Whitley College

11/10/2026

Welcome, Dr Nuam Hatzaw!

We are delighted to announce that Dr Nuam Hatzaw has been appointed as Whitley’s Lecturer in Practical Theology, commencing January 2027.

Dr Hatzaw is a Zomi theologian whose research sits at the intersection of practical theology, migration studies, and World Christianity. She joins Whitley bringing significant expertise in research methodologies, World Christianity, migration and diaspora studies, missiology, and feminist and contextual theologies.

Nuam has served as a Lecturer in Asian Christianity for Church Mission Society and was Research Development Fellow at the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the University of Edinburgh. Her doctoral thesis (University of Edinburgh) examined the lived experiences of 1.5 generation migrant Zomi women to construct a theology of in-betweenness for minoritized and diasporic contexts. Nuam also serves as a mentor and consultant for the Chin State Academic Research Network. She was a Visiting Scholar at Whitley in May 2026.

Whitley’s Acting Principal, Associate Professor Sean Winter welcomed Nuam’s appointment: ‘Nuam will bring to the Whitley Faculty a breadth and depth of experience and skills that will strengthen our commitments to theological education shaped by the contextual realities of the Asia-Pacific region. As a teacher, she is committed to supporting students from a range of cultural and education backgrounds. Her research addresses many of the fundamental questions facing our churches and our society in Australia. This is an important appointment not just for Whitley and the University of Divinity to which we belong, but also for the churches of the Baptist Union of Victoria as they seek to respond to God’s call to flourish on mission.’

Dr Hatzaw says: ‘I am excited to be joining Whitley College – an institution firmly rooted in Baptist heritage while also engaged, open-minded, and responsive to contemporary questions and issues. Its reputation for excellent theological education combined with genuine commitment to the personal and spiritual formation of students aligns well with my own values and sense of calling. My research and teaching examine questions of identity and belonging, and I can’t imagine a better place to learn and grow than Whitley College and Melbourne’s diverse and vibrant context. I look forward to contributing to the life of the College and wider Baptist community.’

06/10/2026

CRA are pleased to introduce the new Editor of the Journal of Contemporary Ministry - Timothy Pang.

Timothy's theological training includes an M.Div (Pastoral Ministries), and he is currently completing a PhD in Intercultural Studies through the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School focusing on the intersections of church and mission with digital technology & next-generations.

Timothy is currently serving as an Online Groups Pastor at Crossway Baptist, and is also an adjunct teaching assistant and academic tutor at Whitley College.

Timothy brings a range of editorial and writing experience to the role, in addition to connections into multicultural and international contexts which will contribute to JCMin's diverse contributors, readership & audience.
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The Journal of Contemporary Ministry is an annual peer-reviewed journal. We are always seeking submissions for articles related to contemporary ministry, including those related to theological and biblical questions. Visit the website to find out more:
https://www.journalofcontemporaryministry.com/index.php/jcm/about

05/10/2026

Come to our Open Day on 17th October!
Hear from our teaching staff and students, explore our courses, and find out why studying theology could be right for you.

This is a free event, but for catering purposes we ask you to please register via the link below:

Curious about theology and where it could take you? Join us for Whitley College Open Day on Saturday 17 October, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on campus in Box Hill. Open Day is a chance to experience Whitley for yourself! Discover theology at Whitley, meet our teaching staff & students, and explore cour...

26/09/2026

What are we invited to reflect on this Grand Final weekend?

As Melbourne turns its attention to the AFL Grand Final, there’s plenty of talk about preparation, performance, endurance and what it takes to keep going under pressure.

The Apostle Paul also uses sporting imagery to speak about Christian life:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24

Paul’s point goes beyond competition. He invites us to think about purpose, perseverance and what we are ultimately striving towards.

At Whitley, theology helps us explore how Scripture speaks into everyday life and culture.

Perhaps Grand Final weekend gives us reason to reflect not only on how we run the race, but on what is worthy of our effort, our attention and our lives.

Wishing you all a blessed long weekend.

24/09/2026

Meet Associate Professor Sean Winter, Dean of Research and Director of New Testament Studies at Whitley College.

Sean is an Associate Professor at the University of Divinity and an ordained Baptist minister, with more than three decades of experience across ministry, theological education, research and leadership.

Originally from the UK, Sean studied theology at the University of Bristol and Bristol Baptist College before completing a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament at Oxford. Before joining Whitley in 2024, he spent 16 years in teaching and leadership within the United Faculty of Theology and Pilgrim Theological College, serving as Principal of Pilgrim from 2018–2024.

At Whitley, Sean oversees our research program and teaches New Testament, particularly the letters and theology of Paul. He is also a regular speaker and preacher in churches and church networks.

Sean is married to Katherine and has two adult daughters. Away from teaching, preaching and research, he enjoys co-ownership of a property in the Macedon Ranges, where he helps make w**e, mow the paddocks and cook the lunches, as well as eating out and attending the opera and MSO.

If you’ve heard Sean preach, you’ll know what an excellent communicator he is. If you’ve studied in one of his classes, you’ll understand why we so appreciate the depth of knowledge and wisdom he brings to Whitley.

Read more about Sean here: https://bit.ly/Sean_Winter

18/09/2026

Alumni in the Spotlight | Rev Dachan Kim

Whitley graduate Rev Dachan Kim is putting theological learning into practice as Senior Pastor of Coburg Baptist Church, where a strong focus on evangelism and discipleship is helping shape a growing and active church community.

Over the past 18 months, attendance has doubled, three people have been baptised, and the church has introduced new initiatives including street outreach, Kids Church, Bible studies and weekly prayer gatherings.

Following recent training with Australia For Jesus, members of the church took their evangelism onto the streets of Coburg, where around 30 people heard the gospel.

“We were quite surprised at how ready people were to listen,” Dachan said.

We’re thrilled to see Whitley alumni like Dachan living out their faith with purpose, bringing their theological formation into the life of the church and making a meaningful difference in their communities.

We encourage you to read more about Dachan’s ministry and the growth taking place at Coburg Baptist Church here: https://www.whitley.edu.au/alumni-in-the-spotlight-rev-dachan-kim/

16/09/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Angela Leung to the Whitley team!

Angela joins us with experience in administration roles, most recently at Monash College and Torrens University. At Whitley, she provides academic support to the Dean of Research, Registry, the Office of the Academic Dean, and our Faculty.

Angela has already become a wonderful addition to the team. She is helping us further develop our research focus at Whitley and is already working on some new and exciting initiatives in this space. She has settled into the College so naturally, and we’re all really enjoying getting to know her.

Angela is also a member of Central Chinese Baptist Church, and we’re very pleased to have her as part of the Whitley community.

Please join us in giving Angela a very warm welcome!

08/09/2026

Come and experience one of our Whitley students bringing theology to life through performance and creativity.

This Friday, Whitley student Hua Priestly, who is currently studying 'Introducing the Hebrew Bible', will present 'No Regrets: The Romantic Confession of a Muggle-born Theology Student - A Theological Cabaret' as part of Yarra Theological Union’s Cultural Night.

Written and performed by Hua, the cabaret brings theology and performance together in a creative and playful way, drawing on ideas and themes she has been exploring through her studies, including creation.

Friday 11 September
Approximately 7:30 pm
YTU at St Paschal - 90 Albion Road, Box Hill

Everyone is welcome to come along and support Hua as she shares this creative expression of her theological ideas and learning.

Read more and RSVP here: https://ytu.edu.au/ytu-src-cultural-night/

Visit the post for more.

08/09/2026

Whitley students: discover how Accordance Software can support your biblical studies.

Join Ryan Mudge, PhD, from Accordance Software for a 45-minute Zoom session exploring practical tools for biblical study and exegesis, including original languages, lexicons, concordance searches, translations and commentaries.

Dr Megan Turton recommends Accordance in her Hebrew and Hebrew Bible classes as a valuable learning and exegetical tool.

Wednesday 16 September
5:00 pm
Online via Zoom

Whitley students interested in purchasing Accordance will also receive a 50% discount code.

This invitation is open to anyone in the Whitley community with an interest in biblical studies, particularly those interested in studying Hebrew or the Hebrew Bible.

If you would like to join the session, please email [email protected] and request the Zoom link.

04/09/2026

Meet Sarah, Director of TransFormation and a Whitley alumnus.

TransFormation is a specialist Diploma level program that offers theological education and leadership formation for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students, whose first language is not English.

Sarah is a second-generation Vietnamese Australian who is highly active in ministry at her local Vietnamese church. Sarah obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) through Melbourne University, and completed a Master of Divinity in 2020 at the University of Divinity, which included the completion of a minor thesis.

Sarah is also a gifted musician, leading staff in worship at prayers and chapel services. She is passionate about seeing people engage with the Bible holistically and helping others to discover the fullness of God’s work in themselves and in the world. She also enjoys a good cup of coffee, and spending time with her family.

We are blessed to have Sarah as part of our gifted, passionate and Jesus-led team.

You can read more about Sarah including her publications on our website: https://www.whitley.edu.au/people/sarah-do/