Dr Megan Turton will take on the role she has effectively been working towards since 2016 as an adjunct lecturer at the college. In joining the Whitley staff, her professional life will be more fulsome and collaborative, working with the Whitley community and faculty.

“My association with Whitley began in 2012 when studying Hebrew with Rev Dr Val Billingham,” she says. “She was an amazing teacher.

“Even from the earliest days of study I could tell Whitley was a warm, learning community. There was a difference in how people cared for each other.”

She is attracted to the Hebrew text because it gives deeper understanding and access to the Holy Bible. “It is also a beautiful language in and of itself,” she says. “It’s a cultural window into the text, allowing direct access into those thoughts and ideas.”

Dr Turton has nurtured a deep passion for the topic for more than a decade.

“It’s fascinating that the ancient authors were concerned with the same fundamental questions that occupy us today,” she says. “I’m eager to speak into the way the Hebrew Bible speaks into these issues.”

Dr Turton feels this is especially true now during Covid 19, where we are collectively experiencing problems of physical and mental health. “We are trying to make sense of what is happening, this all relates to crises we see in the Hebrew Bible.”

She has high hopes for what she will bring to the role: “Passion and excitement. I want students to feel excited by the Biblical text, to feel empowered to read and interpret it, and understand how the interpretation relates to them.”

She plans to continue her personal research into the character of Biblical law and its propensity for change and interpretation, the topic on which her PhD was based.

When Dr Turton does take a break from the books and study, she enjoys the outdoors. “I’m definitely a different person in nature,” she says. “It tends to bring me out of myself and my human concerns. You can see you’re part of a great ecosystem.

“I love bushwalking and the Australian landscape. Last year, during lockdown, I took up bird watching. I’ve been really enjoying doing this with my husband Micah.

“I’m also a Geelong supporter. I never thought I’d be into football but I married into a Cats family. And they (the team and the in-laws) have grown on me!

The post Introducing our new Lecturer in Hebrew Bible and Language appeared first on Whitley College.

The preacher, musician and public speaker, says she is excited by the opportunity and is eager to thoroughly and passionately present Baptist identity and history to a wider group of people.

The appointment continues a long relationship between Whitley and Collins St Baptist Church, the beginnings of which hark back to the early days of the college’s existence.

She will start her new role in January 2022.

“This feels like a coming together of the past 20 year’s work, study and research. So much of what I do at Collins St has been around teaching and preaching. This is a way of expanding and developing my lifelong commitment to the Baptist movement.”

Rev Francis says she was born into the Baptist church and that she is now Baptist by conviction.

She already has a relationship with the college and has even taken on some adjunct lecturing over the years. However, her initial association with Whitley goes back to 1999 when she was a Bachelor of Theology student. In fact, this was when she met her husband Karl. “It was in our first class, Introduction to Mission with Ross Langmead. People seem to enjoy hearing this story of how we met.” The couple now have two teenage children.

Rev Francis says she loves the free exchange of ideas which happen in the classroom, and that she is looking forward to developing strong relationships with colleagues and students.

She also anticipates furthering her own research at Whitley and plans to do a PhD around the topics of religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

When she is not working, Rev Francis describes herself as a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter; even going so far as to calling her commitment “a second religion.”

Another fun fact, she is a classically trained singer and in non-pandemic times performs with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra!

Rev Francis will be taking over for Rev Dr Marita Munro who will be retiring at the end of the year.

The post Introducing our new Lecturer in Baptist Identity and History appeared first on Whitley College.

As the Baptist College of Victoria and as an agency of the Baptist Union, Whitley College is dedicated to providing high quality theological educational resources to all of those committed to the call of God and to the life and mission of the Church in a rapidly changing society. In offering theological education through a comprehensive range of diplomas and degrees accredited by the University of Divinity, professional development opportunities, advanced research programs, and innovative and flexible training initiatives, Whitley seeks to fulfil its mission to equip men and women for leadership and service in a variety of ministries in church and society. Whitley is committed to creating an even stronger and dynamic learning environment for students and to develop further the relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Primary objectives

Whitley is seeking a person to fulfil the position of (Associate) Professor of New Testament. The (Associate) Professor is to be responsible for conducting, coordinating and developing teaching and research in the area of New Testament studies at Whitley College.

The (Associate) Professor of New Testament is responsible for making original contributions to knowledge and practice through research, writing and teaching.  It is expected the (Associate) Professor would develop the educational offerings in the area of New Testament studies, building links with other national and international partners in teaching and research.

Position Description

Read the full Professor of New Testament Position Description.

Enquiries

Prospective and interested candidates may direct inquiries to the Principal of Whitley College, Rev Professor René Erwich.

Applications

Please submit your application no later than 14 September 2020 to ntstudies@whitley.edu.au.

Applicants are kindly requested to include in their application:

• Full curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Three letters of reference

The successful applicant will be expected to take up the position by 1 November 2020 or earlier by negotiation.

The post Jobs | Professor of New Testament appeared first on Whitley College.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Sherlock, said that:

“Professor Erwich’s contributions to theological scholarship, research and leadership are great gifts to the University of Divinity, Whitley College, and the societies we serve. This professorial appointment recognises his sustained commitment to engagement with the issues of the contemporary world, and as such exemplifies the University’s Vision. I look forward to the continued leadership Professor Erwich will provide in and beyond the University, especially in applied and collaborative research.”

The citation for the appointment is:

Professor René Erwich is an internationally recognised expert in Christian theology and ministry and its application to contemporary society. His research involves a hopeful articulation of Christian faith in engagement with the needs and challenges of secular society. He has been the recipient of several major grants for applied and collaborative research, including projects on spiritual leadership in a post-Christian society and Christian identity in health care. Professor Erwich is also widely recognised for his teaching in pastoral theology and missiology. Scholarly appreciation of his work has led to numerous guest lectureships and conference presentations in many parts of the world. He has rendered significant leadership to the church and academy as Research Professor in Theology at the Ede Christian University in the Netherlands and since 2017 as Principal of Whitley College.

(This article originally appeared in Vox on 1 November 2019)

The post René Erwich appointed Professor of the University appeared first on Whitley College.

Lynn comes to us with 17 years of experience working in higher education and many years of ministry experience within local churches. Having been raised at Syndal Baptist and then involved in ministry leadership at City Life and other Pentecostal churches, Lynn’s breadth of experience has brought her an appreciation of the diversity that exists within the Christian tradition.

Lynn pursued her doctoral studies at Fuller Seminary, in the United States, examining how to equip evangelical believers to navigate the faith-formation stages of spiritual darkness and doubt.

Lynn has been a high-profile public speaker and leader in the broader Church and we look forward to the contribution that she will bring to the faculty, students and life of the College.

The post Introducing our new Lecturer in Pastoral Studies appeared first on Whitley College.

Date:

Saturday 6 April 2019, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Venue:

Whitley College, 50 The Avenue, Parkville, VIC

Cost:

$7 (light lunch provided)

Speakers:

• Uncle Rev Ray Minniecon: ‘Walking the Land’
• Aunty Rev Patricia Courtenay: ‘Aboriginal spirituality in an era of displacement’
• Aunty Rev Janet Turpie Johnstone: ‘Bunjil weaves past and future in the present’
• Uncle Dr Terry LeBlanc: ‘Native perspectives on Land and Place’
• Professor Mark Brett & Naomi Wolfe: ‘Traditional Land and the Responsibility to Protect Immigrants: A Dialogue between Aboriginal Tradition and the Hebrew Bible’

Program:

• 9:30am –  Coffee and Tea
• 10:00am – Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
• Session 1: Uncle Rev Ray Minniecon
  • Question Time/Response
• Session 2: Aunty Rev Patricia Courtenay:
  • Question Time/Response
• Lunch
• Session 3: Professor Mark Brett & Naomi Wolfe
  • Question Time/Response
• Session 4: Uncle Dr Terry LeBlanc
  • Question Time/Response
• Session 5: Aunty Rev Janet Turpie Johnstone
  • Question Time/Response
• Closing Comments

For more info:

Contact Naomi Wolfe, nwolfe@naiits.com, 0411 304 213

Register

The post Land and Place: Indigenous Perspectives in an Era of Displacement appeared first on Whitley College.

Mrs Cindy Derrenbacker

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Cindy Derrenbacker as our new Librarian at Whitley College.

Cindy has extensive experience as a theological librarian, having worked for several theological colleges in Canada, the American Theological Library Association, and also undertaken theological study at Wheaton and Regent’s College. She participated closely in the planning, design and administration of an award-winning new library facility for the School of Architecture at Laurentian University.

Cindy has only recently arrived in Australia, joining her husband Bob who has been appointed Dean of Trinity Theological College.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for theological librarianship. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Whitley team.

The post Introducing our new Librarian appeared first on Whitley College.

(L–R) Lorraine Mitchell, Marita Munro and Roslyn Otzen

Marita Munro

Lorraine Mitchell

Roslyn Otzen

The post Whitley College writes official history of Baptcare appeared first on Whitley College.

Tour dates:

Sunday 4 November – Saturday 17 November 2018

Tour cost:

From $5,750 AUD (Based on standard double/twin rooms)

Payment Plan

Deposit (due within 7 days of booking): $2,400 AUD

Balance due ASAP.

Please note: final amount may vary, depending on airfares available at time of booking, single supplements and any other variation in component prices. Please refer to the application form for full details.

To Register:

Contact Karen at the Whitley College Office on (03) 9340 8100, or via email, to receive the full details and application forms.

Downloads:

• Tour Itinerary
• Registration Form

Tour itinerary:

Day 1 | Sunday 4 November

• Depart Melbourne

Day 2 | Monday 5 November

• Arrive Dubai (3 hours layover)
• Depart Dubai
• Arrive Amman, Jordan
• Visit Amman Citadel
• Dinner at hotel

Day 3 | Tuesday 6 November

• Madaba, ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land and ruins of historical sites
• Mt Nebo
• Byzantine church with a mosaic floor at Greek Orthodox Church of St George
• “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” — the baptismal site on the Jordan River
• Cross the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing into Israel
• Meet our Israel Tour Guide and Coach Driver
• Yardenit — the baptismal site on the Jordan River, the river where John the Baptist baptized Jesus
• Dinner Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse

Day 4 | Wednesday 7 November

• Bethlehem Bible College Tour
• Drive to Jerusalem, then visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum)
• Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Fields on the way back if time permits
• Breakfast and Dinner at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse

Day 5 | Thursday 8 November

• Drive through West Jerusalem and pass the Israel Parliament (Knesset)
• Garden Tomb
• Mt Zion, Upper room where Jesus held the Lord’s Supper
• King David’s Tomb
• Walk through the Jewish Quarter
• If time permits, Church of the Visitation at Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist
• Breakfast and Dinner at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse

Day 6 | Friday 9 November

• Jericho, cable car to explore the oldest city on earth
• Beit She’an (Scythopolis of the Decapolis)
• Sepphoris, view the archaeological site
• Nazareth Village, open-air museum
• Church of Annunciation
• Breakfast at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse and Dinner at your hotel

Day 7 | Saturday 10 November

• Mount of Beatitudes, panoramic view of the Galilee
• Tabgha, site of the Feeding of the 5,000
• Primacy of Peter, Church of Multiplication
• Capernaum, town of Jesus
• Special Lunch — St Peter Fish dish at St Peter’s Restaurant (included)
• Banias ancient Caesarea Philippi
• Hula Valley and the Upper Galilee
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 8 | Sunday 11 November

• Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, as the disciples did 2000 years ago
• Yigal Alon Museum, Kibbutz Ginosar, ancient “Jesus Boat”
• Megiddo
• Mt Carmel
• Caesarea Maritima
• Old Town Jaffa, St Peter’s Church
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 9 | Monday 12 November

• Free day in Jerusalem
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 10 | Tuesday 13 November

• Masada, cable car
• Ein Gedi, hike to waterfall
• Qumran
• Cross the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing into Jordan
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 11 | Wednesday 14 November

• Enter Petra
• Horseback to the “Siq” (canyon) and then on foot to Petra known as red rock city
• Overnight in Dead Sea
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 12 | Thursday 15 November

• Drive to Jerash
• Dead Sea, hotel and float
• Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel

Day 13 | Friday 16 November

• After breakfast enjoy a free morning
• Transfer to Queen Alia Airport
• Depart Amman, Jordan
• Arrive Dubai (5 hours layover)
• Depart Dubai

Day 14 | Saturday 17 November

• Arrive Melbourne

Package Inclusions:

Price Includes:

• Return group transfers
• Meeting & assistance on arrival at Queen Aliyah Airport
• Assistance on departure at Queen Aliyah Airport
• Sightseeing as per program
• Services of an English-speaking professional local guide
• Entrance fees mentioned in the program
• Air-conditioned transportation according to group size including driver
• Porters at the hotels
• Bethlehem College Tour and Lectures
• Meal inclusion:
  • Half board (includes breakfast and dinner at the hotel daily)
  • St. Peter’s fish lunch at the Sea of Galilee
  • Lunch at Bethlehem College or Connect Cafe

Extra Costs:

• Passports
• Travel insurance: Must be arranged at the time of the booking
• Single Supplement available for an extra $995 AUD (subject to availability)
• Flights (other than specified on the itinerary)
• Optional experiences
• Excess baggage
• Meals and drinks other than specified on the itinerary
• Expenses of a personal nature, beverages and incidentals at the hotels
• Transportation, sightseeing and admissions other than specified

The post Whitley-BUV Study Tour 2018 appeared first on Whitley College.

The appointment of Dr Mallaby is the conclusion of a thorough search and discernment process in the past few weeks. Anne has been working with Whitley College since 2012 in the capacity as lecturer in Pastoral Studies and is involved in the crucial work of training ordination candidates for ministry in BUV-churches. We look forward to working with Anne in her new role at Whitley and wish her God’s blessing in this important time for the College and our denomination.

The post Introducing our new Academic Dean appeared first on Whitley College.