Dr Darius Jankiewicz has been appointed Field and Ministerial Secretary and Spirit of Prophecy co-ordinator at the South Pacific Division in Wahroonga (NSW). Dr Jankiewicz has considerable experience in academia, with 11 years as professor of Historical Theology and head of the Theology and Christian Philosophy Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary located at Andrews University.
The Field Secretary position was previously held by Graeme Humble up until his retirement in late 2018. In the role, Dr Jankiewicz will provide support to South Pacific Division leadership and institutions on theological issues, as well as providing support to ministers throughout the South Pacific as Ministerial Secretary. Promotion and support of Ellen White’s teachings are part of Spirit of Prophecy co-ordination.
“Even though we have been gone for 15 years from Australia and 26 years from Sydney, it definitely feels like we have returned home,” Dr Jankiewicz said. “We’re excited that, after many years abroad, we have the opportunity to contribute to church life here in our home Division.”
He is joined by his wife Edyta, who also served as an assistant professor in the Department of Discipleship and Religious Education at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, and their young adult children, Caitlin and Ashley.
South Pacific Division president Pastor Glenn Townend expressed his appreciation for Dr Jankiewicz’s arrival. “Darius can explain complex theological issues in down-to-earth ways,” he said. “His theological experience from Andrews Seminary has given him depth and a global understanding of such issues in the Church. We will be blessed because of this.”
Prior to his role in the United States, Dr Jankiewicz was a pastor in Sydney and Tasmania, and also served as senior lecturer at Fiji’s Fulton College between 2004 and 2007. Dr Jankiewicz’s education includes a Bachelor of Theology at Avondale College, as well as a Master of Divinity and PhD in Historical Theology at Andrews University.
“I look forward to serving throughout the South Pacific in a pastoral and theological advisory role,” Dr Jankiewicz said. “I see my role as a support person for Church leadership and membership in terms of theological and spiritual growth.”
