Spotlight: Dr. Julia Bickley

1.    Tell us a little bit about who you are (where are you from, family, work, etc.).

I am originally from Tuscumbia, AL (also known as the birthplace of Helen Keller!). I lived there for the first 22 years of my life until I moved to Memphis, TN to attend seminary at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. I graduated from Mid-America in 2005 and served on staff there for thirteen years. I feel like I am quite literally half Alabamian/half Tennessean: I love Auburn football, Alabama food, and Memphis culture (Elvis, BBQ nachos, and southern hospitality).

At the end of May, I moved to the Wake Forest area to be on faculty as an assistant professor of Ministry to Women at SEBTS. Most of my family still lives in Alabama, while my sweet Shih-tzu Charlie and I call Youngsville home. I miss my family and friends, but I am enjoying the adventure of living in North Carolina and meeting new friends at Southeastern and beyond.

2.    If you had a free day and unlimited money, what would you spend your day doing?

This question is not difficult to answer at all! I would take the money and purchase a plane ticket to Vienna, Austria, where I would spend time with some dear brothers and sisters in Christ who I have gotten to know through several short-term mission trips. I would hope to serve them and their church and then devote additional time to exploring a European country I haven’t visited before.

3.    Who is the most influential person in your life?

Apart from Jesus, the most influential person(s) in my life are my parents. They have impacted my walk with God, from salvation to sanctification, in both my childhood and adult life. I am grateful for godly, wise parents.

I have also been impacted by the ministry of pastors and professors: Jeff Noblit, Steve McAlister, Brad Thompson, and Jordan Thomas. Each contributed to my spiritual formation and played a role in shaping who I am today.

4.    What is one book that you think everyone should have on their bookshelf?

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. In it, we read, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This one quote inspires me to push female students to devote their lives primarily to the study of God (Proverbs 9:10).

5.    What is a verse that you would consider your “life verse”?

I have loved Philippians 1:20-21 since I was in high school: “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

6.    What are three words that people would use to describe you?

Funny, tenderhearted, nerdy