Biblical Studies

The Bible is more than a book—it’s a wellspring of wisdom, guidance, and truth. By exploring its depths, you’ll uncover life-changing insights, strengthen your faith, and grow closer to God. Don’t just read the Word—immerse yourself in it, and let it transform your life.

At Laidlaw College we hold to the authority of Scripture. Believing that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that [we] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Discover the richness of Biblical Studies and see Scripture come alive. Deepen your understanding, strengthen your faith, and learn how to apply God’s Word in real life. Whether for ministry or personal growth, this journey will equip you with wisdom that transforms.

Study options

There are a range of ways to explore Biblical Studies at Laidlaw College, from Diploma level to Postgraduate research, and a specialised pathway of study with cohorts through our Bachelor of Theology. 

"The interdenominational style of Laidlaw with all the different groups of people... It just gave such a richness to learning about Jesus when you actually get to meet people who love Jesus and worship in lots of different ways. It brought so much life to the conversations and meant that you weren’t just learning one person’s point of view."

Oliver Kerr - Theology Graduate

Theology staff

Our staff are specialists in their fields, and world-class academics.

Dr John de Jong

Head of Theology | Postgraduate Lead | Senior Lecturer (Biblical Studies)

John de Jong (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Pākehā) is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Postgraduate Lead in the School of Theology at Laidlaw College. John teaches Old Testament, Hebrew, and Biblical Interpretation. Read more about John de Jong here.

Dr Julia van den Brink

Theology Lecturer

Julia is an Associate Lecturer, teaching papers in the biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew, and New Testament Epistles. Her work on the biblical languages has included exploring the different ways the languages are taught to theological students and applying those insights to her classes, both in-person and online. Read more about Julia here.

Dr Richard Neville

Senior Lecturer (Biblical Studies)

Richard is senior lecturer in Biblical Studies in the School of Theology. He teaches graduate and postgraduate courses in the Old and New Testaments and a postgraduate course Interpersonal Forgiveness in the Bible and the World. Read more about Richard's research here.

Rev. Joey Millington

Professional Teaching Fellow | Internship Coordinator (Theology)

Joey is a Professional Teaching Fellow in the School of Theology focusing on practical and biblical theology. He teaches into courses on biblical theology, Christian leadership, and pastoral ministry. Read more about Joey here.

Miriam Jessie Fisher

Acting Head of Education | Lecturer (Whakapono/Theology and Mātauranga/Education)

Miriam Jessie is an interdisciplinary Lecturer in the School of Theology and School of Education. She lectures in Reading the Bible, our Postgraduate Certificate in Theology for educators, Formation, and Tūmanako. Read more about Miriam here.

Dr Phillip Porter

Lecturer in New Testament

Phillip lectures in New Testament Studies, within the School of Theology, teaching across the full range of New Testament literature. Phillip was a Teaching Fellow in New Testament at the University of Otago (2023-2024). Read more about Phillip here.

Rev. Dr Mark J. Keown

Director of Evangelistic Leadership

Mark is an author, singer, minister and current Director of Evangelistic Leadership at Laidlaw. The focus of his role is the development of leaders for evangelism, apologetics, church planting, and evangelistic renewal. His current research projects include Biblical Evangelism, Biblical Apologetics, Biblical church planting and courage in Paul's letters. Read more about Mark here.

Dr Roshan Allpress

National Principal | CEO

Roshan commenced as National Principal/Chief Executive of Laidlaw College in 2017. He holds degrees in History from Canterbury and Oxford, with research interests in the history of social and cultural reform, evangelicalism and religious reform, the origins of philanthropy and humanitarianism, and intersections of theology and political economic thought. Read more about Mark here.

Chris Northcott

TBC

Profile coming soon.

Dr Phillip Church

Senior Research Fellow

Philip has a PhD in New Testament from the University of Otago. His academic interests include the Epistle to the Hebrews, Jewish literature from the Second Temple period, and restorationism, Zionism and supersessionism. Read more about Phillip here.

Dr Gregory J. Liston

Senior Lecturer (Theology)

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. Read more about Greg here.

Rev. Dr Myk Habets

Senior Lecturer (Theology)

Myk is Senior Lecturer in Theology at Laidlaw College and has Senior Researcher status with AUT and ACT. He is also a Baptist pastor. Myk lectures in Systematic Theology and Ethics and has lectured at a number of universities and colleges in New Zealand and abroad. Read more about Myk here.