There is nothing that students love more than a fun classroom environment, and that is exactly what freshman theology teacher Dr. Bristow brings to his class.

Whether he’s talking with his students about deepening their faith to playing mini-basketball with them, Dr. Bristow is a loved teacher by many.

Dr. Bristow has worked at Gibbons for three years. 

“I wonder if time is better understood as ‘living out God’s moments, God’s time, God’s reality, for all eternity.’ I aspire to live a life focused on that latter definition,” says Dr. Bristow. 

He completed his undergraduate degree in business at the University of Mary Washington before pursuing a Master’s in Theology at the Washington Theological Union. Later, earning his doctorate in practical theology and leadership at Duke Divinity School.

 Now, he says, “My real learning continues with my wife and our four children—I never want to stop learning from them.”

Through working at Gibbons, Dr. Bristow said he was able to grow in his faith. 

“My growth in faith as a theology teacher comes more from my wonderful colleagues, family, and students than from the formal teaching itself… It is the faithfulness of those around me that genuinely challenges me in my own spiritual walk with Christ,” said Dr. Bristow.

As well as growing in his own faith, Dr. Bristow has a passion for helping his students grow in theirs. 

“My favorite aspect of working at Gibbons as an educator is undoubtedly the students. I truly enjoy getting to know Gibbons’ students while guiding them in their theological training,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories include helping students in their walk in faith. 

“I thrive on the theological energy and questions they bring,” he said. “I also cherish the mornings I drive to Gibbons with my daughter Amelia (a senior) as we listen to Lord Huron and Zach Bryan.”

The Gibbons community is thankful for Dr. Bristow and all that he has done at Gibbons these past three years!