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Ridley College Podcast

Ridley College

Welcome to the Ridley College Podcast. Here, you’ll find Public Lectures, stories from our students and faculty, and insights from leading experts on the Bible, theology and ministry.

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  • S4 · E12
    September 3 · 28 min

    Inside Ridley: Semester Two, Reformation Tour & Women's Writing Retreat with Rhys Bezzant & Bec Muir

    🎙️ S4 E12 — Inside Ridley: Semester Two, Reformation Tour & Women's Writing Retreat with Rhys Bezzant & Bec Muir Episode Description In this episode of Inside Ridley, our Principal, Rhys Bezzant, sits down once again with faculty member Bec Muir for a warm catch-up on everything that's been happening at Ridley over the mid-year break. They cover a lot of ground, from the new kitchen and caterers on campus, to a new COO and CFO joining the executive team, to a long-awaited upgrade of the library catalogue that's already making life easier for students on campus and online. Bec shares highlights from Ridley's Women's Writing Retreat, a two-day gathering that brought together 40 women for focused writing time, workshops, and the kind of encouragement that's hard to find elsewhere. Rhys then takes listeners along on his recent Reformation tour through Germany, France and Switzerland, sharing two standout moments: Luther burning the papal bull at the spot where the local hospital burned its rags, and a centuries-old procession at the abbey church where Zwingli was radicalised. They also look ahead to Open Day, and give a shout-out to Ridley's often-invisible doctoral community, currently 28 strong and researching across the globe. A warm, wide-ranging, and genuinely enjoyable episode. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Open Day Explore studying Theology and Ministry at Ridley College and meet our faculty and other prospective students. Whether you join on campus or online, you’ll have the chance to hear from Ridley faculty, learn about our college and our courses, and ask any questions you may have about study or the admissions process. RSVP: https://www.ridley.edu.au/open/ Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ridley-melbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E11
    August 26 · 47 min

    I live by the faith of God and Christ: A Deep Dive into Galatians 2:20 with Stephen Carlson

    🎙️ S4 E11 — The Leon Morris Lecture in New Testament Studies 2026 “I live by the faith of God and Christ: A Deep Dive into Galatians 2:20.” With Stephen Carlson Episode Description In Paul’s letters there are debates about whether certain Greek phrases should be translated as “faith in Christ” or “Christ’s faithfulness.” In this presentation, Dr. Stephen Carlson provides a comprehensive analysis of Galatians 2:20 to show how a close reading of the text, including some very interest textual variants, gives us a fresh perspective on Paul’s account of faith and faithfulness in Galatians. Speaker Bio: Dr Stephen C. Carlson is Associate Professor in the Biblical and Early Christianity program in the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry at the Australian Catholic University. He is author of three books, The Gospel Hoax: Morton Smith’s Invention of Secret Mark (2005), The Text of Galatians and its History (2015), and Papias of Hierapolis, Exposition of Dominical Oracles: The Fragments, Testimonia, and Reception of a Second-Century Commentator (2021). He is also the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, including those on the so-called "inn" in Luke's infancy account and the donkeys in Matthew's triumphal entry. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ridley-melbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E10
    August 21 · 24 min

    A Third Way: The Text and Theology of Galatians 2:20 with Stephen Carlson

    🎙️ S4 E10 A Third Way: The Text and Theology of Galatians 2:20 with Stephen Carlson Episode Description In this episode, Ridley's own Revd Dr Mike Bird sits down with Dr Stephen Carlson, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Studies at the Australian Catholic University, ahead of the annual Leon Morris Lecture. Their conversation is, by Mike's own admission, "epic Bible nerd stuff" and it absolutely is. But it's also genuinely fascinating for anyone who has ever opened a Bible and wondered how we got the text we have. The episode centres on a single verse, Galatians 2:20, and the insight that the earliest manuscript we have of Galatians, dating to just after 200 AD, actually reads differently from most of our modern English translations. Dr Carlson explains what is going on in this verse, what is at stake, and how we live by faith in God and Christ. They then dive into what the new reading means theologically, opening up a third way beyond the long-running "faith in Christ vs. faithfulness of Christ" debate, and landing on a rich, Trinitarian understanding of what it means to live by faith. If you've ever wanted to understand how scholars work out what the Bible actually says, and why it matters, this is the episode for you. Open Day Explore studying Theology and Ministry at Ridley College and meet our faculty and other prospective students. Whether you join on campus or online, you’ll have the chance to hear from Ridley faculty, learn about our college and our courses, and ask any questions you may have about study or the admissions process. RSVP: https://www.ridley.edu.au/open/ Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E9
    August 12 · 42 min

    Preaching to Uncle Bob: Evangelistic Preaching in a Post-Christian World with John Dickson

    🎙️ S4 E9 — Preaching to Uncle Bob: Evangelistic Preaching in a Post-Christian World with John Dickson Episode Description In this episode, Ridley Faculty member, Tim Johnson, sits down with the John Dickson — historian, author, podcaster, and public Christian — ahead of the annual Ridley Preachers Conference. Their conversation centres on one of the most important and underestimated skills in ministry: evangelistic preaching. Not the Billy Graham crusade kind — but the kind that happens every Sunday in local churches around the country, where real doubters are sitting in real pews. John makes a compelling case that the local church is still the most powerful evangelistic tool we have, and that any preacher — not just the gifted evangelist — can learn to preach in a way that has something for the doubter in the room. They explore the difference between evangelistic preaching and evangelism, the common missteps that lose sceptical listeners, how to handle questions about Christianity's goodness and reputation, what Aristotle's three elements of persuasion have to do with the pulpit, and John's one piece of advice for anyone preparing an evangelistic sermon this Sunday. Whether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, this is a conversation that will change the way you think about your next sermon. The Ridley Preachers Conference takes place 27–28 August at Ridley College, Melbourne — in person and online. Visit ridley.edu.au/apc for details. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ridley-melbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E8
    July 30 · 53 min

    Why Youth Ministry Needs to Innovate And What That Actually Means with Chris Curtis

    🎙️ S4 E8 — Why Youth Ministry Needs to Innovate And What That Actually Means with Chris Curtis Episode Description In this episode, Graham Stanton — Director of Youth Ministry Futures and the Ridley Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry — sits down with Chris Curtis, CEO of Youthscape from Luton in the UK, fresh off the week-long YMF residential with 50 youth ministry leaders from across Australia. Their conversation picks up where the residential left off, exploring one of the most important — and sometimes misunderstood — words in ministry today: innovation. Chris unpacks his definition of innovation as: “The Spirit-led reimagining of mission and ministry in changing contexts, while remaining rooted in the unchanging person of Jesus Christ." They dig into the history of the word (spoiler: it started in the church — and it wasn't a compliment), the four levels at which innovation happens in youth ministry — structures, methods, language and tools — and what "creative destruction" really means for those of us who love the programs and traditions through which we came to faith. Chris also shares his observations on Australian youth ministry from the outside, why youth ministry is the R&D department of the church, and what a sixth-century Irish monk named Brendan might have to teach us about leaving the familiar for the unknown. A rich, wide-ranging, and genuinely energising conversation for anyone in or around youth and children's ministry. Youth Ministry Futures The youth ministry futures project has a vision to grow the number of long-term youth ministry leaders with the theological and practical wisdom to meet the challenges of sharing Jesus with young people in a complex world. We dream of a fellowship of people, committed to praying, promoting, and providing for local church youth ministries, to shift youth ministry from a part-time side hustle into a viable, long-term ministry calling, and see a reinvigorated system of healthy youth ministry in churches across Australia. Learn more: https://ymfutures.com.au/ Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E7
    June 22 · 36 min

    Inside Ridley: End of Financial Year Special with Rhys Bezzant & Bec Muir

    🎙️ S4 S7 — Inside Ridley: End of Financial Year Special with Rhys Bezzant & Bec Muir Episode Description In this special end-of-financial-year episode of Inside Ridley, Rhys Bezzant sits down once again with faculty member Bec Muir as they wrap up a full semester at Ridley. They reflect on the Archbishop's landmark lecture on raising leaders for the Diocese of Melbourne, before turning to some of the big questions Ridley is wrestling with heading into the next year — the future development of the Ridley Online program, the growth of the Anglican Institute, the challenge of AI in theological education, and what it means to build genuine partnerships with churches around Australia and beyond. They also make a direct appeal: Ridley raises 40% of its own income, and right now they're looking for support to invest in curriculum, technology, the Anglican Institute, and a new partnerships manager. A warm, honest, and genuinely encouraging conversation about what Ridley is — and what it's reaching toward. EOFY APPEAL Tuition fees only cover 60% of our costs. Will you help us raise $400,000 by June 30. To give, visit ridley.edu.au/eofyappeal. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E6
    June 7 · 1 hr

    Discernment and Partnerships: Renewal for the Diocese of Melbourne with Abp Ric Thorpe

    🎙️ S4 E6 - Discernment and Partnerships: Renewal for the Diocese of Melbourne with Abp Ric Thorpe The Anglican Institute Lecture 2026 Episode Description What does renewal look like in a diocese? And what role does theological training play? In this lecture, Archbishop Ric Thorpe explores the importance and shape of renewal in the Diocese of Melbourne, and the pivotal role that theological colleges play as the Diocese seeks to discern God’s future together. This lecture was recorded on 18 May 2026 at Ridley College. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E5
    June 3 · 55 min

    AI, Young People & the Church with Anna Davy, Dave Chiswell & Joshua Millard

    🎙️ S4 E5 — AI, Young People & the Church with Anna Davy, Dave Chiswell & Joshua Millard Episode Description In this special episode, Ridley student and youth leader Anna Davy facilitates a rich and wide-ranging conversation on Artificial Intelligence or AI, born out of Ridley's annual Children's and Youth Ministry Training Day. Joining her are Dave Chiswell (Lead Trainer at Youth Ministry Futures, and Youth Minister at City on a Hill Geelong), and Joshua Millard (Youth Development Director of CMS Victoria) — two practitioners who care deeply about the same things but come at AI from quite different angles. Together they wrestle with some of the most pressing questions facing children's and youth workers today: What is AI actually doing to young people's formation? What's the difference between helpful and harmful friction? Why are teenagers turning to AI for friendship, therapy, and romance — and what does the church have to offer in response? What does a Christian theology of work and productivity look like in an age of artificial intelligence? Honest, thoughtful, and genuinely urgent — this is a conversation every youth and children's worker needs to be part of, and everyone in the church will want to learn from. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E4
    May 27 · 44 min

    Raising Up the Next Generation of Leaders with Sam Oldland

    🎙️ S4 E4 Raising Up the Next Generation of Leaders with Sam Oldland Episode Description In this episode, Rhys Bezzant sits down with Sam Oldland, the minister overseeing traineeships at St Jude's Carlton — a church right across the road from Melbourne University — for a deep and practical conversation about raising up the next generation of gospel workers. As Sam puts it, when it comes to church planting, "it's never money, it's never location, it's never having enough people — it's always about having the leaders to do it." Sam shares his own quiet, unremarkable journey into ministry (and why that's actually the story we need more of), before unpacking how he's built a thriving two-year ministry traineeship program at St Jude's almost from scratch. They explore the "trellis and vine" framework for thinking about ministry structure, what it takes to recruit and form Gen Z leaders, why the responsibility for raising up new workers lies with the previous generation, and how any church — regardless of size or location — can begin to cultivate a culture of ministry training. Honest, practical, and deeply encouraging for anyone who cares about the future of gospel ministry in Australia. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E3
    May 13 · 32 min

    Inside Ridley: Books, Graduation & the AI Question with Hannah Craven & Mike Bird

    🎙️ S4 E3 Inside Ridley: Books, Graduation & the AI Question with Hannah Craven & Mike Bird Episode Description In this episode of our Inside Ridley sub-series, faculty members Hannah Craven and Michael Bird sit down for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about what's been happening at Ridley. Mike shares highlights from his OSP — including finishing a new book on the Roman Empire and the early church, visiting the city of his birth in Germany, and lecturing across India, the US and UK. Hannah reflects on the landmark new intensive, Women in the New Testament, and her new role supporting the Anglican Institute. They celebrate Ridley's biggest ever graduation cohort, before diving into one of the most pressing conversations in theological education right now — artificial intelligence. Mike's an enthusiastic early adopter; Hannah's a self-described "friction-maxxer." Together they make for a genuinely fun and thought-provoking conversation about what AI means for learning, character formation, and the future of theological education. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E2
    April 21 · 29 min

    Tools for a Lifetime of Ministry with Tim Johnson

    🎙️ S4 E2 — Tools for a Lifetime of Ministry with Tim Johnson In this episode, our Principal, Rhys Bezzant, sits down with newly appointed faculty member Tim Johnson for a rich conversation about life, ministry, and what it means to be well-equipped for the long haul. Tim shares his journey from growing up in a minister's home in Sydney's western suburbs — with no intention of ever becoming a pastor himself — to over 12 years as vicar of St John's Diamond Creek, and now joining Ridley's faculty to teach preaching and pastoral care. Along the way, they discuss the moment Tim's understanding of justification changed everything, how a local church can prune back activity to focus on what matters most, and why theological education remains vital in a world of cheap alternatives. Tim also opens up about his approach to personal spiritual growth, intentional reading plans, and what it means to keep filling the tank for a lifetime of ministry. A warm, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation for anyone in or considering vocational ministry. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at pod@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S4 · E1
    April 8 · 28 min

    Confident in the Lord with Rhys and Bec

    🎙️ S4 E1 — Confident in the Lord with Rhys Bezzant & Bec Muir Episode Description In the inaugural episode of the Ridley College Podcast, Principal Rhys sits down with New Testament faculty member Bec for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about life at Ridley. They dive into Bec's PhD research on suffering in the book of Hebrews, the new off-campus evening classes running at Glen Waverley Anglican Church, and what it really means to help students grow in confidence — not just academically, but for a lifetime of ministry. Rhys also shares the college's theme for the year drawn from Philippians 1:14, his upcoming Reformation tour through Germany and Switzerland, and a book on mentoring years in the making. Whether you're a prospective student, a Ridley friend, or simply curious about theological education, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the people and ideas shaping Ridley College today. Got Questions? Got questions about Ridley College? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're thinking about studying with us or just want to know what life at Ridley is really like. No question is too big or too small. Drop your questions in the comments below or email us at communications@ridley.edu.au and we'll do our best to answer every single one. 👇 Open Day Explore studying Theology and Ministry at Ridley College and meet our faculty and other prospective students. On Campus and Online – 22 Apr 2026 RSVP: https://www.ridley.edu.au/openday Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome & introducing the Ridley College Podcast 02:42 Bec's PhD on suffering in the book of Hebrews 05:15 Teaching New Testament Foundations off-campus at Glen Waverley 7:39 Highlights from the year so far 8:15 Semester intensives: Hebrew, Intergenerational Ministry & Women in the NT 10:52 Open Day: April 22nd (in-person & online at 7:30pm) 12:03 This year's theme: "Confident in the Lord" (Philippians 1:14) 13:56 What student confidence looks like in practice 18:09 Conferences & research: Bec's PhD focus vs. conference papers 18:33 Rhys's Reformation tour to Germany & Switzerland (June) 19:51 Rhys's research paper: Jonathan Edwards & white Christian nationalism 22:01 Rhys's upcoming books: mentoring & Parables in the Kingdom of God 24:03 The value of mentoring in ministry formation 25:55 Who has mentored Rhys? 26:51 Praying for the right people in your life 27:01 Wrap-up & how to submit listener questions Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Study at Ridley: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E14
    Oct 22, 2025 · 52 min

    Australian Churches and Intercultural Communities: At Arms-length or Embraced?

    🎙️ S3E14 — The Alf Stanway Lecture in Mission 2025 Australian Churches and Intercultural Communities: At Arms-length or Embraced? Guest Speaker: Dr Enqi Weng & Revd Associate Professor Darrell Jackson Episode Description Are Australian churches part of, set apart from, or a form of resistance to their cultural context? What does multiculturalism mean in Australian churches today, given global polarisation and rising ethno-nationalism? This public lecture engages with these pressing questions as contemporary churches face multiple challenges, including building disciples and communities amidst cultural diversity. Dr Enqi Weng will draw on her postdoctoral research findings to present key findings on the state of multiculturalism in Australia today to consider some of these opportunities and challenges. These findings are based on two Australian Research Council projects on which she worked as a Research Fellow, that examined social service provision to multicultural communities and how religiously and culturally diverse communities thrive across differences. Rev. Associate Professor Darrell Jackson will offer a missiological response, exploring how churches might reimagine their theological framing of, and pastoral engagement with, increasing cultural diversity. We aim for this lecture to be dialogical, so that we may collectively propose ways to live well together across differences. Speaker Dr Enqi Weng Dr Enqi Weng is a Teaching Fellow at the School of Communication and Creative Arts, and a Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University; and an Honorary Research Associate at Whitley College, University of Divinity. She has 12 years of research experience working on government- and industry-funded projects. Her research interest lies in intercultural relationships and communications, especially how discourses and narratives shape the way we perceive and relate to each other. Born in Singapore and prior to academia, she was a communications practitioner with experience in marketing communications, branding and stakeholder relations. She is the Managing Editor of the Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture, and was Vice President of the Australian Academic Association for the Study of Religion. More: www.enqiweng.com Revd Associate Professor Darrell Jackson Darrell has been the Principal of Whitley College, University of Divinity, since August 2024. Darrell grew up in the Isle of Man, came to faith there in 1972, and was baptised in 1979. He gained a BA at London School of Theology, was ordained as a Baptist pastor in 1989, and graduated with a Th.D. from the University of Birmingham in 2009. A former pastor, denominational leader, and missionary, he has been a full-time missiological educator since 2007, moving to Australia in 2012 to take up a role at Morling College. He has served on the Boards of various mission-related organisations including the Lausanne movement, the World Evangelical Alliance, and Missions Interlink. He is currently chair of the Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity Commission of the Baptist World Alliance, and vice-chair of European Christian Mission International. His most recent publications include chapters on ‘Theology’ in Edinburgh University Press’s Companions to Global Christianity Series, Christianity in Oceania, and ‘Diaspora and the Redefinition of European Christianity in the Twenty-First Century’ in Entangling Web: The Fractious Story of Christianity in Europe (2024). 📥 Download the PowerPoint slides You can access the presentation slides here: [Download Slides] Ridley College x CMS Victoria The Alf Stanway Lecture in Mission is presented in partnership between Ridley College and CMS Victoria. Recognising long historical links and common gospel vision, Ridley College and CMS Victoria are committed to sharing resources and to working together to see a world that knows Jesus. Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E13
    Oct 7, 2025 · 15 min

    Paul, Papyri, and Prayer: A Conversation with Dr Gillian Asquith

    🎙️ S3E13— Paul, Papyri, and Prayer: A Conversation with Dr Gillian Asquith Episode Description In this episode of the Ridley College Podcast, Dr Gillian Asquith, Academic Dean at Melbourne School of Theology, joins Revd Dr Mike Bird, Deputy Principal, to explore the fascinating intersection of archaeology, ancient letters, and biblical language. Drawing from her recent Leon Morris Lecture and upcoming book Paul’s Letter Openings: An Analysis of High Register Language (Cambridge University Press), Gillian reveals how everyday papyri from Oxyrhynchus shed light on Paul’s pastoral heart and linguistic creativity. From solemn oaths to surprising word choices, this episode uncovers how Paul’s greetings were anything but routine—and why biblical languages still matter today. Dr Gillian Asquith Gillian Asquith grew up in England and studied Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford. She taught in schools in England and Australia before moving into theological studies. She has tutored at Ridley College, taught at the Presbyterian Theological College and lectured in Early Christianity at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Gillian is now Academic Dean at Melbourne School of Theology (MST), lecturing in Greek and New Testament. Gillian developed MST’s archaeology study tour program and is at her happiest when hot and dirty with a trowel in her hand. Gillian’s doctoral thesis won the ACU Vice Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Doctoral Training and will be published later this year by Cambridge University Press. Listen to The Leon Morris Lecture in New Testament Studies 2025: Paul and Papyri Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E12
    Sep 21, 2025 · 52 min

    Unveiling the Song: Kamina Wüst on Love, Desire, and Divine Jealousy

    🎙️ S3E12— Unveiling the Song: Kamina Wüst on Love, Desire, and Divine Jealousy Episode Description In this compelling episode of the Ridley College Podcast, faculty member Hannah Craven sits down with biblical scholar Kamina Wüst to explore the Song of Songs—one of Scripture’s most enigmatic and provocative books. Drawing from her PhD research and recent teaching at the Ridley Preachers Conference, Kamina unpacks the poetic, theological, and cultural layers of the text, challenging long-held assumptions about Solomon, sexuality, and spiritual fidelity. With insights into Hebrew language, ancient Near Eastern poetry, and the powerful voice of the female protagonist, this episode offers a fresh and faithful reading of a book often misunderstood—and rarely preached. Dr Kamina Wüst Kamina is an Old Testament scholar and teacher with a special interest in the Song of Songs and ‘Solomonic’ literature. After writing a college essay on the topic ‘What is the Song of Songs about?’ she couldn't stop thinking about it, so she completed a PhD (at Moore College). An accessible version of her findings has been published as a Matthias Bible Guide (for which she is also the OT series editor) and as a set of Bible studies, both available through Matthias Media. Outside of academia, she works as a writer and as a business mentor to freelancers in the creative industries. She is married to another writer and they live in Brisbane with their little boy. She can be contacted through www.kaminawust.com Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E11
    Sep 9, 2025 · 52 min

    Translating the Word: A Conversation with Dr Andrew Abernethy

    🎙️ S3E11— Translating the Word: A Conversation with Dr Andrew Abernethy Episode Description In this episode of the Ridley College Podcast, former principal, Dr Brian Rosner welcomes Dr Andrew Abernethy, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and former Ridley faculty member, for a deep dive into the art and challenge of Bible translation. From revising the Christian Standard Bible to shaping the New Living Translation, Andrew and Brian share behind-the-scenes stories, theological insights, and the challenge of maintaining the delicate balance between faithfulness and readability when translating the Bible. Whether you're a scholar, student, or curious listener, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful look at how Scripture is brought to life in modern language. Dr Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D. Dr Abernethy's primary research areas are Isaiah, Psalms, the Latter Prophets, hermeneutics, and biblical theology. He is the President of the Institute for Biblical Research, a member of the New Living Translation translation committee, and a fellow of Every Voice Kingdom Diversity. He has written numerous articles and is also the author of several books: Eating in Isaiah (Brill, 2014), The Book of Isaiah and God’s Kingdom (IVP, 2016), God’s Messiah in the Old Testament (Baker, 2020), Discovering Isaiah (Eerdmans/SPCK, 2021), and Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to Studying the Bible (IVP Academic, 2022). His book The Prophets in the Baker Handbook on the Old Testament will be published in 2026. Up next for Dr. Abernethy will be an exegetical commentary on the Psalms. Dr. Abernethy is accepting applications for Ph.D. students in the area of Old Testament. Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E10
    Aug 29, 2025 · 48 min

    Paul and Papyri with Dr Gillian Asquith

    🎙️ S3E10— The Leon Morris Lecture in New Testament Studies 2025 Theme: Paul and Papyri Guest Speaker: Dr Gillian Asquith Episode Description Archaeological excavations in Egypt have unearthed thousands of ancient everyday papyrus documents written in the same kind of Greek as the New Testament. This lecture will demonstrate how these “voices from the sand” shed exciting new light on Paul’s letters. Speaker Dr Gillian Asquith grew up in England and studied Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford. She taught in schools in England and Australia before moving into theological studies. She has tutored at Ridley College, taught at the Presbyterian Theological College and lectured in Early Christianity at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Gillian is now Academic Dean at Melbourne School of Theology (MST), lecturing in Greek and New Testament. Gillian developed MST’s archaeology study tour program and is at her happiest when hot and dirty with a trowel in her hand. Gillian’s doctoral thesis won the ACU Vice Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Doctoral Training and will be published later this year by Cambridge University Press. Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E9
    Jun 27, 2025 · 50 min

    Can I Buy Myself Flowers? with Dr Fiona Isaacs

    🎙️ S3E9— The Peter Corney Lecture in Youth Ministry 2025 Theme: Can I Buy Myself Flowers? Speaking grace and truth to girls growing up in a complex and conflicting world. Guest Speaker: Dr Fiona Isaacs Episode Description In as much as girls are told they are full of girl power, the experience of being a girl is often one of powerlessness, fraught with conflicting pressures and expectations placed upon them from home, the church, school, and social media. God loves girls far too much to let them be anything less than powerful agents in his plan for the redemption of all things. This lecture will explore the experience of being a young woman in Australia today, the pressing needs facing our girls, and practical ways in which those who want to help girls (in school or church) can assist them to confidently find and own a coherent story, grounded in the gospel, of who they are and are called to be. Speaker Fiona is the School Chaplain at Tara Anglican School for Girls in Parramatta. Her Doctor of Ministry thesis explored tensions between the formation of virtue and developing agency in teenage girls in Anglican Schools. In addition, she holds degrees in Theology, Education & Physics. She is the lead writer and editor for the School Ministry newsletter “Hope for the Hopeless” and a lay preacher at St Marks Darling Point, in Sydney. Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E8
    Jun 25, 2025 · 50 min

    Marvellous Melbourne with David Bebbington

    🎙️ S3E8— The Charles Perry Lecture in Melbourne Evangelical History 2025 Marvellous Melbourne: A Representative Denominational Society in the Nineteenth-Century Evangelical World Episode Description This lecture highlights the distinctive evangelical character of “Marvellous Melbourne” in the nineteenth century. As the richest city in the world at the time, Melbourne’s denominations embodied a vision for church and society, which has had powerful and ongoing impact, and is most clearly represented in the design of the Melbourne General Cemetery. Speaker David Bebbington is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Stirling in Scotland, and a leading historian of evangelical history, after whom the “Bebbington Quadrilateral” is named. An undergraduate and postgraduate at Jesus College, Cambridge (1968-73), he subsequently became a research fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (1973-76). From 1976 he taught at the University of Stirling, where from 1999 to 2019 he was Professor of History. He now serves as Director of the Evangelical Studies Program at Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His publications include Evangelicalism in Modern Britain (1989), The Mind of Gladstone: Religion, Homer and Politics (2004); Patterns in History: A Christian Perspective on Historical Thought (4th edn, 2018), Baptists through the Centuries: A History of a Global People (2nd edn, 2018) and The Evangelical Quadrilateral (2 vols, 2021). Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

  • S3 · E7
    Jun 20, 2025 · 25 min

    Gender, Sexuality, and the Church - Sam Allberry

    🎙️ S3E7 — Gender, Sexuality, and the Church - Sam Allberry Episode Description This episode features Sam Allberry, who preached on Gender, Sexuality, and the Church at Ridley Chapel on 20 May 2025. https://samallberry.com/ Study With Ridley If you are interested in finding out more about studying at Ridley College or have any questions regarding any courses or units, we invite you to contact us via this link: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/ Ridley Chapel Podcast Be sure to check out our Ridley Chapel Sermons Podcast through this link: https://ridleychapel.transistor.fm/ Donate This podcast is made possible through the generous donations of our alumni and supporters. We welcome your partnership with us in our mission of equipping men and women for God’s mission in our rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. If you’d like to contribute to our work, you can donate by clicking this link if you wish to donate: https://www.ridley.edu.au/donate/ Connect with Ridley College Website: https://www.ridley.edu.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeridley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridleycollegemelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollegeRidley Enquire to Study: https://www.ridley.edu.au/study/

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