We are inviting contributions from women and men serving in a wide variety of situations including ministry and mission contexts as well as other vocations.
We want to encourage contributions from practitioners and academics alike, knowing that many practitioners are theologically reflective, and many academics engage lived realities in their work. We hope that this event will further encourage mutual dialogue and sharing that will enhance the work of both practitioners and academics.
Contributions can take the form of stories and testimonies which reflect on the presenter’s lived experience; they might explore areas where theology has shaped a situation and contributed towards tangible change or, conversely, they might bear witness to situations where it was a struggle to see how theology was relevant. As a practitioner, we invite you to reflect on the changes that have taken place in your own situation and experience and how these have challenged and shaped the way you think about your faith. As academics, we invite you to use your presentation to make links between these global changes and the development of your own discipline. We ask that contributions from those involved in academic theology be presented in terms that are accessible to those from non-academic situations and who do not have English as a first language.
Contributions may also be thematic, for example drawing on the focuses of the various IBTS Learning Network groups such as Freedom of Religion and Belief, Arts and Mission, Youth Leadership, Ethics, Violence against Women, Creation Care, and Missional Leadership.
The conference itself will take the form of a multi-voiced conversation which will be informed and stimulated by the contributions made by practitioners and academics. Contributions may be given in small-group settings or in a plenary setting to best shape and facilitate open-minded and open-hearted interaction. The conference will be an in-person event though we would consider a video contribution in special circumstances where someone is not able to travel due to limitations caused by war and other restrictions.
To propose a contribution please send a short summary (up to 250 words) to Mike Pears (pears@ibts.eu) and if you have any questions or would like to explore an idea please arrange a conversation with Mike.