Graeme is a lecturer within the School of Theology and a senior coach for the Centre for Church Leadership at Laidlaw College. He is an Elim pastor of 34 years. He specialises in ministry formation and pastoral/practical theology. He previously developed and co-led Laidlaw’s internship program from 2011-2020 with his spouse Linda Flett. He teaches courses on reflective practice, leadership and pastoral ministry alongside coaching around 8-9 senior church leaders.

Summary of key research

Graeme’s research is in the field of media ecology and communication. This interdisciplinary area of study extends to the sensory perception and the hidden influences of new media upon Christian congregations, congregants and their formative practices. He recently delivered a paper at the Media Ecology Convention – Buffalo, USA on “Congregational life and community in New Zealand in a new media age” following the completion of PhD titled, “Media Ecology, Congregational Life and Christian Identity.”

Most recent publications

• The Art of metaphor in Supervision/coaching Practice – Adelaide, Australia. Reflective Journal >  article pending.
• November 2022| Flett, G.V., “Media Ecology, Congregational life and Christian Identity” PhD diss., University of Otago, Dunedin, 2021.
• December 2021| G V Flett “Hearts and Minds: Lockdown, Common-sense and Being Sensible” Stimulus 28.2 (2021).

Personal Bio

Graeme is an ordained Elim pastor, having pastored several churches over seventeen years. He is married to Linda, (a hospital chaplain and chaplain manager for Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa) and has 3 married daughters and 6  grandchildren. Outside of work, Graeme is a keen artisan of wood who likes making beautiful things and dreaming up new projects around their property. Graeme also co-hosts a pod with two colleagues called Lunch on the Way (https://lunchontheway.buzzsprout.com/).

Research areas of specialisation and supervision

• Congregational formation
• Theological Anthropology
• Church and mission
• Theology and communication
• Faith and  media in a Digital Age

Current Thesis Students

Andrew Cox, MTh Thesis.

Amit Sircar, “Growing Young Adult Resilience towards Christian Faith” MTh Thesis.

Qualifications & Awards

• PhD (Theology), University of Otago, 2022.
• MMin - Master of Ministry with Distinction, University of Otago, 2013.
• BMin - Bachelor of Minsitries, BCNZ/Laidlaw, 1997.
• Harold A. Innis Award for Outstanding Thesis or Dissertation in the Field of Media Ecology for “Media Ecology, Congregational Likfe and Christian Identity”.