Ray Van Neste
Dean, School of Theology & Missions
Professor of Biblical Studies
Vice President, University Ministries
Biography
Ray Van Neste has served at Â鶹ÊÓƵ University since 2001, and also served as a visiting lecturer 1997-98. He has published books and scholarly essays on topics such as biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and church history. An ordained minister, Ray preaches and teaches regularly in local churches and has served in pastoral or other staff roles in Baptist congregations in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Scotland.
Ray serves on the Board of Reference for Eagle Projects International, a missions organization.
Ray and his wife, Tammie, met while they were students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and married just as they finished classes. They have six children- four of whom have attended Â鶹ÊÓƵ, one who is at Â鶹ÊÓƵ now, and one still at home- and three grandsons. While pastoring in Wisconsin Ray and the rest of the family got caught up in Packer-mania and have been Green Bay fans ever since. The Van Nestes are members of First Baptist Church of Jackson, TN.
Education
- Ph.D, University of Aberdeen (2002)
- M.A., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1996)
- B.A., Â鶹ÊÓƵ University (1992)
Recent Books
The New Testament in the Language of the People: A Translation by Charles Williams
Charles WilliamsÂ鶹ÊÓƵ University Press (August 2025)
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Â鶹ÊÓƵ Contributors: Ray Van Neste (Introduction).
United in Jesus, United in Joy: Sermons on Philippians
Edited by Ray Van Neste & Justin WainscottÂ鶹ÊÓƵ University Press (May 2025)
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Â鶹ÊÓƵ Contributors: Ray Van Neste (Editor & Chapter 7: The Secret of Contentment (Philippians 4:10-20)); Justin Wainscott (Editor & Chapter 8: The Bookends of the Letter (Philippians 4:21-23)); Kenneth R. Lewis (Chapter 4: Unusually Useful for Christ (Philippians 2:19-30)).
Recent Scholarship
- ARTICLE - "‘Our Most Fatal Tendency’: The Problem of Our Gleeful Historical Ignorance" Feb 2025
- ARTICLE - "Christmas: God at Work in the Dark" Dec 2024
- ARTICLE - "Thank You for Tomorrow" Aug 2024
- ARTICLE - "Dear Graduates, Work Hard" May 2024
Recent Video
Chapel: Ray Van Neste - Oct 22, 2025
Speaker: Ray Van Neste, Vice President for University Ministries & Dean, School of Theology and Missions, Â鶹ÊÓƵ University| details
Chapel: Ray Van Neste - Aug 29, 2025
Speaker: Ray Van Neste, Vice President for University Ministries & Dean, School of Theology and Missions, Â鶹ÊÓƵ University| details
Recent Photos
8/30/23 | 30956 |
XLRay Van Neste, dean of the School of Theology & Missions and interim vice president for university ministries, delivers a sermon in a chapel service. - Lauren Steed
3/17/23 | 30828 |
XLDean Ray Van Neste introduces Theology & Missions major Arden Pearce during the annual Ryan Center Bible Conference. - Lauren Steed
