We were thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, the James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, for his first visit to BST and his very first trip to Australia. As a world-renowned expert in early evangelicalism and the history of Christian spirituality, Bruce’s visit was a highlight for our community and a perfect way to kick off the semester.
A Week of Spiritual Insight: “5 Traditions and Practices of Prayer”
Bruce led a transformative 5-day intensive called “5 Traditions and Practices of Prayer,” guiding students through the history of Christian prayer and how various traditions have shaped the way we engage with God. Each day focused on a different practice, from the Desert Fathers’ short, frequent prayers to Martin Luther’s personal use of the Lord’s Prayer. Students not only learned about these ancient traditions but also put them into practice—experiencing firsthand how these powerful forms of prayer can deepen our spiritual lives.
For many, the most impactful takeaway was the idea that we are made for prayer—not as a duty, but as a natural response to the relationship God desires with us. As one student shared, “As a prayer ministry leader, the intensive gave me tools to understand prayer more deeply and lead my team in prayer, both individually and for our community. I appreciated discussing prayer with my fellow students and being part of an ongoing conversation with God that has spanned the history of the Church.”
Public Lecture: “Failure to Launch: Why Some Christians Fail to Mature”
Later in the week, Dr. Hindmarsh delivered a public lecture on “Failure to Launch: Why Some Christians Fail to Mature.” Over 90 attendees from 11+ denominations gathered to hear Bruce’s deep reflections on spiritual maturity and the challenges many Christians face in growing to full maturity in Christ. Dr. Hindmarsh rooted his exploration in church history, showing how the struggles of spiritual immaturity are not new and have echoed throughout Christian history.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual maturity is for everyone: Bruce emphasised that spiritual growth is not limited to a select few but is meant for all Christians. Discipleship is a lifelong journey open to everyone, regardless of age, position, or role in the church.
- Maturity is a process: Spiritual maturity is not instant or static—it’s a gradual unfolding, much like the growth of an acorn into an oak tree. The Christian life begins in conversion and continues through ongoing transformation.
- Christ is the goal: The ultimate aim of spiritual maturity is Christlikeness. Bruce reminded us that spiritual disciplines—whether prayer, Bible reading, or service—are all tools meant to help us become more like Jesus. The goal is not the practice itself, but to be conformed to His image through those practices.
- Historical continuity: Dr. Hindmarsh made a powerful point that the struggles Christians face today are not new. He showed that throughout history, believers have wrestled with issues of spiritual immaturity, providing context and perspective for the challenges we face now.
The lecture was followed by a lively Q&A, where attendees had the chance to ask questions about applying these historical insights to their own ministry contexts.
A Vibrant Part of the BST Community
Beyond his lectures and intensive, Bruce became an integral part of the BST community during his visit. He joined us in chapel, participated in our community lunches, and enjoyed lively conversations with faculty and students about theology, history, and even cultural exchanges. Bruce even took in the sights of Brisbane, running along the river and visiting the Koala Sanctuary with our Deputy Principal.
His humble, gentle nature was evident in every interaction, and many were touched by his generosity in taking the time to engage with students outside the formal sessions. As Robert Edwards, our Director of Postgraduate Studies, put it: “Bruce Hindmarsh’s teaching is profound and refreshing—he brings deep historical insights into a contemporary context in ways that edify and encourage the Church today.”
Looking Forward to the Semester
Dr. Hindmarsh’s visit set a rich tone for the start of the semester, and we’re excited for what’s to come. We are grateful for his time with us, and we know that the insights shared during the intensive and lecture will continue to resonate with our community as we press on in our spiritual and academic journeys.
Next semester, we’ll host another Public Lecture with internationally respected theologian Fred Sanders. He will also be teaching a week-long intensive on Ephesians. Stay tuned for more details!
