young people in Australia and Asia in through community, education and disability care. She completed her Masters in Theological Studies at BST and is now part way through her Doctorate of Sociology at the University of Newcastle looking at current Christian responses to child safeguarding in churches.

Kelsey is passionate about showing students how to create safer church cultures and helping them develop their skills to make a real difference in their community. She recently got married and is enjoying her new tiny house lifestyle, living in a converted shipping container in the foothills of Mt Tambourine.

“I wasn’t an academic when I started and the faculty helped immensely along the journey to not only get through, but to succeed with excellence. They gave me invaluable tools in how to handle the Bible and communicate it to my context, which gave me a foundation to work within basically any ministry.”

mat, bst alumni

“I wasn’t an academic when I started and the faculty helped immensely along the journey to not only get through, but to succeed with excellence. They gave me invaluable tools in how to handle the Bible and communicate it to my context, which gave me a foundation to work within basically any ministry.”

MAT, BST ALUMNI

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Pastor Grace Lung

BSci (Comp Sci), GradDipDiv, MA (ChrStds)

DIRECTOR

Grace grew up in Sydney in a large Chinese church. Since then she has served at various Chinese churches over the years in youth, students, young workers and women. Her passion and interest is contextualizing the gospel to Asian Australians and developing Asian churches in Australia. Grace is a graduate of Sydney Missionary and Bible College and Fuller Theological Seminary. Her study focussed on Chinese Australian identity and ministry.

Her previous roles have included: Director for Asian Contextual Engagement for the RICE Movement, Team Member for Interserve Culture Connect and OMF QLD’s Ministry Team. She was an Anglican Deaconness Ministries Summer Fellow in 2019. Her writing has appeared on the SOLA Network, Gospel Coalition Australia, Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church, Common Grace and Ethos: EA Centre for Christianity and Society.

In addition to her role as Director of CAC, Grace is also serving as a pastor alongside her husband, Chris, at Rise Alliance Church – a new church plant servicing the Rochedale area.