Greg is a Senior Lecturer in Theology, and is the lead academic for the undergraduate programs within the School of Theology. He teaches primarily in systematic theology, with a particular focus on ecclesiology and gospel witness in contemporary culture. Up until 2024 he was the New Zealand Vice President of ANZATS (The Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Studies) and remains on their board. In 2024 he was appointed as a visiting scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Summary of key research
Greg’s research interests focus on the role of the Spirit in the life of the church, and exploring how the interaction between science and theology raises fundamental questions about reality and the nature of time. He has published 3 books (with a fourth edited volume due in 2025), as well as multiple journal articles and book chapters. He is the author of Starting with the Spirit (T&T Clark, 2024) (with Myk Habets), Kingdom Come (T&T Clark, 2022), and The Anointed Church (Fortress, 2015).
Most recent publications
- Ed. Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities that Transform and Heal People. Eugene: WIPF and Stock, 2025. (with Sarah Penwarden)
- "Prioritising the Spirit in Our Churches," in The Holy Spirit and the Church Edited by Andrew McGowan and John Maclean. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2025.
- Starting with the Spirit: The T&T Clark Introduction to Third Article Theology. London: T&T Clark Bloomsbury, 2024. (with Myk Habets)
- Kingdom Come: An Eschatological Third Article Ecclesiology. London: T&T Clark, 2022. "Spirit, Church and Mission: Toward a Third Article Theology of Ecclesial Mission." Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 21–38.
Personal bio
Before taking up his current role, Greg’s journey has included PhD’s in both systematic theology and quantum physics, being the senior pastor of a local Auckland suburban Baptist church, and strategic management consulting. Greg is married to Diane and has two adult children. He and his family attend Mt Albert Baptist Church.
Research areas of specialisation and supervision
- Third Article Theology
- Ecclesiology
- Science and Theology
- Missiology
Current Thesis students
Taryn Dryfhout, “Considering Grenz’s Theology of Community in Conversation with Māori Worldviews.” Secondary Supervisor: Otago University, PhD.
Jackson Kurian, “A Christological Interpretation of the Doctrine of Spirit Baptism.” Primary Supervisor: AUT University, PhD.
Jeremy Tattersall, “For All Time: A Temporal Framework for Redemption in Scripture with Third Article Theology.” Primary Supervisor: AUT University, PhD.
Joey Millington, “Rethinking Local Church Vision: Implementing Biblical Metaphors Within Local Church Strategy.” Secondary Supervisor: AUT University, PhD.
Maria Kirkland, “Replanting Dying Churches: Learnings from an Anglican Diocese experience.” MTh Thesis.
David Cashmore, “Transformation of the church through ecclesial practices.” MTh Thesis.
Qualifications & Awards
- PhD (Theology), Carey Graduate School and AUT 2013
- BTh - Bachelor of Theology, University of Auckland and Carey Baptist College 2002
- PhD (Physics), University of Auckland 1995
- BSc - Bachelor of Science with Honours, University of Queensland 1992
- BSc - Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland 1991