How well do you know us at Whitley?

You may have heard about us from a friend or your Pastor, or seen one of our team members speaking at your Church. Perhaps you’ve thought about studying here? Or maybe you think that Whitley is not for you. You might know us well – we have more to share with you!

Join us at one of our upcoming Community Days!

Tuesday, October 15 from 11am – 2pm 
or
Sunday October 20 from 2pm – 5pm
at
St Paschal Precinct, 90 Albion Rd, Box Hill.

Hear from students past and present and our staff about what it means to study here, and what it means to be part of this diverse, supportive and dynamic learning community.

The teaching team will share about the key learning areas from Bible, Theology, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Care, Practical Theology and more. Students will share how Whitley has enriched the different areas of their lives.

There’ll be time for questions and conversation. We’ll be providing a delicious banquet lunch on Tuesday and a decadent afternoon tea on Sunday.

These events are free, and we encourage current students, alumni, and friends to come along and bring someone new to Whitley. The worst that can happen is that you mingle with new and familiar people over delicious food.

Each registered attendee will receive a gift. There will also be a door prize and a silent auction to raise money for The Meewon Yang OAM Education Fund.

Don’t miss out. Experience Whitley and make up your own mind about who we are.

We look forward to welcoming you!

More details will be released soon.

REGISTER TO ATTEND.

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Stepping into the role of Digital Learning Designer and Innovation Lead at Whitley, Evan is eager to contribute his expertise to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Evan is married to Jo and they have three teenage children. The family are active members of New Community Ringwood. Evan also loves opportunities to host his community music project, Live in the Saddle.

Whitley is thrilled to welcome Evan to the team and we’re excited about enhancing our digital learning capabilities to better serve our students.

The post Whitley Welcomes Evan Englezos as Digital Learning Design and Innovation Lead. appeared first on Whitley College.

Neil’s most recent employment was in aged care/retirement, where he was responsible for the finance, construction, maintenance and corporate services.  “My 7 years working in that setting was rewarding and challenging, particularly when Covid was most active”.  Before this, Neil worked for the Victorian Government, assisting with their budgeting, major project delivery and regulation reduction.

Of his transition to Whitley, Neil says;

“I have been incredibly impressed by every staff member I have met.  I have regularly witnessed the friendly and professional approach staff show to each other and to our students.  Nothing seems to be too much trouble.  I also sense a strong feeling of optimism with many improvement initiatives underway, combined with a deep commitment to continually improving and supporting our students in their learning.”

In his new role, Neil is looking forward to finalising the plans to support our staff and students at our redeveloped campus in Parkville.  “While the University has been incredibly hospitable in hosting us at this extraordinarily picturesque location in Box Hill, I appreciate there is nothing quite like having our own home”.  

Outside of work Neil enjoys travelling and watching and playing most sports.  He also greatly enjoys spending time with his wife Jacquie, and their two boys who are 19 and 20 years old.  Neil is also involved in the Narre Warren Baptist Church where his family has worshipped for almost 20 years.

The post Whitley Welcomes Neil Morgan as COO appeared first on Whitley College.

In July, Whitley College was thrilled to welcome Grace Ji-Sun Kim, all the way from Indiana, USA. Grace was on a speaking tour in Melbourne, to promote her new book, ‘When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity’. Her book explores how Western Christians think about God as a white male, and how that image has been dismantled over time. She considers the harmful impact the distorted view of God has had on the world and shows what it looks like to recover the biblical reality of a nonwhite, nongendered God. Read more here. 

Grace presented Darrell and the Whitley team with her new book. Copies were also purchased for the Whitley Library. The hospitality continued with a lovely dinner and conversation with Grace, Whitley staff, and friends. We congratulate Grace on her literary achievement and look forward to another visit soon.

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More about Grace Ji_Sun Kim

Grace Ji-Sun Kim (Ph.D. University of St. Michael’s College) was born in Korea, educated in Canada and now teaches in the USA as Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion, Richmond, Indiana. She is the author or editor of 24 books, most recently, When God Became White,Suffering God, Invisible, and Spirit Life.

Kim is the host of Madang podcast which is sponsored by the Christian Century. She blogs on her substack: Loving Life: Loving Life and has written for Huffington Post, The Nation, Sojourners, Baptist News Global, Faith and Leadership and TIME. Kim has appeared on MSNBC, PBS and C-Span. She has been a guest on BBC Radio, Soul Search Radio, WBEZ Radio, and Keep Hope Alive Radio. She is an ordained PC(USA) minister and enjoys being a guest preacher on most Sundays. She is a book series Co-Editor for Palgrave Macmillan Series, “Asian Christianity in the Diaspora,” and has served on the American Academy of Religion’s Board of Directors.

Kim is honored to be included in the Englewood Review of Book‘s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading” and Sojourners included Kim as one of “8 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2023.”

Eerdmans included her in their list of Five Great Women Scholars, and the Englewood Review of Books named her in their list of Ten Important Women Theologians You Should Be Reading.  ” Englewood Review of Book included Kim in their list of books to read under “Our God is Too White? Diversifying our Theology”.

The post Celebrating the literary achievement of Grace Ji-Sun Kim. appeared first on Whitley College.

The 2024 Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering in Lagos, Nigeria, was attended by Whitley’s Principal Rev Associate Professor Darrell Jackson and Interim Director of Research, Rev Dr Titus Olorunnisola. This annual event connects Baptist leaders from across the globe through worship, prayer, learning, relationship building, and shared ministry.

Darrell and Titus led a ‘Commission on Mission’ workshop that considered polycentric and polyvocal mission approaches. It was a rich, collaborative learning experience with Baptist mission leaders from across the globe contributing to the “Many Places-Many Voices” research project. Discussion centered on how to build just, equitable, and innovative partnerships in the changing world of global mission.

Watch the ‘Many Places Many Voices’ video to learn more. It features Darrell and Titus, along with other leaders, and explores the challenges faced by World Christianity.

To add to the significance of the Lagos visit, Darrell and Titus awarded Rev Dr Uzoma Uzoeshi with his PhD from the University of Divinity. Uzoma received a scholarship to complete his doctorate through the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Despite facing delays, particularly due to the pandemic, Dr Uzoeshi finally received his award in the presence of the Global Baptist family. Whitley congratulates Rev Dr Uzoma Uzoeshi on his impressive accomplishment and looks forward to the important contribution he will continue to make in his community and beyond.

It was a memorable event for Darrell, Titus, Uzoma and all attendees. 

The post Whitley at ‘The 2024 Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering’ in Lagos, Nigeria. appeared first on Whitley College.

On Saturday, July 27, we celebrated 20 years of the TransFormation Program with a heartwarming milestone event. Two hundred people gathered at Essendon Baptist Church to rejoice in a program that has enriched the lives of many people from migrant Church communities in Melbourne and beyond.

The day belonged to the inspiring TransFormation students from past and present. Hearing their courageous testimonies, stories of faith, and how TransFormation shaped their journey was humbling and uplifting. We were also blessed to hear from the program founders, Rev Jullian Stewart and Rev Frank Rees, and have Rev Dr Geoff Pound and Rev Alan Marr in attendance. You couldn’t deny the feeling of nostalgia in the room, and deep sense of gratitude for those who championed the program, pride in the students and their accomplishments, and hope for TransFormation into the future.

A special mention to former TransFormation student and current Whitley Masters student Weimin Zhang for doing an exceptional job as MC. Min is made for the stage! We give thanks to current TransFormation Student Miriama Toeleiu and the Terminal Crew for leading worship and lifting the church ceiling! TransFormation student Phunbik (Bik) Kung performed his original song of praise and gave a performance worthy of a global audience. Wow! Thank you to Geoff Maddock from Baptist Mission Australia, who was our photographer on the day! He’s a skilled photographer. See all the photos from the day here. As always, we are grateful for the support of master event planner Charlene Delos Santos and the BUV team.

TransFormation Program Director Sarah Do did an incredible job curating the day and closed the event with an inspiring message of hope for TransFormation into the future.

We must mention the delicious lunch catered by Free Burma Catering. The Free Burma Catering is a social enterprise designed to help newly settled Burmese refugees in the Springvale area. The only time the event was quiet was during lunch, which left us speechless from the first mouthful.

Thank you to everyone who attended the celebration. For those who missed the event or want to relive it, you can see a full livestream here.

At the event, we sold merchandise, with all profits going to the TransFormation Program. Visit the link and buy some merch for yourself! You’ll love the trucker hats and drink cups. Get in quick as we have a limited supply.

Read more about TransFormation here.

The post Experience the 20-year TransFormation Anniversary Celebration appeared first on Whitley College.

Support the TransFormation Program and purchase some branded merchandise. All proceeds go to the program. Choose from a Hippo Drinking Cup, a Trucker Cap or both! 

The Hippo cup is double walled, keeping your drinks warm or cool for 12 hours! It’s big too, so you can sip away all day. Each bottle is strong and durable, from its handle to a convenient screw-on clear lid with straw. The size is 160mm W x 80mm H. Purchase the cup for $30.

The Trucker Cap is also durable, and size adjustable. Purchase one for $25.

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Payments can me made via credit card on the Whitley Donation Page here. Type in the amount of your purchase and follow the instructions. 

You can also purchase via bank transfer as follows:

Account Name: UNIVERSITY OF DIVINITY
BSB: 013345
Account Number: 304361518

For all credit card payments via the donation link and bank transfers, please follow the transaction with an email to Carrie, with details of your purchase (ie, items you purchased, amount) and your contact number. All items must be collected from Carrie at Whitley College. – 90 Albion Rd, Box Hill.

Alternatively, you can purchase onsite from Carrie at Whitley College.

Get in quick. Stock is limited.

Thank you for your support.

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Whitley College Council Chair Rev Katrina Lambert today announced that the Rev Associate Professor Darrell Jackson has been appointed as Principal of Whitley College.

Associate Professor Jackson served four years as Whitley’s Dean of Research and has been acting as the College’s Interim Principal since August 2023. He was ordained to pastoral ministry at East Dartmoor Baptist Church (UK), before going on to work as National Mission Advisor to the Baptist Union of Great Britain for eleven years, followed by three years as the Executive Researcher in European Mission and Evangelism for the European peak ecumenical body. Associate Professor Jackson was a faculty member and founding Director of a European Mission Research Centre at Redcliffe College (UK) for five years and has served as visiting and adjunct faculty at Bristol Baptist College, and the International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, CZ.

In 2012, Darrell was invited to serve on the faculty of Morling College, Sydney, as their Associate Professor of Missiology, before moving to Whitley in August 2019. Rev Lambert said: “The College Council warmly welcomes Associate Professor Jackson’s appointment as the new Principal of Whitley College. He brings a deep commitment to the Baptist Church and its mission in the world. He also brings a strong history of leadership and partnership in teaching and research in an ecumenical and evangelical context. The primary objective of the Principal’s role is to foster and implement a shared and compelling vision for the college that reflects its theological and ministry formation mission. Darrell is passionate about shaping theologically informed people as a resource for the Baptist movement, local churches and the world. He has demonstrated his ability to work towards fostering an environment that supports this vision through collaboration with staff, students and the wider Baptist community. The College Council looks forward to continuing working with him.”

Darrell’s response to the invitation from the College Council was characteristically optimistic, “I am delighted to receive this invitation and understand it as a way to express my call to Christian ministry through the service of discipleship, scholarship, and theological education. My experience of pastoral, denominational, and theological leadership finds their fulfilment in this call to serve Whitley College as its next Principal. I invite the Baptist community in Victoria to continue praying for myself and colleagues, as we seek to model what it means to be faithful and scholarly followers of Jesus.” Associate Professor Jackson will take up the role immediately and his appointment will be presented to the Baptist Union of Victoria’s Gathering for affirmation in October.

Rev Katrina Lambert,
On behalf of the College Council.

The post Whitley College Appoints a New Principal appeared first on Whitley College.

Associate Professor Sean Winter brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. He previously served at the UCA’s Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity (2009-2024) where he was Lecturer, Dean, and then Principal, as well as at Northern Baptist College (Manchester), where he held the position of Tutor in New Testament Studies. During his time there, Sean played a crucial role in shaping the college’s biblical studies curriculum and contributing to its reputation as a centre for Baptist theological education in the United Kingdom.

Commenting on his appointment, Rev Associate Professor Winter said, “I’ve had informal connections with Whitley for over 20 years.  I’m thrilled to now have the chance to participate in the College’s work directly. I am delighted to be joining an excellent team of colleagues and to have the chance to contribute to its crucial educational work in the coming years.”

The Interim Principal of Whitley College, Rev Associate Professor Darrell Jackson, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: “We’re equally thrilled to welcome Sean to Whitley in 2024. His expertise in biblical studies and academic leadership, combined with a pastoral approach to students and a clear sense of Baptist vision, make him the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to his strengthening of the enviable research culture that is a hallmark of Whitley as a place of theological excellence; understood as our participation in the mission of God.”

The Whitley team welcomes Sean and offers prayers as he prepares for his next chapter at Whitley.

The post Whitley Welcomes Rev Associate Professor Sean Winter appeared first on Whitley College.

The Fund will advance the education of students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and with a first language other than English (LOTE).

About the Scholarship Fund

This fund extends Whitley’s commitment to preparing CALD-LOTE students to do great things in their Christian context and beyond, as we have done for hundreds of students over the past 20 years. Theological formation and learning English are key to the education that Whitley provides, through our Courses and the TransFormation Program.

Our supportive and dedicated learning environment allows us to provide long-term mentoring and coaching to the many CALD-LOTE students who seek ordination to serve within the churches of the BUV.

The Meewon Yang Education Fund will be allocated across three key areas. It will:

• Provide culturally appropriate tutorial support for CALD-LOTE students in the TransFormation program and Undergraduate and Graduate Courses of Whitley College;
• Provide scholarships to subsidise CALD-LOTE students, to enable them to pursue their studies in the TransFormation Program and Undergraduate and Graduate Courses. Particular attention will be given to students moving from TransFormation to Undergraduate and Graduate Courses;
• Provide bursaries to assist in-need and deserving CALD-LOTE students, to meet the direct costs of their education.

Funds will be allocated annually, by a dedicated Committee of staff, students, and friends from the wider Baptist community with a close interest in the education of CALD-LOTE students.

We are delighted that Rev Meewon Yang OAM has agreed to be the patron of this fund.

How to contribute

Make a one-off payment or set up a direct debit arrangement for ongoing regular contributions.
Gifts over $2 are tax-deductible, and a DGR tax receipt will be issued.

Visit the online Whitley College Donation page to donate by credit card. 

To donate by cheque or direct debit, please download the Donation Form here, nominating the Whitley College Fund. 

You can also donate via Bank transfer to:

Account Name: UNIVERSITY OF DIVINITY
BSB: 013381
Account Number: 659654934

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As per our current fundraising arrangement with the University of Divinity, for contributions via bank transfer, we ask that you follow your donation with an email to Whitley College Accountant Liz Mascia, with the following information:

• The value of your gift
• The date it was gifted
• That you are gifting to ‘The Meewon Yang OAM Scholarship Fund’

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Please direct your queries to Whitley’s Executive Assistant to the Principal Carrie Chiu.

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About Meewon Yang

Rev Meewon Yang has served as the Multicultural Consultant for the Baptist Union of Victoria for over 25 years. In this capacity, she has tirelessly supported the creation of many CALD church communities in Victoria and encouraged countless pastors and church leaders. Meewon is a strong advocate for asylum seekers and refugees and works tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusivity in her community.

Meewon is also an alumna of Whitley College (including a BTh and MTh). She has served as an adjunct lecturer for the College and was instrumental in developing the Transformation Program. Meewon continues to be an important support to CALD-LOTE students.

Meewon was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2023, for her service to Baptist Churches of Australia, and for her service in supporting refugees.

Whitley College honours Meewon’s contribution by naming this fund after her.

About Whitley College

For almost 150 years Whitley College has been forming God’s people for Christian life and service. We strive to be biblical and contextual, faithful and scholarly, Baptist and diverse. We are passionate about serving and enabling students to fulfil their calling or vocation in places where God may be calling them!

We proudly serve culturally diverse cohorts of students across Australia and beyond. Whether on campus or online, every one of our students can be assured of a safe, supportive, and transformative educational experience.

Our TransFormation Program provides training for church leaders who serve in all denominations and whose first language is not English. It combines study, spiritual growth, worship and community experience which are essential in the formation of Christian leaders. It is designed to help people overcome the obstacles of time, money and language by delivering content in a way that best suits our multicultural students and in a supportive learning environment. We also offer classes on Saturdays and at a low cost. Learn more about the TransFormation Program here.

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