Union Theological College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Graham Shearer as Lecturer in Theology. Graham recently graduated with a PhD from Union for his thesis entitled ‘The Communication of the Divine Essence in the Act of Eternal Generation: A Dogmatic Defence,’ completed under the supervision of Prof Michael McClenahan.
Graham holds an MA in History from Homerton College, Cambridge and a BA in Theological and Pastoral Studies from Oak Hill Theological College. He worked for six years at the Universities and College Christian Fellowship (UCCF), initially training speakers in apologetics and then latterly as Team Leader for the Central region, based in Cambridge. Before coming to Union, he served as Associate Pastor of East London Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mile End. He has extensive experience of speaking, preaching and teaching ranging from speaking at university missions to informal small group settings and has ministered in a wide-variety of cultural settings.
Graham says: “I’m delighted to be joining the faculty at Union. During my doctoral studies, I was enriched by the combination of deep theological reflection and sincere piety that characterises Union as an institution. It’s a privilege to be able to play a part in Union’s exciting mission of passing on the riches of Christian theology to a new generation of students, whether they be undergraduates, postgraduates, or training for ordained ministry. Anyone considering theological study at any level in order to to grow in their knowledge of divine things should consider the various pathways Union offers. Union’s task has never been more urgent or important than it is today and I’m grateful to be able to join the wonderful team already here in fulfilling it.”
Prof Michael McClenahan, Principal of Union, commented that ‘it gives me great pleasure to welcome Graham to the faculty of Union. Graham began his doctoral work in Belfast with a strong academic background, extensive experience in student ministry, and a number of years of pastoral ministry in London. His doctoral research was of the highest possible standard and we are delighted that he is joining us on faculty and as a member of our community.’
Graham will be teaching across the pathways that Union offers, from undergraduate to PhD. He is the coordinator of the God, Christ and Salvation undergraduate module which introduces students to the best of Christian reflection on the central ideas of the Christian faith. In the second semester he will teach The Great Tradition module on the MDiv programme, which aims to give an in-depth account of the doctrines of Scripture, God, and Christ. You can find some of Graham’s previous writing here and listen to his lecture, at the Davenant Institute’s 2022 UK Convivium Irenicum conference, entitled “‘Who Can Declare His Generation?' Divine Incomprehensibility and Human Reason in 4th Century Trinitarianism” here. Graham is married to Katherine and they live in Belfast with their three children.
Dr Graham Shearer's viva examination. Pictured: Prof Michael McClenahan (Supervisor, UTC), Rev'd Dr Mark Smith (External Examiner, Dean and Director of Studies in Theology at Clare College, Cambridge), Dr Mary McCaughey (External Examiner, Director of Studies, St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham), Dr Graham Shearer and Dr Martyn Cowan (UTC)