Sean is the Head of Pilgrim Theological College and an Associate Professor at the University of Divinity, where he has taught New Testament since 2009, after moving to Melbourne from the UK.

Sean studied theology at the University of Bristol and then moved to Oxford to study for a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament. Sean’s doctoral research focussed on the rhetorical setting and purpose of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, studying under the supervision of N. T. Wright, and was awarded in 1997. After a period in local church ministry (1994–1999) he moved to Manchester to teach New Testament at Northern Baptist College and the Partnership for Theological Education (2000–2008). In 2009 Sean was appointed as Coordinator of Studies in New Testament at the Uniting Church Theological College, now Pilgrim Theological College, and taught within the United Faculty of Theology (2009–2014). In 2015 be became Academic Dean at Pilgrim, and from 2018 has served as the College Principal.

Sean’s research interests focus on the letters and theology of Paul, with a particular interest in Philippians and 2 Corinthians. He also teaches and writes about issues relating to the historical Jesus and has an ongoing interest in issues of hermeneutics, especially theological hermeneutics with a focus on the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Sean is interested in supervising research projects relating to these, or other areas of New Testament interpretation.

Sean has taught at the Universities of Bristol, Oxford, and Birmingham in the UK. At Pilgrim, he now teaches Pauline and Historical Jesus studies, and has taught Greek exegesis classes, as well as related thematic topics (NT Ethics; the Bible and Mission). Within the role as Head of the College, he also works within the formation programme for ordination candidates.

Sean writes regularly for the Uniting Church’s publication Crosslight, and has had articles relating to the New Testament and early Christianity in the Conversation and ABC Religion and Ethics site.

Sean is an ordained Baptist minister, a regular speaker and preacher in churches, and church networks.

University Appointments

Dean of Research and Director of New Testament Studies (Whitley College)

External Affiliations

• Society of Biblical Literature (Member)