This Christmas may be a time for reflection and thoughts of a change for a theologian somewhere in the world. Oak Hill, which happens to be my local theological seminary, is looking for a new Principal.

If you are a possible candidate or know of an evangelical Anglican theologian who might be able to lead possibly the most evangelical seminary in the UK, then the closing date means you better get thinking quickly. I can't help but wonder if the candidate might be one of our many theological exports - i.e. those who have had much of their training here, but now work oversees. If Duncan, Fountain, and Dever weren't all disqualified by denomination, I'd be urging each of them to consider coming back over the pond to help repay the debt they all owe us over here.

Evangelical Anglicans must be praying for the right man at the moment as a drift away from evangelicalism at Oak Hill would be a disaster for their cause within the Church of England - which to be fair to an outsider like me, looks quite embattled in any case.

Oak Hill is a recognised Anglican Theological College, which equips pastor-teachers, evangelists, youth workers, and cross-cultural workers for evangelical ministry in today’s world. Over the last ten years the College has grown significantly in numbers of ordinands and independent students. A particular challenge will be to take this growth forward.

Due to the current Principal, David Peterson, moving back to Australia next summer, the new Principal will be appointed shortly. Candidates must be ordained members of the Anglican Communion (or a church whose orders are recognised by the Church of England) and have the academic ability and leadership qualities to lead the staff team and develop the work of the College.

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) that the post holder be a Christian, in sympathy with the particular evangelical ethos of the College. Regulation 7(2)a of the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 applies.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday, 2nd January 2007.

An application pack is available from Peter Wood, Development Manager, Oak Hill College, Chase Side, London N14 4PS, Tel: 020 8449 0467 ext. 227. Email: peterw@oakhill.ac.uk