Source: University of Otago
Dr Graham Redding has come to the Theology Department from Knox College where he was Master.
Dr Graham Redding is excited to join the Theology programme as a chaplaincy lecturer at a time when people are increasingly exploring spirituality, in addition to traditional religions.
The role appealed because chaplaincy, which he describes as a “growth industry”, is increasingly the subject of teaching and research in its own right, “rather than as a mere subset of ministry studies.”
“Although chaplaincy as a form of ministry and community service has existed for centuries, it is currently undergoing massive change as societal interest shifts away from traditional forms of religion towards spirituality.
“The demand for chaplains – be they paid or unpaid, secular or religious – across sectors ranging from the military to health care to education to sports and the arts exceeds supply.”
He says a large part of the appeal of the new lectureship position was the potential to take an innovative approach to teaching and draw on more than 30 years’ experience across numerous pastoral, leadership and academic roles.
Dr Redding has pastored St John’s in the City Presbyterian Church in Wellington, been Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership in Dunedin, and from 2015 until this year was Master of Knox College. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (2008–2010), and has a PhD in systematic theology from King’s College, London.
Many of those experiences, and his research interests, will help prepare students to lead faith communities in a changing religious landscape.
“In a time of institutional decline, it is tempting for faith communities to interpret their situation in simplistic terms and to become sectarian in outlook. Refusing to succumb to those pressures, opting instead to lead faith communities into a new and different kind of future requires vision, courage, and a high skill set. Being conversant with one’s faith tradition and discerning what is of enduring value without merely serving the status quo is a key leadership attribute for today.”
Revd Associate Professor Christopher Holmes
Theology head of programme Reverend Associate Professor Christopher Holmes says Dr Redding’s skillset will greatly benefit chaplaincy studies at Otago.
“Graham will be teaching 300/400 level courses for us in the area of chaplaincy, courses such as Chaplaincy in Diverse Contexts, Chaplaincy: Theological Foundations, as well as Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief, and Loss.
“We are thrilled to have Graham on board. Our postgraduate qualifications in chaplaincy are flourishing, and Graham will only further contribute to their growth. Graham is an excellent theologian, seasoned pastor, preacher, church and academic leader. He brings with him a wide variety of experience in institutions connected to the University, most recently as Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership as well as Master of Knox College.”
Dr Redding’s five-year, fixed-term post is externally funded by the Longview Trust and the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland.
