When Albert Peck began studying at Whitley College in July 2000, he had only been following Jesus for seven years. What followed was a journey he never could have anticipated.
When Albert first walked into a Thursday night Church History class at Whitley, he carried more than books and notes with him. He carried uncertainty, insecurity, and questions about whether he really belonged in theological study at all.
Over the next 23 years, Albert completed a Diploma of Ministry, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and eventually a PhD.
“That might be a record,” Albert jokes. “The Scott Pendlebury of Whitley College one might say!”
But for Albert, Whitley was never simply about academic study. It was about discovering a faith lived out in the realities of everyday life and community.
“When I began my studies at Whitley College, what I discovered was a faith deeply entrenched in the fray of community life, where evangelism was inseparable from social justice and a sometimes radical call to mission,” Albert reflects.
“At Whitley, I encountered a vision of discipleship shaped by the model of Jesus in the Gospels, where following him became the lens through which decisions, relationships, ministry, and community engagement were filtered.”
That formation continues to shape Albert’s life and ministry today.
Currently serving as Pastor at Melton Baptist Church, Albert’s work centres on authentic, grassroots ministry that connects faith with real life. He is particularly passionate about creating spaces where people can honestly engage issues such as anger, addiction, shame, forgiveness, mental health, relationships, healing, and hope through the lens of Jesus.
“I’m increasingly drawn toward ministries and projects that are raw, practical, restorative, and community-focused rather than purely institutional,” he says.
Following the completion of his practical theological PhD, which explored how local congregations can care for people experiencing tension between faith and anger, Albert now runs an annual 20 week Men’s Anger and Behavioural Change course.
The course creates honest and restorative spaces for men wrestling with anger, relationships, identity, shame, accountability, and personal responsibility, while also exploring healing, reconciliation, emotional awareness, and transformation through faith and community.
Alongside this work, Albert is preparing to launch a podcast exploring the intersection of faith and anger – holding space for difficult stories, damaged relationships, consequences, accountability, forgiveness, healing, and hope.
Reflecting on his years at Whitley, Albert speaks with deep gratitude for the community that supported him throughout the journey.
“I remain deeply indebted to the support I received throughout my years at Whitley,” he says. “It has always been, to me, a genuinely caring community.”
One season stands out particularly strongly in his memory.
“A few years ago, while writing my research thesis, I went through the hardest and most challenging season of my life,” he shares. “During that time, the support and care shown by my research supervisors was extraordinary. Without their encouragement, patience, and understanding, I genuinely doubt I would have completed the research.”
Albert also recalls the first subject he studied at Whitley; “Church History: Reformation to Present,” taught by Rev. Dr Marita Munro, as a turning point.
“For the first five or six weeks we explored Luther and the Reformation, the Radical Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, and all the colourful personalities and conflicts surrounding those movements,” he says. “To me, it was like a theological soap opera.”
“Thursday nights became something I genuinely looked forward to. I couldn’t wait to get out of the truck and rush into class to find out what was going to happen next in the story.”
“Somewhere in those early weeks, something shifted in me. For the first time in my life, I discovered that learning could actually be enjoyable, and from that point on, I was absolutely hooked.”
Albert is also deeply grateful for the people who journeyed alongside him, particularly Rev. Dr Frank Rees.
“I never fully knew what Frank saw in me, but from the very beginning, he always had my back,” Albert says. “He encouraged me to keep going, to aim higher, and to believe I was capable of more than I often believed myself.”
“He celebrated the wins with genuine pride; graduations, ordination, milestones along the way, and that support meant a great deal to me.”
“At the same time, Frank could also deliver a well-timed spray when needed,” he adds with a smile. “But I respected and appreciated that because I always knew it came from a place of care and belief in my potential.”
Outside ministry and study, Albert treasures family life and is immensely proud of his two adult children, Molly and Albert, and their partners. Coming from a close-knit family with Irish and English heritage, he also values the strong connection he shares with his siblings.
He is also a passionate AFL supporter and member of the Geelong Football Club.
“You’ll often find me down at Kardinia Park with my son, brothers and nephews watching the Cats play,” he says.
For Albert, theological education became not only an academic journey, but a deeply personal and transformative one.
His advice to anyone considering theological study is simple and heartfelt:
“If I can do it, anyone can do it. Don’t listen to the mind-chatter or to the voices that overshadow you with doubt. Just take the step and begin.”
“My experience at Whitley College was that people genuinely wanted to see others grow, succeed, and flourish.”