Sydney Missionary & Bible College - SMBC

Thinking about doing a Christian gap year, or know someone who is? Check out SMBC's gap year program - The Bridge Gap Year
💻 Visit the website: https://thebridge.smbc.edu.au
💬 Contact the team: https://buff.ly/1IGnZfy
📆 Come to the 6 Oct online Info Evening: https://buff.ly/udQM2bZ

Often our ability to listen and learn from someone is defined by who is powerful, who is influential, who is important. But what if history is not determined by importance?...

Read the full article on 2 Kings 5 by Kirk Patston at: https://buff.ly/onl5FiK

Ray Cunningham
12 /09/1923 – 23/07/2026

At 102, Ray Cunningham was perhaps SMBC’s oldest graduate! We give thanks to God for his many faithful and fruitful years.

Ray studied at SMBC in 1947-48. He had previously served in the Engineers division of the AIF during World War II – in Papua New Guinea (along the Kokoda Track) and later in Labuan, Borneo.

When he finished the war there, a few local Christians had implored some of the Christian Australian servicemen to return and bring the gospel to the animistic Dayak tribespeople of Borneo. Their entreaties left Ray with a deep determination to do so.

Ray (and later his wife Evelyn, with him) taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in Borneo from 1949 to 1990 – 42 years! The church he and his family helped plant, the Sidang Injil Borneo, is now a fully indigenously-led church with over 720 congregations, and over thirty languages and cultures combined into a unified fellowship in Christ.

Ray’s well lived 102 years shows the value of a long ministry. Learn more about his story in this 4 minute read: https://buff.ly/VtrZQyj

‘Well done good and faithful servant.’

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Photos:
1. Ray doing Bible translation alongside local colleagues, Borneo 1969.
2. SMBC Class of 1948 (Ray, middle row, 2nd from right).
3. Ray and classmates at SMBC peeling potatoes.
4. Ray Cunningham and Bruce Morton with their plane, Sydney 1949.

Congratulations to SMBC grad, Andrew Kerr, on his appointment to the Baptist Assembly Council!

"Andrew has served as a Baptist minister for four and a half years, following what he describes as a mid-life career change. Before entering pastoral ministry, he spent many years working as a Bank Manager with St George...

In 2018, Andrew and his wife, Kellie, found themselves asking a significant question: “What are we actually doing?” That conversation led Andrew to study at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. Shortly after finishing his time there, he began his role as Pastor of Gundagai Baptist Church.

Today, he’s part of a small but growing, cross-generational church that has been serving its community for around forty years...

Andrew’s ministry extends beyond Gundagai. He serves as a Creating Safe Spaces trainer across the region and is actively involved in the Riverina Baptist Network, regularly gathering online for prayer and encouragement.

That regional perspective is one of the reasons Andrew has joined Assembly Council.

When he was asked to consider nominating for an upcoming vacancy on Assembly Council, Andrew took time to pray, reflect and seek advice. “I asked pretty much everyone I knew what they thought,” he laughs. Ultimately, he sensed it would be an opportunity to serve both the Association the Riverina and Gundagai.

“It’s great to get a broad range of different voices to speak into the Association,” Andrew says. “There’s incredible diversity amongst our churches. It’s important to have voices that represent who we are.” "

Meet Andrew Kerr: Bringing a regional voice to Assembly Council - OurStory At The Gathering in May 2026, Andrew Kerr was appointed to the Assembly Council. As the pastor at Gundagai Baptist Church, his week can include preaching, leading Bible studies, providing pastoral care and responding to whatever needs arise. “We’re fairly typical of a lot of country churches,”...

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Jo Gibbs as Lecturer in Practical Theology.

Jo and her husband Mike are graduates of SMBC, with experience in intercultural mission in South Asia. Jo has also worked in pastoral ministry in Sydney. Most recently, she has served with Reach Australia, training and supporting leaders in both church planting and established church environments. Jo will serve part-time with SMBC, and part-time with Reach Australia.

“We love Jo’s passion to see more and more people reached with the gospel and are excited about the skills, experience, wisdom and character she brings to the role. We thank God for the gift of being able to welcome Jo to the SMBC community!”
– Anthony Brammall, SMBC Acting Principal

Learn more about Jo at: https://www.smbc.edu.au/people/jo-gibbs/

The Bridge Gap Year is SMBC’s Bible-centred, missions-focussed gap year program for 18 to 21s. The Bridge Online Info Evening is on TONIGHT!

It’s a great opportunity to learn about the program, meet the team and ask your questions. There’ll be a short presentation and time for Q&A. It’s ideal for anyone who’d like to know more about The Bridge – young adults, senior high school students, parents, pastors, school chaplains etc.

Get details and register now at: https://buff.ly/SBgZ1yv