Dr Barry Chant

BA(Hons), DipEd, BD, DMin, PhD, Cert IVWP

Dr Barry Chant has dabbled in many things. He likes to call himself a Christian latitudinarian—someone whose interests range over a wide spectrum. Whatever he says or does, it is always biblical, usually practical and sometimes controversial!

For many years he has been a regular speaker at church services, seminars, conferences and conventions.

He has a prophetic teaching style and an ability to take profound, biblical truths and present them in a simple, memorable way. He has written over twenty books, ranging from theology to church history to family life and children’s stories. Hundreds of thousands of his books have been sold around the world in several languages.

He has degrees in arts, theology and ministry, a diploma in education and a PhD in history. He has over 50 years experience in pastoral and educational ministry. He has been an ordained minister in the CRC Churches Int since 1962, was founding president of Tabor College, a multi-denominational Christian Education Centre with campuses in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Hobart and served as senior pastor of the Wesley International Congregation in Sydney for eight years.

For Barry and his wife Vanessa, their greatest achievement is their marriage of over five decades and their greatest pride lies in their three adult children, and their marriage partners, and their twelve grandchildren.

Speaking Engagements

Dr Chant is open for invitations to speak or teach at your church or organisation. Enquiries are welcome.

Family Details

  • Date of birth: 23 October 1938
  • Wife: Vanessa (married 1960)
  • Children: Rebekah, (married to Steve Cook); Michael, (married to Bronwyn Hancox); Clinton, (married to Natasha White).
  • Grandchildren: Joseph, Gwendolyn, Jake, Alexander, William, Stuart, Vanessa, Dominic, Wyatt, Tia, Keely, Lani.

Professional Background

  • Senior pastor, Wesley International Congregation, Sydney, NSW (2003-)
  • Founder/Principal, Tabor College, Sydney (1992-2002)
  • Sunday night talkback radio host, 5DN, Adelaide, South Australia (1983-1986)
  • President, New Day Magazine (1980-1997)
  • Chairman, United Charismatic Conventions in South Australia (1980-1991)
  • Founder/President, Tabor College (1979-2003)
  • Principal Crusade Bible College (1977-1978)
  • Associate Pastor Adelaide Crusade Centre (1975-1978)
  • Dean Crusade Bible College (1964-1977)
  • Pastor, Port Adelaide assembly of the Christian Revival Crusade Inc (1964-1975)
  • Ordained minister in the CRC (1962-)
  • Secondary school teacher at Murray Bridge High School in South Australia (1960-1963)

Academic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts degree, with honours in English literature (University of Adelaide, 1960)
  • Diploma of Education (University of Adelaide, 1963)
  • Bachelor of Divinity degree (Melbourne College of Divinity, 1968)
  • Doctor of Ministry degree (Luther Rice Seminary, 1985)
  • Doctor of Philosophy degree (Macquarie University, 2000); thesis topic – The origins and development of the Pentecostal movement in Australia, 1870-1939.

Positions Held

  • Editor, PCBC Journal (1997-2003)
  • President, Association of Pentecostal and Charismatic Bible Colleges of Australasia (1994-2002)
  • Chairman, Association of Pentecostal and Charismatic Bible Colleges of Australasia (1990-1993)
  • Secretary, Australian Pentecostal Ministers Fellowship Steering Committee (1988-1991)
  • Member, Advisory Committee International Charismatic Consultation on World Evangelism (1987-1997)
  • Member, Austral-Asian Christian Church (1983-2003)
  • Member, Heads of Churches Committee, Adelaide, S.A. (1979-1985)
  • Member, Australian Pentecostal Ministers Fellowship Steering Committee (1978-2004)
  • National Vice-Chairman, Christian Revival Crusade Inc, Australia (1977-1980)
  • Member, Rotary Club of Adelaide West (1976-1985)
  • State Chairman, Christian Revival Crusade Inc, South Australia (1974-1985)

Ministry

  • Primarily teaching ministry, including prophetic Scripture ministry. Seminar leader (NB Marriage Joy Seminars, together with Vanessa). Speaking engagements throughout Australia and various overseas countries, including Brazil, England, Germany, Ghana, Holland, Indonesia, India, Israel, Jordan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, Yugoslavia.

Notations

  • Included in Contemporary Authors (Gale, 1978) and Who’s Who in the World (Marquis, 1980).