A picture of Gayle Doornbos

Dr. Gayle Doornbos

Associate Professor of Theology

I grew up as a pastor’s kid in Rehoboth, New Mexico, where my love of Reformed Theology and the church was cultivated from an early age. Finding my theological home in the Neo-Calvinist tradition, my current work seeks to find ways to address the issues of today utilizing the insights and riches of the past and develop theology that is scripturally informed and ecclesiastically rooted. Practically, I am concerned with contemporary questions concerning the doctrine of God, the relationship between philosophy and theology, the Neo-Calvinist tradition, and Christian formation in the post-Christian west.

I earned my doctorate at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, where I focused on Trinitarian theology. I also hold a Th.M. in Philosophical Theology and a M.T.S. in Biblical Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary. I have spent a significant amount of time living and working with academic and ecclesial communities in Michigan, Washington, and Canada.

As a professor at Dordt, I love seeing the way that sustained engagement with Scripture and theology can transform and enrich the faith and practice of my students by encouraging them to become engaged in God's world in every aspect of life.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  • “Bavinck’s Doctrine of God: Absolute, Divine Personality,” in Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (Fall, 2021).
  • “Character, Charisma, Hope, and Healing: Reflections on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill,” Center for Pastor Theologians
  • “Common Grace,” “Special Grace,” “Divine Infinity,” and “Divine Unity.” In Lexham Survey of Theology, edited by Mark Ward, Jessica Parks, Brannon Ellis. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2018.
  • “Modern Reformed Philosophies.” In Philosophy and the Christian: the Quest for Wisdom in the Light of Christ, edited by Joseph Minich, 326-345. Lincoln: The Davenant Press, 2018.
  • “We do not Proceed into a Vacuum: J.H. Bavinck’s Missional Reading of Romans 1.” The Bavinck Review 5 (2014): 61-75.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Doctrine of God, Systematic Theology, Philosophical Theology, Neo-Calvinism, Missional Theology, Christian Formation in the Post-Christian West

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D University of St. Michael's College
  • Th.M Calvin Theological Seminary
  • M.T.S Calvin Theological Seminary
  • BA. Hons. Redeemer University

COURSES TAUGHT at DORDT

  • Calling, Task, and Culture
  • Biblical Foundations
  • Theological Methods
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Teaching the Bible
  • Faith and Suffering