by Tony van der Hiele

CBT’s new Associate Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry is a born and bred Albertan and “pretty much an open book,” as he called himself when asked some questions for this article. Dr. Stef Piva was born in Edmonton but has called Vancouver home for the last thirteen years. He is married and has three adult children. Stef is serious about his work but doesn’t take himself too seriously. “I am, I think, a fairly fun and energetic person who likes to laugh, often at myself, and enjoy being part of a similar community.”

With a B.Rel. from the North American Baptist College, an MDiv. from Taylor Seminary and a D.Min. in preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stef has focused his education entirely on ministry. Since 1994, he has been serving in a pastoral role, which has given him thirty years of pastoral ministry experience. Dr. Steve Booth, Academic Dean at CBT, sees the invaluable benefit of Dr. Piva’s experience when it comes to teaching and ministry in a Canadian context. “He brings extensive Baptist pastoral ministry experience to the faculty, which will pay off in rich dividends for our students preparing for leadership in the local church.”

Alongside pastoring, he has also taught a number of preaching and pastoral ministry courses at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton, Carey Theological College in Vancouver, Rio Grande do Sul Baptist Seminary in Brazil and the Cameroon Baptist Seminary. “There is little I enjoy more than teaching,” he states, “And when it comes to teaching scripture and equipping pastors on how to teach and preach scripture effectively, my enjoyment doubles!” Much of his teaching and mentoring of pastors is driven by a holistic approach, seeing the importance of training in doctrine and skills, as well as self-knowledge. “Stef is truly passionate about training the next generation of Christian leaders to preach and teach faithfully and effectively. He is highly motivated towards biblical soundness as well as creativity in communication,” commends Dr. Rob Blackaby, president of CBT. His personal interests are broad. He enjoys artistic painting when he has time. CBT’s new “preaching prof” is also a certified soccer referee who regularly takes on this role in his local community. Having a passion for teaching and preaching, it will come as no surprise that he is an avid reader as well.

Dr. Stef Piva looks forward to joining CBT and is excited that the school is distinctively Canadian while maintaining a global focus. “Not only does a diversity of cultural perspective enrich and challenge one’s understanding of the gospel,” he points out, “but the ability to send people out and make a global impact is extremely important to me.” He greatly values CBT’s open-door policy and emphasizes deeper and more personal mentorship beyond the walls of a classroom. “Student pastors need to not just learn about being a pastor, but they need to see it modelled and practiced by their teachers while practicing it themselves and getting regular feedback.”

At CBT, we couldn’t agree more. Stef’s love for pastoring, teaching, and preaching as well as for students is evident. In the upcoming academic year, he will teach partially in-person and partially online from Vancouver, before he and his family move on campus next year. CBT is thankful for how God provided for the role of Associate Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry in the person of Dr. Stef Piva. We have no doubt he will fit into the larger community and are praying for God to use him to deeply impact the students who are called to CBT to get equipped for ministry leadership.

Welcome Dr. Piva!