Mike Bird

Academic Dean
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 chaplains 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.

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 30 books, including the 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.

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.”