in an Age of World Christianity June 15-17, 2010 Pre-WCRC Assembly Christianity is now a worldwide religious tradition. Faith in Jesus Christ is celebrated today in more languages and in more lands than any other living faith. Churches are growing. Many good works and the institutions to drive are rising. But Jesus has not come back yet. So now what? While we wait for Christ’s return, Christians value cultural engagement, thinking theologically about discipleship in this world and creating principled, sustainable approaches to contemporary living.
Keynote Speaker
This conference is designed to strengthen the intersection between Reformed Christian faith expressions and global movements for world Christianity. It is prompted by the commitments of Calvin College, the emerging global partnership of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and ready involvement from IAPCHE. Conference sessions are being created and hosted principally by Calvin College Centers and Institutes and educational leaders from IAPCHE to promote deep thinking about cultural issues. IAPCHE is sponsoring five sectionals at this conference. |
The term “worldview” has been championed by Reformed thinkers in higher education in Holland and North America. Over the last two decades, the term “worldview” has gained in popularity around the world. Where does this common usage come from? Does this term help Christians communicate ecumenically? How do Christians in higher education use “worldview” to distinguish Christian from non-Christian approaches? What are the dangers involved with a “worldview” approach? Participate in a discussion on these questions with Christian leaders from around the world.
Christian HIGHER EDUCATION and the Church
For centuries, institutions of Christian higher education were nurtured from within the institutional church. Although the last century saw most such connections strained if not severed, many institutions and churches are trying to re-establish healthy institutional connections. This multi-denominational panel will discuss some of the practices in which Christians have worked to bridge the gap between those involved in worship and those involved in academia. We will be asking other participants to join the conversation to help develop strategies for continued development between church and higher education around the world. |
Worldwide Responses to Reformed Christian HIGHER EDUCATION Over the past century Abraham Kuyper's influence has expanded far beyond the borders of the Netherlands and across nearly every academic discipline. How has this broad approach effected the growth of higher education in various regions of the world? What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of a Kuyperian approach to higher education? This session will start with a presentation by a key advocate of a Kuyperian approach in Africa with reflections from those involved in Christian higher education from around the world.
HIGHER EDUCATION, the Church, and Civil Society
Many college graduates fall into a gap between their college community and their new professional association. How can Christian higher education help bridge this gap and better prepare students for kingdom service? In April 2009, IAPCHE dedicated a conference on this topic. This panel will pick up this discussion by featuring some best practices from those involved in working at the “joint” between the academy and civil society. We will invite further suggestions from participants during this session. How can Christian scholars and institutions better serve developments in your part of God’s kingdom? |
HIGHER EDUCATION Preparing Christians for Public Justice Ministry
How are institutions of Christian higher education (CHE) doing in preparing Christians for pursuing justice for all in the public realm? How are Christians trained for service in politics, the legal system (criminal and civil justice), and agencies struggling for religious liberty, economic fairness, and so on? Is CHE helping Christians see that service in public life is shaped by contending worldviews, biblical and otherwise, and not simply by so-called, neutral rational science? Speakers will share some ‘best practices of CHE’ in seeking to accomplish this task, in various settings around the world and in relation to various pressing public problems. They will also address ways to improve in this area. The session features several leading educators talking about how institutions of CHE are training people for public justice service, on several key practical issues, as well as several practitioners in public life talking about how CHE has helped them work for public justice, and how it could do this better.
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P.S. Michigan Members We are seeking a few more volunteers to host international delegates during the conference. Email us if you can provide housing for a delegate or two. Thanks!
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