Hannah Felsbourg
15 October 2024
The Reverend Brian Rosner will deliver a public farewell lecture at Ridley College on Wednesday, 16 October, marking the conclusion of his more than 12 years as principal.
The lecture, titled Strengthened by the Gospel: The Purpose of Romans and the Future of Ridley College, will focus on the enduring role of the gospel in Christian life and ministry.
The event will also mark the beginning of a leadership transition at the college, as Dr Rosner steps down and prepares for a year of study leave.
Dr Rosner said the central theme of his farewell lecture would be the enduring power of the gospel, both in building a relationship with God and in strengthening Christians for service.
He said the lecture was based on a book he recently wrote on the theology of Romans, which is set to be published next year.
“The gospel of the Lord Jesus is the hope of the world, and it has an impact on people’s lives, the church’s existence, and also on the world at large,” he said.
“It’s not something we move beyond; it’s something that, right throughout our lives, we need to mine the riches of and see the implications for our everyday life and service.”
Read more: Brian Rosner to finish up as Ridley College principal
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr Rosner said Ridley College defied national trends by increasing its student base during a time when many other theological institutions struggled.
He said this growth was largely driven by the expansion of Ridley Online, which made theological education accessible to students across Australia and internationally.
Dr Rosner said the growth of women in ministry at Ridley was one of his proudest achievements, with more women now on the faculty, many holding doctorates.
He said the college also hosted annual events to encourage and support women in ministry and theological education.
Dr Rosner said another area of focus during his time at the college was practical theology, with an emphasis on mental health, chaplaincy, and professional supervision.
He said Ridley College had worked to prepare students for the complexities of modern ministry while maintaining a strong commitment to biblical and theological studies.
Looking ahead, Dr Rosner said he would take a year of study leave in 2025 to focus on research and writing, with plans to return to Ridley College as a lecturer in 2026.
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He also said he planned to apply for Austrian citizenship, an opportunity open to him due to his family’s history as Jewish refugees who fled Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938.
He said obtaining Austrian citizenship would be a poignant moment, helping to redress a terrible wrong in a small but meaningful way.
Dr Rosner said he was confident in the leadership of the Reverend Rhys Bezzant, who will take over as the next principal of Ridley College.
He said that while there was always a steep learning curve in leadership, Dr Bezzant’s strengths as a scholar, preacher, and mentor would make him an excellent leader.
He said the college would continue to navigate the challenges of theological education in an increasingly complex world.
Dr Rosner’s farewell lecture will take place at Ridley College on 16 October. A dinner for alumni and students will follow. Tickets are available on Ridley College’s website.
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