Introduction
I have just started working on the module in Practical Theology with this year’s cohort of doctoral students – and it is a delight to be together. Practical theology often prioritises the experience of those who are marginalised, excluded and suffer injustice. Practical theologians find themselves drawn to situations of disruption and disjuncture – what one author describes as ‘the wound’. The practical theologian is not detached or objective, but their experience is one of immersion and discomforting embodiment. They are faced with unexpected insights and questions which challenge their theological norms.
This disposition to situate theological work at the site of trouble and suffering resonates strongly with so much of our current shared experience. It reminds us that many of our sisters and brothers who are engaged in research are themselves immersed in situations of pain and trouble – whether personal or social-political (and yes of course, in war). Perhaps there is empathy with Paul in his confession that ‘we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed’ (2Cor 4:8).
Let us continue to pray for each other throughout the IBTS community and beyond - for those in the Learning Network and those involved in doctoral research – that through them the life of Jesus to be revealed (2Cor 4:11-12).
Mike Pears
Personal News
On behalf of everyone at IBTS we warmly congratulate Dr Dale Stairs on his successful promotion which took place on Wednesday 15 June. Dale successfully defended his thesis entitled Discipleship Methods and Practices within the Youth Ministries of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (1945-2010). Well done Dale!
Next promotion: Caleb Hutcherson, 30th June 2022 – Aula, VU.
You may also be aware of the situation of Dr Joshua Searle from Spurgeon’s College (London). Shortly after leaving the IBTS Ethics Conference, Joshua was taken ill in Germany. Fortunately he is out of hospital and is recovering. As a community we extend our prayers and best wishes to him and his family.
Reggie Williams
We offer a very warm welcome to Prof. Reggie Williams as he joins the IBTS Research Community as a Senior Research Fellow. Mike Pears writes ‘my recent contact with Reggie has been filled with the sense that our conversation has been animated by the presence of God! We are very excited that Reggie will be available to supervise at IBTS as this will clearly increase the capacity for doctoral work in Black Theology’.
Learning Network Updates
The IBTS Learning Network is an initiative which brings people together around different themes that we call 'tables'. With the help of experts, we develop these tables with courses, conferences, webinars and podcasts, creating a community that’s engaging with what they are learning in their everyday lives. Our upcoming tables are:
Creation Care - September 2022
Modelling and Mentoring - September 2022
Freedom of Religion or Belief - Autumn 2022
If you know of any individuals who feel a particular connection with either of these themes, or others you think may be good contributors, please put them in contact with us here at IBTS. We'd love to hear from them!
Creation Care and the Gospel
One of our newest ‘tables’ is Creation Care and the Gospel. Through a partnership with CBF, we have been given a platform to receive donations which are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. This platform is called Classy, and will allow us to receive substantial support from our North American community. We believe that the funds generated will allow us to facilitate the development of an organic and international theology of creation care that will have practical impact a wide variety of contexts.
If you wish to support this project, we hope you might do two things for us:
1. Share our Classy page throughout your network or newsletters (particularly within the USA).
2. Share our Social Media pages/posts, as this will massively increase our reach.
Click here to access our Classy page,
Call for papers: ACTA Missiologiae Journal
ACTA is a journal published annually by CEEAMS. It publishes both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles as well as a range of other texts, such as book reviews of reports.
Hereby, we would like to invite you to consider publishing in ACTA. If you have an academic article, a reflective essay, a book review or a report, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the editors as soon as possible at:
Dorottya Nagy: d.nagy@pthu.nl
Pavol Bargar: bargarp@yahoo.com
