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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Marketing & Development Officer
"There's something exciting and satisfying about seeing how God provides for his people at BST—through people who pray, and encourage, and give to His great work..."
PHILIP PETERSON
Phil has been part of the BST family since 2016 in the role of Marketing & Development Officer. He loves the challenge of helping to fund the vision of BST and engaging with supporters and donors. He and his wife Monique attend Hills Wesleyan Church in Brisbane with their three young boys.
BFA in Creative Writing Production, Dip Graph Des, Dip Digital Marketing
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 attempt to catch up on all the sleep his children have stolen from him. So far, he has not succeeded.
Events Assistant
“I enjoy helping BST serve its students and Christians in the Brisbane area.”
KERENSA EDWARDS
Kerensa joined the office team at BST in 2024 as the Events Administrator. Kerensa has many years of experience working in office administration as well as church ministry. She is married to Robert and spends most of her time caring for their three children.
BFA in Creative Writing Production, Dip Graph Des, Dip Digital Marketing
Kerensa is originally from Sydney, where she became a Christian as a teenager at an Anglican Church. After university, Kerensa moved to Vancouver, Canada to do a ministry training program. It was there that she met and married her husband Robert (BST’s resident Canadian lecturer). Because they have moved around while Robert was studying, Kerensa has worked and volunteered in a number of different churches in North America. Kerensa loves to read, travel with her family and eat. Her favourite thing about living back in Australia is the wonderful beach holidays within driving distance.
Property Manager & Residential Chaplain
"I really appreciate the environment at BST. I enjoy seeing students grow in their understanding of the scriptures and their relevance, and witnessing this in turn being worked out in community life. BST, in many ways, is a grace place."
MARK CAMERON
I was encouraged to apply for the position of Property Manager & Residential Chaplain at the end of 2022. In lots of ways it all happened very suddenly and wasn’t on my radar, but I believe God made the way very clear for me to come, and so began in January 2023 …
B.ED, Design and Technology Education
I am very blessed to have Sharlene as my wife with 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. It continues to be a privilege to do ministry alongside Sharlene. I have had a varied working life from tradesman to teacher, and small business owner. We have been blessed to work with a range of people in different places including regional Queensland and south India. In the boarding school in south India our roles included teaching design and technology, dorm parents for teenage boys, and facility development. Each of these situations have certainly been formational experiences that help in my current role.
In my spare time I really enjoy spending time with the grandkids, cycling, traveling and camping.
Secretary & PA to the Principal
"I love seeing the growth in our students from their time here at BST. It’s a privilege to be a part of watching God at work."
EMILY ANSELL
Emily has been working at BST since 2012 in Office Administration and PA to the Principal. She loves working in this role, serving students and staff to help contribute positively to the community and day-to-day operations at the college. Emily is married, and attends Bridgeman Baptist Church.
Bachelor of Science (Health and Exercise), Graduate Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma of Divinity (BST)
Emily grew up in Brisbane and then went to university in the United States on a tennis scholarship where she completed a degree in Health and Exercise Science. Upon return she has completed a Graduate Diploma in Education and has worked as a tennis coach and school chaplain. She has always enjoyed administrative work and after completing a Graduate Diploma of Divinity at BST she had the opportunity to work in the role of office administration and student admissions for BST. For Emily it has been a pleasure to watch the journeys of so many students over the years come away spiritually transformed by their studies, just as she did from her time as a BST student. Emily wants to help many more students through this journey and help contribute to making everyone feel welcomed and cared for at BST.
Emily enjoys running, hiking, travelling and watching the Brisbane Broncos.
Librarian
"Being a librarian is a pleasure; being a theological librarian is even better. But being a theological librarian at BST, where I can be part of students’ formation, is where my passion truly finds its purpose."
BUFFY GREENTREE
I joined BST in 2016 in a temporary position as library assistant, but quickly realised how the role perfectly blended my love for teaching, research, and solving the world’s/ students’ problems. Thanks to BST I am now a qualified librarian and keeper of a Murray River turtle and a blue-tongue skink. The world is full of surprises.
B.ED, Design and Technology Education
I grew up as the third of four siblings, with my father serving as an Anglican minister and my mother working as a GP. Life in a parish community was lively and formative, but it wasn’t until I had to fill in for the Sunday School teacher at age 13 that I discovered my love for engaging with and communicating big ideas.
Initially, I planned to become a primary school teacher, but by the grace of God, and an administrative error on the part of the University of Melbourne, my studies shifted from the practical Education to the more philosophical world of a Bachelor of Arts. I finished with first-class honours in Classics and Archaeology, and enrolled in a Master of Ancient History in the UK. While waiting for the English academic year to start, I took a detour to the Bible College of Victoria (now Melbourne School of Theology) for what I thought would be a short temporary move to deepen my personal understanding. A year later I had abandoned England and received my Graduate Diploma. Three years and a Master of Divinity later, I found myself firmly in Old Testament studies.
After two attempts at pursuing a PhD, I realised that despite my love of research and theology, the traditional academic path wasn’t working. So I stepped away from higher education until a chance remark by someone at church put me in contact with BST. What began as a tentative connection grew into a calling, as I found becoming a qualified theological librarian created the perfect blend of teaching, research, and community. I can now use my academic experience to train students in information literacy and contribute to the evolving field of theological librarianship.
Outside of work, I’m active in my home church, St. Stephen’s Anglican in Coorparoo, where I preach, teach, and use my librarian super skills to make recommendations in a monthly “book banter” segment during services. In my downtime, you’ll find me engrossed in a Korean drama, playing with the library’s pastoral care team—Eve the turtle and Sammy B the blue-tongue skink—or recovering from my new sport, Krav Maga.
Research Methods
As the librarian, Buffy teaches the second half of the graduate research methods subject. Over three seminars we cover: digital literacy for researchers, fundamentals of critical thinking and argumentation, and practical research skills tailored to their research proposal.
Community Liason & Recruitment Officer
"I really appreciate the environment at BST. I enjoy seeing students grow in their understanding of the scriptures and their relevance, and witnessing this in turn being worked out in community life. BST, in many ways, is a grace place."
MARK CAMERON
I was encouraged to apply for the position of Property Manager & Residential Chaplain at the end of 2022. In lots of ways it all happened very suddenly and wasn’t on my radar, but I believe God made the way very clear for me to come, and so began in January 2023 …
B.ED, Design and Technology Education
I am very blessed to have Sharlene as my wife with 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. It continues to be a privilege to do ministry alongside Sharlene. I have had a varied working life from tradesman to teacher, and small business owner. We have been blessed to work with a range of people in different places including regional Queensland and south India. In the boarding school in south India our roles included teaching design and technology, dorm parents for teenage boys, and facility development. Each of these situations have certainly been formational experiences that help in my current role.
In my spare time I really enjoy spending time with the grandkids, cycling, traveling and camping.
Community Liason & Recruitment Officer
"It is a privilege to share the incredible work God is doing at BST and to encourage others to deepen their understanding of His Word."
EMILY FELDON
Emily joined BST in 2023 as the Community Liaison and Recruitment Officer. After witnessing the transformative impact of BST through her husband’s journey, she became passionate about helping others experience the same life-changing growth. Her heart is to see individuals and families shaped by His word to serve His world.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Bachelor of Business
Emily grew up with her four siblings in various rural towns across QLD and NSW, as her parents served as Salvation Army officers. At 18, she settled in Brisbane to pursue her studies at Bible College, and a few years later, she felt a strong calling to blend her passion for ministry with a Business degree. While studying for her Bachelor of Business at CHC, Emily discovered a love for marketing, which sparked her interest in how business and faith can intersect.
Since completing her studies, Emily has worked in marketing and recruitment for Christian higher education providers. She’s passionate about the power of education and believes that both learning and reflecting on God’s word are key to a life of purpose and fulfilment, no matter where God leads.
If you’re considering studying at BST, Emily would love to connect and chat with you about the exciting journey ahead!
Finance Officer
“Using my skills and expertise to serve the Lord at college and my local church.”
TERRY WONG
Terry joined BST in 2012 as Finance Officer, enjoying the close-knit work relationship with colleagues, interacting with students, and putting his expertise in finance and accounting towards overseeing the college operations and finances. Terry and Michelle worship at Sherwood Methodist Church at Oxley and are actively involved in the Adult Sunday School biblical teaching.
MA (Theology), MBA, CPA, ACMA (UK)
Terry brings almost 30 years of finance and accounting professional work experience in both public practice and listed companies in Singapore, majoring in Asian mergers and acquisitions. Born and raised in Singapore, Terry applied for Australian permanent residency in 1990 after successfully obtaining professional accountancy qualifications in the UK. It was not until late 2007 that Terry and Michelle decided to move back to Australia permanently.
While residing in Australia, the Lord moved Terry to pursue his Masters of Divinity; at the same time he served in his local church as the treasurer. After obtaining his M.Div qualifications, the Lord opened doors for Terry to secure a position as a Finance Officer at BST.
While working full time at BST, Terry continued pursuing an MA (Theology) course part-time and graduated in 2020.
In their spare time, both Michelle and Terry love travelling to many countries, seeing the different cultures and the beauty of God’s creation. They hope to visit exotic countries such as Peru, Rio, Morocco and also travel around the world one day in the not-too-distant future.
Finance Assistant
“Helping support BST's ministry is both fulfilling and inspiring.”
IRENE LEE
Irene joined the BST family in 2024 as Finance Assistant, where she enjoys using her accounting expertise to support day-to-day finance operations. She and her husband attend Brisbane Chinese Alliance Church, while her three children attend Coopers Plains Evangelical Church.
BA(Hons) in Accounting and Financial Management
Irene brings over a decade of accounting experience in private and multinational sectors. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Irene pursued her BA(Hons) in Accounting and Financial Management in the UK, where she also met her husband, Tanny.
After moving to Australia, Irene became actively involved in ministry, volunteering as a religious instructor in local state schools and serving as a children’s leader with Bible Study Fellowship. She has also served as a respite foster carer, sharing God’s love with vulnerable children. Currently, she teaches Children’s Sunday School at her home church, Brisbane Chinese Alliance Church, where she remains passionate about guiding children in their faith.
Irene and her family live on an acreage, where her husband tends a variety of fruit trees, chickens, and ducks. Their household includes two grown daughters, a son in high school, a Kelpie-mix named Kiki, and pet ducks, Georgie and Ollie. In her free time, Irene enjoys hiking, solving jigsaw puzzles, cross-stitching, and spending time with their chickens and ducks.
Office Assistant & Student Advisor
"It's a privilege and honour to be able to come alongside the students and support them in their studies and see their growth in Christ. "
OLIVIA TAN
Olivia helps in the office and and assists with Registrar duties, as well as advising some of our female students. She has a heart for mission and discipleship and loves opening the word together with other women. She also loves cooking, going for walks, reading and playing board games. Olivia is married to Khai, and they have two nearly adult daughters. They worship at City North Baptist Church.
BSc (Hons) PhD. Grad Dip Div
Olivia grew up in New Zealand on a dairy farm in a non-Christian home but her parents are now Christians (never give up praying for people to come to know Jesus). She became a Christian at 13 through Every Girls Rally and then Youth group at the local Open-Brethren Church after being blown away by the fact that the creator of the universe loved her for who she was, with all her flaws and short-comings. Olivia then went on to study Science, do her PhD and then moved to Australia 20 years ago to continue her research in ovarian cancer, supervising students and some teaching at the Queensland University of Technology. She then had their two beautiful girls. Trying to work and be the type of mum she wanted to be wasn’t working, so she resigned. It has been a real joy and delight and privilege to spend 13 years at home with the girls. During that time (and still currently) she has done a lot of volunteer work for the church, including in the office, leading ladies’ bible studies, pastoral care, looking after the church missionaries and going on a number of short term mission trips herself. While she no longer spends her days looking down microscopes and doing experiments she feels her time studying and working for the university puts her in good stead for her role here. Being involved in pastoral care and having a husband studying is also extremely helpful to her role here.
Registrar & IT Officer
"It's a privilege and honour to be able to come alongside the students and support them in their studies and see their growth in Christ. "
OLIVIA TAN
BSc (Hons) PhD. Grad Dip Div
Olivia grew up in New Zealand on a dairy farm in a non-Christian home but her parents are now Christians (never give up praying for people to come to know Jesus). She became a Christian at 13 through Every Girls Rally and then Youth group at the local Open-Brethren Church after being blown away by the fact that the creator of the universe loved her for who she was, with all her flaws and short-comings. Olivia then went on to study Science, do her PhD and then moved to Australia 20 years ago to continue her research in ovarian cancer, supervising students and some teaching at the Queensland University of Technology. She then had their two beautiful girls. Trying to work and be the type of mum she wanted to be wasn’t working, so she resigned. It has been a real joy and delight and privilege to spend 13 years at home with the girls. During that time (and still currently) she has done a lot of volunteer work for the church, including in the office, leading ladies’ bible studies, pastoral care, looking after the church missionaries and going on a number of short term mission trips herself. While she no longer spends her days looking down microscopes and doing experiments she feels her time studying and working for the university puts her in good stead for her role here. Being involved in pastoral care and having a husband studying is also extremely helpful to her role here.
Director, Centre for Asian Christianity
“I’m proud to work for the only such Centre at a theological college in Australia that actively invests in Asian ministries and leadership training, here and abroad.”
GRACE LUNG
Grace’s relationship with BST started in 2016 when she served on the Centre for Asian Christianity’s Board of Reference. She joined the BST staff officially as the CAC English Administrator in 2021, and now serves as the Director of the Centre for Asian Christianity. She is married to Chris and they have one daughter. Together they serve as pastors of Rise Alliance Church, a church plant in the Rochedale area.
- Certificate in Christian Counseling, Australian Institute of Family Counseling
- (Graduate) Certificate in Asian American Contexts, Fuller Theological Seminary
- Master of Arts (Christian Studies), Australian College of Theology
- Certificate III Applied Chinese, TAFE NSW
- Graduate Diploma of Divinity, Australian College of Theology
- Certificate in Biblical Studies, Sydney Missionary and Bible College
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), University of NSW (Co-op Scholar 2002-2003)
Journal Articles and Book Chapters
- Lung, Grace. “Internalized Oppression in Chinese Australian Christians and Its Mission
- Impact.” Mission Studies 39, no. 3 (2022): 415-40.
- Lung, Grace. “The History of Chinese Christian Churches Development in Australia (Part 1).” In The Comprehensive Chinese Australian History 1818-2018: New Century Publications, 2022.
Hill, G.J., G. Lung, H. Hyun, and G.J.S. Kim. Sunburnt Country, Sweeping Pains: The Experiences of Asian Australian Women in Ministry and Mission. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2022. (Foreword)
Online and Print Magazines
- Lung, Grace. “Breaking Theological Binaries: The Call for a Collaborative Asian Australian Theology.” (16 Oct 2024 2024).
- Lung, Grace. “Decolonizing Mental Health Therapies.” Zadok Perspectives, Autumn 2023 2023, 2023.
- Lung, Grace. “Prejudice in the Church.” Zadok Perspectives 2021, 2021 Summer, 2021.
- Lung, Grace. “Learning from Mary, Jesus’s Mom and Disciple.” (Apr 9, 2020 2020).
- Lung, Grace. “Mary, My Lord’s Mom.” (2020)
- Lung, Grace. “Helping Women Lament in the Church.” (2019).
- Lung, Grace, “Internalised Racism,” Ethos: EA Centre for Christianity and Society, 2019.
- Lung, Grace, “Not My Tradition: Lunar New Year and the Gospel Tradition” (The Gospel Coalition: Australia Edition), 2019,
- Lung, Grace. “Fear Not (Advent Day 6)” (2018)
Lung, Grace. “Have a Merry Christmas” (2018).
Grace grew up, and served, at ethnic churches in Australia. As she served in more roles, she noticed the brokenness between the generations and cultures within the church. This drove her to figure out how to alleviate and resolve conflicts in cross-cultural faith settings.
Grace studied at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, and Fuller Theological Seminary. She now dedicates her time in helping individuals and Christian groups (migrant churches, second generation and Anglo Australian groups) understand their own contexts and then the other cultures around them. She achieves this by:
(1) Training and educating individuals and groups
(2) Her work with the Centre for Asian Christianity at Brisbane School of Theology
(3) Public engagement by writing academically and at popular levels.
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. For a full list, click here.
Grace has formerly volunteered at the RICE Movement as the co-host of the podcast ‘Did You Eat Yet?’, been a Volunteer Associate at Interserve Culture Connect and State Ministry Team member of OMF Queensland. She was a Board of Reference member for the Centre for Asian Christianity at BST, and also a 2019 ADM (Anglican Deaconess Ministries) Summer Fellow.
Grace is currently serving as a pastor for the second generation Asian Australian church. She loves spending time with her family, being a mother and wife, and catching up on the latest Asian pop music, dramas and food.
Contextual Asian Ministry
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.
- 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
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”.
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.
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Diploma of Advanced Theology
- Bachelor of Theology
- Master of Theology
- PhD
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 Moorooka Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, Richard enjoys playing golf or tennis.
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.
- 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”)
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.
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.”
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
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.
- BMin/BTh (Hons.) – BST
- PhD – Australian Catholic University
(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
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.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
- B Speech Pathology (First class honours) – University of Queensland
- Masters of Divinity (Brisbane School of Theology)
- Current PhD candidate – Australian College of Theology
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.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
- 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
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.
BEng(Electrical), BDiv, MA(Theo)
DEPUTY CHAIR OF THE BOARD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
