Mike Bird
Deputy Principal: Academic
Postgraduate Coordinator
Lecturer in Theology
BA (Hons), BMin, PhD
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Michael grew up in Brisbane before joining the Army and serving as a paratrooper, intelligence operator, and then chaplain’s assistant. It was during his time in the military that he came to faith from a non-Christian background, and soon after felt a call to ministry. He graduated with a BMin from Malyon College (2001) and Honours and PhD from the University of Queensland (2002, 2005). Michael taught New Testament at the Highland Theological College in Scotland (2005-9) before joining Brisbane School of Theology as lecturer in Theology (2010-12). He joined the faculty at Ridley as lecturer in Theology in 2013 and served as Academic Dean before taking on the Deputy Principal: Academic role in July 2023.
Michael describes himself as a “biblical theologian” who endeavours to bring together biblical studies and systematic theology. He believes that the purpose of the church is to “gospelize,” that is to preach, promote, and practise the Gospel-story of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the author of over 30 books, including the award winning volumes The Gospel of Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus, Evangelical Theology, and with N.T. Wright, The New Testament in its World.
Michael is married to Naomi and they have four children.
Teaching Areas
New Testament, Systematic Theology, Research Methods
Research Interests
Early Christology, Gospel of Mark, Pauline epistles, second century Christianity, Athanasius, religious freedom.
Hobbies & Interests
Michael enjoys running, rugby league, tennis, and despising coffee. He secretly aspires to play the role of “the American” in the musical “Chess.” He aspires to raise leaders up for Christian mission in a post-Christian world.
