New Principal for Melbourne School of Theology

Posted on July 20, 2011 
Filed under News

Here’s a press release from the Melbourne School of Theology (formerly the Bible College of Victoria) –

Melbourne School of Theology announced today that Mr Timothy Meyers will take on the role of Principal of the College from December 2011.

MST Council President Ian Cathie said the Council was united and excited about Mr Meyers’ appointment and expressed the Council’s thanksgiving to God.

“The Council earnestly sought the Lord’s leading over many months to identify the person of His choosing for this unique and strategic role, and we give thanks to God for providing the Council with such a clear sense of conviction.  

“We are truly grateful for the gifts of leadership and strong relationships Tim will bring to this new season in the development of MST and we ask supporters to support and pray for Tim as he prepares to take up his new responsibilities,” Mr Cathie said.

“Tim joins the college at a strategic point in its development, highlighted by the College’s move to new premises at Wantirna to co-locate the various arms of MST,” Mr Cathie said.

The move to the new campus follows strategic growth in MST Nash Institute, serving the church through postgraduate research; MST Chinese, training Christian leaders in the Chinese-speaking church in Australia and across Asia and; the Centre for the Study of Islam (CSIOF), helping Christians understand Islam academically and engage with their Muslim neighbours at a community level.

The strong growth has also been reflected in the appointment of four new faculty members – Dr Andrew Brown (Old Testament), Dr Scott Harrower (Theology and Church History), Dr Peter Tie (Theology, Chinese Faculty) and Peter Orr (completing his PhD in Biblical Studies at Durham University UK).

The appointment also coincides with record enrolments for second semester, with at least 50 new students signing up to study at MST.

“My wife, Kathryn and I are both delighted to accept the invitation to come on board at MST at such a strategic time in its growth,” Mr Meyers said.

“I am acutely aware of the challenge, responsibility and honour of spiritual leadership and feel deeply honoured to be asked to take on this strategic position in the work of the church and in the ministry of the gospel.”

“I carry a profound awareness of my personal need, and the entire College community, for a fresh outpouring of grace and wisdom, courage, vision and clarity of purpose, that will enable us all to continue to facilitate the incredible contribution, and blessing that has been the ministry of MBI, BCV and MST over so many years,” he said.

“I look forward immensely to working with the faculty and staff, Council and supporters, students and alumni to see MST continue to inspire, equip, empower, and mobilise men and women to serve Christ, faithfully and effectively, throughout the world.

Current Principal Rev Michael Raiter said he was fully supportive of the appointment.

“I’ve known Tim for many years as a friend, a Council member and a colleague in Kingdom ministry and could not think of a better candidate for the role at this stage of MST’s development,” said Rev Raiter, who leaves MST at the end of 2011 to take up new ministry opportunities in 2012.

“Tim has unique gifts, is well known across the broader church in Australia, is highly entrepreneurial, and is a strategic leader … in short, he has my full support and that of the faculty and staff. We look forward to the great things that God will do through him,” Rev Raiter said.

The Board, staff and volunteers of Pioneers Australia and Pioneers International were also overwhelmingly supportive –

Mr Meyers signed off his letter to Council and faculty with a reflection on Psalm 90 v17:

May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

“Never more so has this been my prayer, my hope, and my reassurance, than right now as we take this step of faith.  It is our Father’s work, and we are privileged indeed to be called to be part of it,” he wrote.

—- (Photo courtesy MST.)