Certificate
Transformational Leadership
Mastery Foundation School Of Leadership
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Faculty
Faculty
Bertram Melbourne, C.D., Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament Biblical Language and Literature
Department/Office
- Biblical Studies, Divinity
School/College
- School of Divinity
Biography
Bertram L. Melbourne, C.D., Ph.D., is a professor of biblical language and literature at the Howard University School of Divinity. He served as interim dean from March 2004 to December 2007. Prior to that he served for over six years as the associate dean for academic affairs.
Before coming to the Howard University School of Divinity, Melbourne held several positions at Columbia Union College, now Washington Adventist University. They include professor of religion, chair of the Department of Religion, chair of the Division of Religion and Social Sciences and chair of the Faculty Development Committee. Melbourne also taught at Griggs University, Andrews University Theological Seminary and West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University).
Having taught for several decades, Melbourne has a solid background in theological education, teaching, and administration. He conducts workshops nationally and internationally on various issues, including Biblical Studies, 2000 Years of Christianity in Africa, Discipleship, Clergy Self-Care, and Integration of Faith and Learning.
He has contributed to a variety of articles and chapters, and is the author of five books including: Slow to Understand: The Disciples in Synoptic Perspective, Alpha Through Omega: A User Friendly Guide to New Testament Greek, and two books on Disciple-ship in the Synoptic Gospels and James. Melbourne has preached throughout the world, including South Africa, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Fiji, Great Britain, Korea, and New Guinea.
Melbourne has done studies in Transformational Leadership from the School for Leadership, He has received awards for teaching and was honored by the World SDA Church and the Government of Jamaica for contributions to education.
Education & Expertise
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Religion, emphasis in New Testament Studies
Andrews University
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Religion, emphasis in New Testament Studies
Andrews University
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
Theology, minor in Biblical Greek and English
West Indies College/North Caribbean University
Areas of Expertise
Biblical Studies
Specialty Area: New Testament
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Recognized for contributions and service as the President of the Washington D.C. Chapter of the Northern Caribbean University, 2024
Order of Distinction at the Commander level (CD), 2023
For contributions in the areas of community service, scholarship, mentorship, and professional services. Conferred by the Government of Jamaica
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023
For contributions in the areas of service, community, leadership, education, and scholarship. Presented by Harrison Memorial High School
NCU Beacon Award, 2021
In recognition of exceptional contribution in upholding the reputation of Alma Mater, and for your outstanding service in the field of religious education
Award for thirteen years of Excellent Service to Rockville Seventh-day Adventist Church as Pastor, 2019
Adrian T. Westney Award for Excellence in Community Service, by Washington Adventist University, 2017
Award for Dedicated Pastoral Leadership, Gaithersburg SDA Company, 2015
Featured News
Featured News
Read: The Gleaner | Caribbean cultural heritage under threat: Dr Bertram Melbourne sounds alarm on cultural preservation
Read: Adventist Review | Member Retention is Key, Say Church Leaders in Inter-America
Publications and Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Books
The Practical Christian: Money, Mouth, Mind and More
Using a unique perspective, Bertram L. Melbourne takes an in-depth look at James’s letter through the lens of discipleship—discipleship of the mouth, money, mind, and more.
The Busy People Bible Study Plan: A New Plan for a New Millennium and Journal
An exposé on the benefits of Bible reading with a practical approach to it, complete with a Study Journal
Called to Discipleship: Lessons from the Life of Christ
A book utilizing unpublished research from Melbourne's dissertation
Alpha through Omega: A User-Friendly Guide to NT Greek
A textbook on Biblical Greek
Slow to Understand: The Disciples in Synoptic Perspective
The publication of Bertram's doctoral dissertation
In the Book of Philemon
In the Book of Philemon: Brimme, a Rhetorical Ancient Formula Toward Contemporary Social Reflexivity
This article begins with social reflexivity and an explanation on an ancient formula described as “Brimme,” an acronym for “build rapport, inform the mind, and move emotions.” Afterwards, the article deals with seminal subject matters in the Book of Philemon. Central are the literary and actualized themes toward the practice of healing, restoration, and community.
Rethinking the Parables of Luke 15
Rethinking the Parables of Luke 15: A Case for the Fourth Parable
This article explores separating the two sections that make up the third parable to explore whether the second of the two could constitute a fourth parable that has its own unique message and therefore could stand alone. Moreover, all four parables are compared to see whether or not there are common features and/or patterns that could exhibit the intent of the storyteller. My thesis is that Luke 15 has four parables. This notion is supported structurally, thematically and is consistent with Jesus’ teaching methodology and his theology. I propose that when we limit it to three, we inadvertently legitimize the thoughts, actions, and feelings of the elder brother, weaken the contrast and thereby dullen the message Jesus sought to convey to his hearers.
What I Have Learned from Jesus about Preaching
What I Have Learned from Jesus about Preaching
Op-ed published in Ministry Magazine, 2022
Don’t Be Afraid to Cry
Op-ed addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, published in Ministry Magazine, 2021
PRESENTATIONS
“How to Finish Well: Tips for Transformational Leaders” presented to leaders and ministers in Miami and Orlando, July and September 2017
“Embracing Change: Change and the Church,” presentation leaders from the Inter-American region in Miami, FL, July 2017
“The Paradox of Conflict in Pastoral Leadership,” A Workshop Presentation on Transformational Leadership to Ministerial Directors of the Southern Caribbean in St. Marteen, April 2017
“Leading in Times of Opposition, Rejection & Failure,” a presentation on the challenges of leadership and how to overcome them,” A Workshop Presentation on Transformational Leadership to Ministerial Directors of the Southern Caribbean in St. Marteen, April 2017
“Let’s Pull Together,” A Workshop Presentation on Transformational Leadership to Ministerial Directors of the Southern Caribbean in St. Marteen, April 2017
“Retention: A Small Group Paradigm,” Workshop and Simultaneous Broadcast presented to ministers and leaders in Minatitlan, Mexico and viewed by others in Central America, the Caribbean and part of South America but was viewed worldwide, March 2017
“Growth and Retention: Learning From the Early Church,” Workshop and Simultaneous Broadcast presented to ministers and leaders in Minatitlan, Mexico and viewed by others in Central America, the Caribbean and part of South America but was viewed worldwide, March 2017
“Growing Deeper: How to Develop and Deliver Powerful Biblical Sermons” and “Go Ye: the Hear Tell, Find Bring Plan,” training for 107 pastors without BA degrees in West Ethiopia, February 2017
“Go Ye: From Membership to Discipleship,” presented to Pastors in Birmingham, England
“Growing Deeper: How to Develop and Deliver Powerful Biblical Sermons, g to Pastors in Birmingham, England
“Digging Deeper,” A Workshop on exegetical Bible study presented to clergy and lay leaders of Maryland and Virginia in April 2013