Faculty, Staff & Board

Rev Dr Richard Gibson
BSocWk, DipATh, BTh, MTh, PhD
PRINCIPAL, HEAD OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, NT LECTURER

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. He recently 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 Moorooka Presbyterian Church. Kim is involved in ministry to university students with AFES and volunteers with the GROW women’s conference committee. In his spare time, Richard enjoys playing golf or tennis.

Mr John Coulson
BSc (Hons), DipMin, BTh (Hons), MTh
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, ACADEMIC DEAN, LECTURER IN BIBLE

John has more than 40 years of experience in church ministry and leadership in the Brisbane area. His passion is teaching the Bible and encouraging God’s people in Christian discipleship and ministry. John has been on the faculty of BST since July 2004. His post-graduate research has been mainly in the letters of Paul: Jesus and the Spirit; and God’s judgment (published as The Righteous Judgment of God: Aspects of Judgment in Paul’s Letters [Wipf and Stock, 2016]).

John and his wife Rowena are both originally from Queensland and have four adult children. John loves camping with his family, walking (with or without the dog), gardening, and having coffee with Rowena and friends. John has been involved for over 25 years at Hillsong Brisbane (formerly Garden City Christian Church), where he has served in various ministries. Prior to doing theological studies and Bible college ministry, John worked for many years in IT with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Rev Dr Andrew Prince
BVSc, DipMin, BTh, MAMin, PhD
ACADEMIC DEAN, HEAD OF MINISTRY AND PRACTICE, LECTURER IN MINISTRY & MISSION

Andrew grew up in Sydney, originally training as a veterinarian. After working in rural and urban practices in NSW and QLD, 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 was 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 also is the Director for BST’s Centre for Asian Christianity, which seeks to train, equip, facilitate research, and resource Asian-focused Christians, churches and organisations so that the gospel advances in Asian contexts.

Andrew is married to Susan and they have three sons – Nathan, Matthew and Joshua.

Dr Wally Wang
BSc, MSc, PhD, MDiv, ThM
DIRECTOR OF CHINESE PROGRAM, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

Before delving into the theological world, Wally worked as a theoretical physicist while also pastoring a Chinese church in Sydney. He then began studying and teaching Theology in Hong Kong. Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Wally has been lecturing in both our English and Chinese programs since 2013. Wally’s MDiv and ThM were both gained through the China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong, where his final thesis addressed the topic of the Holy Spirit’s role in God’s self-revelation. He’s a regular member of Centenary Uniting Church, but also commits many Sundays to preaching at two Chinese churches. Wally and his wife Ling have one son and two grandchildren and are originally from Hong Kong. Wally’s hobbies include photography and watching the Parramatta Eels.

Dr Robert Edwards
BA, MA, PhD
DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, HEAD OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT, LECTURER IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT AND HISTORY

Robert was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, where he also pursued a degree in classical studies (University of British Columbia). It was during his time at university that he first read the Gospels and came to trust in the Lord. This was followed by a master’s degree in biblical studies at Wycliffe College (Toronto), and then a PhD in early Christian theology at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA). Before joining BST in September 2023, Robert was a researcher at the University of Göttingen (Germany)—but please don’t ask him to speak German! At BST, Robert teaches in the subject areas of theology and church history. He is also available to supervise PhDs.

Robert has authored numerous journal articles and essays on early Christian history, theology, and exegesis. His book Providence and Narrative in the Theology of John Chrysostom (Cambridge, 2022) was awarded the Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise. His current research centres on early Christian preaching and worship.

Robert is married to Kerensa (a Sydneysider), and they have two daughters: Eliza (a Canadian) and Margot (an American).

Karen Nivala
BSpPath (Honours), GradDipDiv, MDiv
LECTURER/STUDENT ADVISOR

Karen is our Greek lecturer, tutor and mentor. She completed her Masters of Divinity at BST in 2017. She worked as a speech pathologist for 10 years both in Queensland and in the UK. She gained experience in training and mentoring. Her interests lie in New Testament studies. She completed her research on the portrayal of the communicative functions of the heart in Matthew’s gospel. She is currently pursuing PhD studies and is passionate about building God’s kingdom.

Dr Jason Bryan-Brown
B.Min, BTh (Hons) (BST), PhD
LECTURER IN BIBLE

Jason has been involved at BST since 2012, when he began his undergraduate studies. After completing his Honours in the Book of Revelation, he and his family moved up to pastor a church in Nambour for a few years. They moved back to Brisbane while Jason completed his PhD on interpreting the Catholic Epistles of the New Testament (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John and Jude) as a collection. His academic interests lie in Hermeneutics and the later New Testament (esp. the Catholic Epistles and Revelation).

Jason is married to Courtney, who is a primary school teacher and also a BST graduate. They have three children. They live in Middle Park, and enjoy spending their weekends building lego, watching movies and playing board games with family and friends.

Rev Bob Rogers
AdDipTheol, BMin, MA(Th)
DIRECTOR OF FIELD EDUCATION

Bob joined BST in 2017 as a part-time lecturer and has extensive pastoral and teaching ministry experience. He completed his Bachelor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Theology at Malyon College and is a registered minister with the Queensland Baptists. Bob served as the senior minister at Stafford Heights Baptist Church prior to taking on the part-time role as Qld State Director for Global Interaction. He’s also served as the Executive Director of Everyman’s Welfare Service between 1997 to 2006, managing a national team of welfare representatives on military bases across Australia. In addition to his teaching and pastoral skills, Bob is an AFL enthusiast having umpired more than 300 AFL games from juniors through to A Grade games.

Rev Dr Michael Tan
BTh, MTh, DMin
SESSIONAL LECTURER (CHINESE PROGRAM)

Michael has more than forty years of church ministry and leadership experience, having served in churches throughout Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and Australia. He has written books and commentaries on the Old Testament, and has been lecturing in both our English and Chinese programs since 2005, where he also served as the Director of the Chinese Program for a time. Michael retired from full-time teaching in December 2015 and will continue as a visiting lecturer to teach intensives at BST from time to time. Most of Michael’s theological qualifications were gained in south-east Asia, however he also studied at the Claremont School of Theology in California and was a visiting scholar at Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Boston. Michael usually attends Sherwood Methodist Church, although he also spends a lot of time preaching, teaching and encouraging congregations in many of Brisbane’s Chinese churches. Originally from Malaysia, Michael is married to Ping and they have two adult children. He likes sport and stays fit by playing badminton and table-tennis, and his favourite food is Yum Cha (a Chinese dish involving chicken feet!)

Dr Jay Sedwick
BA, ThM, MA, PhD
DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND PROFESSOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES AND LEADERSHIP

Dr Sedwick has over forty years of youth ministry experience combined with twenty-two years of faculty service. He serves on the board of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators and has served as president of the board for the Society of Professors in Christian Education. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for World Link Ministries, an evangelistic, church planting, and pastoral training ministry around the world. An ordained minister who teaches youth at a large Dallas-area church, Dr Sedwick is also a popular conference and seminar speaker. His research and teaching interests include youth development, youth culture, biblical education for youth, curriculum design, and legal and financial issues in ministry.

Dr David Reimer
DPhil, MA, BA, BTh
PRINCIPAL OF FAITH MISSION BIBLE COLLEGE, HONORARY SENIOR LECTURER AT UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

Dr Reimer has over 30 years experience in theological education in Canada and the UK, having held chairs at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Edinburgh. David is currently Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews and the Principal of Faith Mission Bible College, Edinburgh.

Dr Reimer authored The Oracles against Babylon in Jeremiah 50-51: A Horror among the Nations (Mellen Research University Press 1993) and co-edited After the Exile: Essays in Honour of Rex Mason (Mercer University Press 1996). He translated and edited the second edition of W. H. Schmidt’s Old Testament Introduction (WJKP 1999). He has also contributed to many other publications, and a host of articles.

Dr Reimer is a Member of the Research Committee, Rutherford House (Edinburgh), a former Member of the Committee for the Scottish Evangelical Theology Society and a former Member of the Board of Governors at Glasgow’s International Christian College.

His primary interests lie in the area of Old Testament theology and ethics, the interface of politics and the Bible, and classical Hebrew languages studies.

Dr Darrell Bock

BA, ThM, PhD

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT AND SENIOR RESEARCH PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

Dr Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) for 2000–2001, is a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.

Dr Oliver Crisp

MTh, PhD, DLitt

PROFESSOR OF ANALYTIC THEOLOGY IN THE INSTITUE FOR ANALYTIC AND EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY, SCHOOL OF DIVINITY, UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

Oliver Crisp (PhD, University of London; DLitt University of Aberdeen) is Professor of Analytic Theology in the Institute for Analytic and Exegetical Theology, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews. He previously taught at the University Bristol, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Regent College, Vancouver, and has held postdoctoral research fellowships at the University of Notre Dame (twice) and at the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, where he remains a member.

He is co-chair of the AAR Christian Systematic Theology Section with Dr Junius Johnson. He is also a senior editor (and co-founder) of the Journal of Analytic Theology. With Michael Rea he co-edits the Oxford Studies in Analytic Theology series for Oxford University Press, and with Fred Sanders he started and oversees the Los Angeles Theology Conference series, and the published proceedings from these meetings. He is also on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Systematic Theology and Jonathan Edwards Journal.

Crisp is the author of over a hundred articles and essays, as well as the author or editor of thirty books in philosophical, systematic, and historical theology, including Divinity and Humanity: The Incarnation Reconsidered (Cambridge, 2007), Analytic Theology: New Essays in the Philosophy of Theology (Oxford, 2009) edited with Michael Rea, Jonathan Edwards on God and Creation (Oxford, 2012), and Analyzing Doctrine: Toward. A Systematic Theology (Baylor, 2019). He is also an artist, and book illustrator, having studied at Wimbledon School of Art, University of the Arts, London.

Emily Ansell
BSc, GradDipEd, GradDipDiv
SECRETARY & PA TO THE PRINCIPAL

Emily grew up in Brisbane and then went to university in the United States on a tennis scholarship. She has a GradDip in Education, she’s worked as a school chaplain, she’s completed a GradDip in Divinity here with us at BST, and she’s now the Secretary & PA to the Principal for our college! Emily is married to Damien and they attend Bridgeman Baptist Church. Emily enjoys watching tennis and the Brisbane Broncos.

Terry Wong
ACMA, CGMA, MBA , MDiv
FINANCE OFFICER

After 30 years of working in Asia in mergers and acquisitions, Terry stopped blessing the corporate world with his beaming smile and infectious laugh and now blesses the BST office instead. He knows that it takes all kinds of people in different roles to make ministry happen and he considers administration to be his spiritual gift; and with a background in accountancy, number crunching is second nature to Terry. Terry and his wife, Michelle, are originally from Singapore and both enjoy travelling and trying new types of food. They attend Brisbane Chinese Alliance Church in Rochedale. Terry likes relaxing with an indoor lifestyle of good reading books and an outdoor lifestyle of parasailing and exotic travels.

Elizabeth Greentree
BA (Hons), MDiv, GCertBusMgt, GradDipInfoMgt

LIBRARIAN

In 2016, Elizabeth, better known as Buffy, finally found a calling that could combine her love of God, books, and helping people grow in wisdom – running the BST library.

Buffy’s first degree in Classics and Archaeology from the University of Melbourne saw her well and truly established as a library inmate, though it never occurred to her she could become a warden. Her love of study was then infused with her love of God as she completed an M.Div at what is now Melbourne School of Theology. A subsequent testing of the PhD waters led her to work as a tutor for the University of Melbourne: one step closer but still not there yet. Finally, while working as a tutor at BST, a chance offer in the library brought it all together; Buffy finally discovered the delight of being responsible for 4,000 years’ worth of accumulated wisdom about God, neatly bound in 30,000 books.

Now, with a Graduate Diploma in Information Management complete, her life-goal is to create a space open to students and the general public that instils a sense of God’s peace and a love of His word.

Phil Peterson
BFA in Creative Writing Production, Dip Graph Des, Dip Digital Marketing
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Phil grew up in the highlands of Papua New Guinea where his parents were serving as missionaries before returning to Australia in 1995. He loves to read and has a passion for writing which prompted him to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Production at QUT. He then went on to work for Scripture Union Queensland as Media & Communications Manager. Phil has since branched out further into the not-for-profit world, taking on several roles in the fundraising and communications space, as well as pursuing his own freelance endeavours, working on behalf of various charities to help create successful appeals and fundraising campaigns. Phil loves to help equip and resource organisations for ministry, and is excited to help raise awareness and support (both prayerful and financial) for BST. He and his wife, Monique, have three energetic young boys who run them both ragged. In his free time Phil loves to watch movies, read books, and catch up on all the sleep his children have stolen from him.

Joshua Hepburn
AdvDipTh

REGISTRAR & IT MANAGER

Josh grew up in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. After graduating high school he started studying an IT degree.

He worked in schools as IT Support and eventually the Education Department where he looked after the school administration system for the entire state.

In 2015 he got married and relocated to Queensland where he found his way to BST as a student. Upon graduating he commenced working at BST as the Registrar and IT Manager.

When he is not at work, he is with his wife, Angela, and their 3 (soon to be 4) beautiful children.

Mark Cameron
B.ED (Design/Tech)

PROPERTY MANAGER & RESIDENTIAL CHAPLAIN

Mark is married to Sharlene. They have three adult children and several grandchildren. Mark comes from a trade background and has completed a Bachelor of Education in Design and Technology education.

From 1989 to the end of 1995, Mark taught in country Queensland schools, while Sharlene was a nurse and mother. In 1996, Mark and Sharlene moved to South India for 12 years, teaching and serving as dorm parents in Hebron School.

On returning to Australia, Mark owned and operated his own handyman business from 2010 until the end of 2022.

Mark and Sharlene felt strongly directed by God to take up the position of Property Manager and Residential Chaplain at BST in 2023, where he puts his skills as a tradesman and his experience in pastoral care to good use.

Mark and Sharlene attend City North Baptist Church.

Emily Feldon
BBus,DipLeadership

COMMUNITY LIAISON & RECRUITMENT OFFICER

Growing up, Emily and her 4 siblings moved all over rural towns in QLD and NSW with their parents who were Salvation Army officers. At 18 she settled down in Brisbane to study at Bible College and a few years later felt called to combine a Business degree with her Ministry degree. During her Bachelor of Business at CHC, she enjoyed learning all aspects of business, but was most excited by the marketing units.

Upon finishing her studies, she was employed by CHC as a Marketing and Recruitment Officer to recruit new students through creative marketing strategies. During her 4 and a half years she was able to apply what she learnt in university and successfully create long-term relationships with key stakeholders and create steady recruitment streams. During that time she also married her husband Nick and gave birth to their first child, Amos.

She has brought this extensive experience to her newly-created role at BST, and would love to meet you if you are at all interested in studying at Bible College, or know someone who should!

David Birch
BTh(Hons), CertIV(Youth Work)

COMMUNITY LIAISON & RECRUITMENT OFFICER

David was once a student at BST, completing a Bachelor of Theology with Honours in history. During this time he also met his wife Naomi who was also a studying at the college.

Following his studies David worked in federal politics. He was based in Western Australia for much of this period and held roles in community engagement, communications, campaigning and supported parliamentary operations.

David and Naomi now live in the South Burnett with their three young children. He helps run their family farm where they produce beef cattle, peanuts and broadacre crops.

David is excited to use his experience to support the BST team and spread the word about what the college has to offer. Whether you’re considering a future in ministry or mission, looking to grow as a Christian leader in your local community, or simply want to deepen your knowledge of the Bible – David would love to chat and find out how we can help.

Terry Leister
GAICD (Retired), FCEOI (Retired)
CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Terry was appointed to the BST board in May 2015 and was appointed Company Secretary in November 2015. In May 2020 he was elected as Chair of the Board. After an extensive career in Business Management at Senior Levels in Australia, Canada and the USA he retired in 2017. An innovative leader with a record of disrupting established markets, Terry brings over 30 years of experience in Enterprise Management Systems. He has served as a non-executive director of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Sydney and St Lucia Bible Church where he and his wife, Julie, currently attend.

Scott Pasley
BEng(Electrical), BDiv, MA(Theo)
DIRECTOR

Scott is a missionary with City Bible Forum where he is the national network manager for evangelistic prayer teams. Before moving to Brisbane, Scott served as a Baptist pastor in Central Queensland. Scott has also worked as an electrical engineer in power distribution and hazardous area construction and compliance.

Scott, his wife Deb, and their three teenage children attend Grace Bible Church, Corinda. Scott was appointed to the board of BST in November 2022.

Scott Waddell

B.Bus, FCPA, ACIS, Dip.PMM (Dist), Grad Dip (CorpGov)
TREASURER

Scott has over 25 years of experience in resources roles and has held a range of senior board and executive positions in various ASX listed companies.

His corporate roles have included his current role of director and executive for Metallica Minerals Ltd, CFO and Company Secretary for Metro Mining Limited and Cape Alumina Limited, and various finance and executive management roles with Anglo Coal Australia and Rio Tinto Alcan.

Scott is a Fellow CPA and a member of the Governance Institute of Australia, and has completed the Company Directors Course with the AICD, as well as various post-graduate studies.

He has been married to Sylvia for over 25 years and they have a daughter and son who are both currently studying at university.

Scott and Sylvia attend Kilkivan Union Church and a home church. They have been involved in leading various ministry opportunities over many years of active church involvement.

Sumi An

BA, LLB, GradDipLegal Prac. LLM

DIRECTOR

Sumi was born and raised in South Korea. She came to Australia as an international student and completed her tertiary education in Sydney and Brisbane.

A qualified lawyer, she has over 13 years experience working in criminal law and civil litigation in Australia, and serving in various international and cross-cultural liaison roles for local government officials in South Korea. She worships and serves at City Tabernacle Baptist Church in Spring Hill and was appointed to the Board of the BST in February 2020.

Vivienne Ip

BCom, BEcon, CA
DIRECTOR

Vivienne has worked in the public and commercial accounting for over 7 years in areas of external audit and business advisory across a diverse range of industries. She currently works in global financial reporting at Flight Centre and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Vivienne was born and raised in Brisbane, but her family background is from Taiwan and Hong Kong. She loves visiting her family overseas, learning and understanding about her culture and eating delicious Asian cuisine.

Vivienne and her husband, Wesley, attend Toowong Baptist Church, where she is involved in the youth and music ministry. She was appointed to the board of BST in June 2020.

Megan Verhoef
B Urb Reg Plan, Grad Dip Nat Res, Grad Dip App Sc, MPIA CPP
DIRECTOR

Megan has worked in local government for 22 years in the areas of development assessment and strategic planning. She was appointed to the BST board in May 2015. Megan and her husband, Peter, attend Wavell Heights Presbyterian Church, where she is involved in the children’s ministry and also serves on the Committee of Management.

Ian Auld
DIRECTOR

Ian has held a number of senior positions in the world of finance over the past 47 years and currently runs his own financial advice practice in Brisbane, which he commenced in 1995. He has held executive positions on boards and committees in both the secular environment and Christian ministry.

Ian and his wife Carol currently attend St Lucia Bible Church and have two children and four grandchildren. They enjoy family life and anything to do with hiking.

Ian was appointed to the BST board in August 2023.

Rich Priebbenow
DIRECTOR

Rich is a Church planter and pastor of a young church in Brisbane.

Formerly a High School Physics teacher, Rich transitioned to full-time gospel ministry in 2000 as part of a team focused on evangelism and discipleship of students at UQ. Rich then served for several years as Campus Outreach Regional Director for Au/NZ before moving to the UK with his wife Cherie and four kids to take up a pastoral role in a Church in Manchester. During his four years in the UK, Rich studied Theology through Acts 29 / Oak Hill Academy (now Crosslands Seminary). This has given Rich a passion for the delivery of robust, alternative and in-context modes of Theological training to equip the next generation of gospel labourers.

Rich was appointed to the BST board in November 2022.

Nick Watson
B.Bus (Management)
DIRECTOR

Nick has over 10 years experience in technology consulting, entrepreneurship and innovation; recently co-founding and developing an Education Management SaaS platform called Tuii.

His corporate roles have included his current role of Co-Founder of Emmaus Technology Pty Ltd, Director and General Manager for technology consulting firm YesIT and technology and customer service roles in Telstra.

During his time in technology consulting Nick managed and maintained key client relationships with publicly listed companies such as Genex Power, Queensland Pacific Metals, Metallica Minerals & Metro Mining. He has also been active in church volunteering including with the youth chaplaincy organisation Red Frogs.

Our Faculty

Visiting Faculty 2021

Michael Raiter

Graham Cole

Alex Chow

Our Staff

Our Board

Sumi An