International Conference on Pentecostal Theology in the Marketplace

International Conference

on Pentecostal Theology in the Marketplace

11th -12th July 2013

Alphacrucis College 30 Cowper St, Parramatta Sydney, Australia

W

ithin the ever increasing complexity and dynamism of global Pentecostalism in the 21st century, scholars have begun to examine its impact on economic attitudes, institutional policies, social justice issues, ethical responsibility, changing values in societies and the role of ‘market place ministry’. This cross-disciplinary Conference provides an opportunity for scholars from a wide range of disciplines to explore topics regarding Pentecostalism and its engagement with the local and global social environment.

Keynote speaker: Professor Amos Yong Amos Yong is J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology and dean of the School of Divinity at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Leading scholar in areas such as theology, interfaith dialogue, Pentecostal spirituality and studies in disability, Yong has authored or edited two dozen volumes (for a full list of publications, see http://www.regent.edu/acad/schdiv/faculty_staff/faculty/ yong.cfm). Renowned public speaker, Yong is also an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God.

Call for Papers Papers relating to the conference theme of ‘Pentecostalism in the Marketplace’ are encouraged – however proposals in other areas are also welcome, especially to enable participants to test their current research findings (including research students). Papers will be allowed 30 minutes, including question time.

Please submit a proposal of 300-500 words to: denise.austin@ac.edu.au Please note: Those without doctoral qualifications are requested to submit a full paper of at least 6000 words (including abstract and citations) by the due date.

Proposals should include: • Your full name, title, institution, email, phone and mailing address • Paper title and abstract. Abstracts will be included in the conference booklet • What audio-visual equipment your presentation requires Abstracts and papers will not be accepted after 26 April 2013. Proposals will be peer-reviewed, with responses made by 15 May 2013.

Parallel Sessions: The parallel sessions will allow interaction with peers in specific fields. Streams are:

1

Economics of Religious Behaviour and Markets Chair: Paul Oslington

The social scientific study of religion has been transformed in recent years by economists theoretical and empirical tools applied to individual behaviour, religious institutions, and the structure and performance of religious markets. In this session we are looking particularly for papers on Pentecostal churches and megachurches, especially in Australia, but would welcome interesting papers on any topic in the economics of religion, broadly interpreted. Papers by biblical scholars and theologians reflecting on the application of economic tools to religion are also welcome.

2

Theological Perspectives on Business Chair: Steve Fogarty

Mutual suspicion between leaders and business people is common in our churches. Business people are often seen merely as (slightly grubby) sources of funds for real gospel work. However the Scriptures are full of economic imagery - redemption, reconciliation, treasures, giving, stewardship, and visions of a divine economy. These images are some of the most important expressions of God’s saving work. How can we rebuild a fruitful dialogue between church leaders, theologians and those in the market place? What sorts of theological frameworks support marketplace activity that glorifies God? How do we train business people in our churches for this important work? What is the place of business thinking in our churches? We welcome papers on these and related questions.

3

Faith, social justice, and disability Chair: Shane Clifton

The social responsibility of the church is sometimes pilloried from the left and the right. On the one hand, Christians have been known to prioritise “saving souls” over social justice and, on the other hand, secularists have become increasingly vocal in their insistence that the church stay out of the public sphere. In this session, we are looking for papers that explore the church’s role in promoting and acting for social justice.

In the context of the Australian government’s intended rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, we are particularly interested in papers that pertain to justice and disability (although papers considering broader issues of justice will also be accepted).

4

The Role of Pentecostalism in Education Chair: Jim Twelves

With the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic learning institutions, there is a burgeoning interest in the influence of these groups on the educational landscape in Australia and overseas. This session, ‘Exploring the role of Pentecostalism in Education’ may include a broad spectrum of research, such as the role of the Holy Spirit in transformative education, the teaching of religion in schools, theological models of pedagogy and currents in Pentecostal Higher Education.

Papers presented at the conference can be submitted for consideration toward a book published by Australian Pentecostal Studies.

Conference details There is a nominal, subsidised fee of $60 which includes all Conference sessions, morning tea and lunch, and the Conference dinner at a local restaurant. Participants will need to cover their own costs of transportation and accommodation. The venue will be AC Central in Parramatta.

For more information, please contact: denise.austin@ac.edu.au Conference exhibitors There will be an opportunity to exhibit books and other resources relevant to the Conference theme. Exhibitors please provide your name, organisation, email address, mailing address, and fax and phone numbers.

Conference schedule Thursday, 11th July 2013 8.30-9.00am

Registration

9.00am

Keynote address by Professor Amos Yong

Friday, 12th July 2013 Keynote address by Professor Amos Yong

9.00am - 10.30am 10.30am - 11.00am

Morning tea

11.00am - 12.30pm

Parallel sessions

Parallel sessions

12.30pm - 2.00pm

Lunch

Lunch

2.00pm - 3.30pm

Parallel sessions

Parallel sessions

3.30pm - 4.00pm 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Closing session Conference dinner

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