Introduction
Dr Gregory Liston is Senior Lecturer and lead academic for undergraduate programmes. He specialises in systematic theology, ecclesiology, and gospel witness in contemporary culture. Greg’s background spans theology and physics, strategic consulting, and senior pastoral ministry, giving students a rich interdisciplinary perspective.
Quote
“I’m committed to exploring how theology, the Spirit, and the life of the church intersect with contemporary culture, science, and mission.”
Something Personal
Greg is married to Diane with two adult children. He enjoys research, teaching, and exploring the intersections of theology, science, and church practice.
Qualifications
PhD (Theology), Carey Graduate School / AUT, 2013
PhD (Physics), University of Auckland, 1995
BTh – University of Auckland & Carey Baptist College, 2002
BSc (Hons) – University of Queensland, 1992
BSc – University of Queensland, 1991
Professional Experience
Senior Lecturer & Lead Academic, Laidlaw College
Former Senior Pastor, Auckland Baptist Church
Strategic management consultant
Books
Starting with the Spirit: The T&T Clark Introduction to Third Article Theology. London: T&T Clark Bloomsbury, 2024 (with Myk Habets).
Kingdom Come: An Eschatological Third Article Ecclesiology. London: T&T Clark, 2022.
The Anointed Church: Toward a Third Article Ecclesiology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2015.
Journal Essays
Liston, Gregory J. "Spirit, Church and Mission: Toward a Third Article Theology of Ecclesial Mission." Evangelical Quarterly 92:1 (2021): 21-38.
Edited Books
Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities That Transform and Heal People. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2025. (with Sarah Penwarden)
Book Chapters
Liston, Gregory J. "Prioritising the Spirit in our Churches." Pages 52-72 in The Holy Spirit and the Church. Edited by John Maclean. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2025.
Liston, Gregory J. "Different with Distinction: Revitalizing the Church's Mission Through Applying Newbigin's Insights." Pages 205-26 in Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities That Transform and Heal People. Edited by Gregory J. Liston and Sarah Penwarden. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2025.
Liston, Gregory J. and Sarah Penwarden. "Hope for the Church." Pages 1-6 in Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities That Transform and Heal People. Edited by Gregory J. Liston and Sarah Penwarden. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2025.
Penwarden, Sarah and Gregory J. Liston. "Carrying Hope." Pages 260-63 in Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities That Transform and Heal People. Edited by Gregory J. Liston and Sarah Penwarden. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2025.
Quality Assured Magazines
Liston, Gregory J. “Kingdom Come” Baptist v. 136 No. 6 (2021): 24-26. (Winner of Gold Award for "Best Theological Article” at the ARPA Awards, 2021)
Conference Presentations
2026 "More Than Institutions: Life in the Spirit-Filled Community." Presentation at Abide. Auckland, September, 2026
2025 “Revitalizing the Church’s Mission Through Applying Newbigin's Insights.” Paper presented at ANZATS. Melbourne, July, 2025.
2025 “Different with Distinction.” Keynote address at the Hope Conference. Auckland, March, 2025
2024 “Analysing and Critiquing Yong’s Theology of Interreligious Dialogue.” Paper presented at ANZATS. Adelaide, July, 2024.
2023 “Eschatology and the Munus Triplex: On the Threefold Anointing of the Spirit.” Paper presented at the Evangelical Theology Society. San Antonio, November, 2023.
2023 “Prioritising the Spirit in our Churches: Toward a Comprehensive Third Article Ecclesiology.” Keynote address at Edinburgh Dogmatics Conference. Edinburgh, June, 2023.
Teaching & Expertise
Systematic theology and ecclesiology
Third Article Theology
Science and theology dialogue
Missiology and contemporary church practice
