Dr Graham Hill – the highly-respected academic, author and founder of The Global Church Project – has been appointed Principal of Stirling Theological College, Melbourne. Hill will take on the role from December 1, the Stirling Board announced.
“The Principal will provide strategic leadership for the future of theological education in Australia and for serving Churches of Christ, the University of Divinity, the Australian Institute of Family Counselling, and other stakeholders,” the Board announced in a letter written by Chair Lynette Leach.
Stirling Theological College is linked with the Australian Churches of Christ, and is a college of the University of Divinity.
The role is one that Hill is well-positioned to take on, having already worked as Interim Principal at Stirling during 2020. Before that, he was the college’s Director of Research. Hill previously spent 12 years at Morling Theological College in Sydney, holding the roles of Provost and Vice-Principal.
“He has had years of experience in leading educational innovation, research excellence, and organisational renewal and change in Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and worldwide. He has degrees in theology, education, and leadership, including a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Theology, and is currently completing an MBA, and is the author of ten books” was the Stirling Board’s succinct summary of Hill’s wealth of experience.
Professor Peter Sherlock, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Divinity, affirmed Hill’s appointment: “Graham is an outstanding theologian and practitioner who exemplifies the University’s Vision and Mission in his abilities to engage theologically with contemporary issues and to prepare students for the service of others. I very much look forward to his leadership of Stirling and to his contribution to the University’s growth in the years to come.”
Hill said: “I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve Stirling Theological College, and the Churches of Christ in Australia, through the Principal role.”
“I look forward to serving with the team at Stirling, and seeing a generation of disciples and leaders equipped for mission, ministry, counselling, and other forms of service – for the glory of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
It’s not only those in the academic sector who are pleased to see Hill appointed as principal. As the Founding Director of The Global Church Project, Hill has gained respect for his considerable efforts to amplify the voices of theologians and bible scholars who have historically not always gained attention. Aboriginal Christian Leader and CEO of Common Grace Brooke Prentis told Eternity:
“It is wonderful to hear of Graham Hill’s appointment as Principal of Stirling College. Graham is held in high regard nationally and internationally for his outstanding contribution to research and scholarship. I deeply respect his faithful teaching, concern for justice, and his priority to listen to the voices of the global church including majority world, Indigenous, and women theologians. I congratulate Graham on his appointment and commend Stirling for a great appointment.”
Also here at Eternity, we have had the benefit of several, popular articles penned by Hill over the years.
Hill is married to Felicity, and they have three daughters, Madison, Grace, and Dakotah. They live in North Epping in Sydney and enjoy serving Jesus through their local church and in their neighbourhood.