Steve Raine announced the change of leadership at SPBC’s Graduation Ceremony in December 2025. Leon and his wife Jennifer present a gift to Steve and wife Gill.
After many decades of faithful service, SPBC is entering a new season of leadership. This marks an important moment representing both change and continuity, and renewed vision for the future.
Since the 1980s, Executive Director Steve Raine has been deeply woven into the life of the college. As Principal for several decades, he has shaped its theological direction, academic standards, and pastoral heart. Dozens of students have been taught, mentored, and encouraged under his leadership. While he will now step back from the day-to-day running of the college, his contribution is far from ending. Steve will continue in the role of Executive Director, where he will focus on future vision and strategy, securing SPBC’s long term financial sustainability, and serving on the Governance Board. This allows the College to continue benefiting from his wisdom, experience, and deep commitment to its mission.
We are also pleased to welcome Dr Leon O’Flynn as our new Chief Operating Officer. An SPBC alumnus, Leon brings a strong background spanning ministry, chaplaincy practice, tertiary education, and leadership roles. In recent years, he pioneered SPBC’s Chaplaincy studies and served as SPBC Programme Director across all qualifications. His appointment reflects both continuity and readiness for change, as he understands our history while also engaging boldly with the evolving needs of today’s students.
Even as leadership roles are changing, SPBC’s mission remains the same: To transform lives through the inspiration of God’s Word to multiply Christ-followers. These changes help position the college to respond to a changing educational landscape while remaining grounded in its calling. As we look ahead, we do so prayerfully, seeking God’s leading as we continue to serve students, churches, and communities with faithfulness and hope.
Andrew teaching at a previous discipleship programme.
“You’ve made Jesus known in a way that we can understand and relate to”
– Feedback from attendee at the Morobe Youth Camp, Papua New Guinea
Welcome to the first News Highlights of 2026. This edition brings updates on recent events, alumni visits, study opportunities, and a key leadership announcement, along with prayers for the year ahead.
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