A Tale of Two Conferences...

image from here.

As I continue to plod/slide/skate/waddle/fall through a very busy month, I thought I would start to tell a little of my travels, of the varied and wonderful people I've met, and some of the theology I've heard and read. Those who follow me on Twitter will probably have got bored of some of my tweets - at the end of the last week but one I was lucky enough to be involved in two conferences (very different, but both, in their way, wonderful and perhaps even important). One was in Chester, organised by the University of Chester, and titled 'Missio Dei: Evangelicalism and the New Politics', and I spammed (at least, thats what some would say) the hashtag '#missiodei14'. The second, taking place at the Theology Department of the University of Nottingham and organised by the Theology Network Group there was smaller, 'An Invitation to a Deeper Conversation', and used the hashtag '#tnconf14'. 

The Chester conference was fascinating. A collaboration of academics, practitioners, and those (like me?) who operate in the cracks between those two definitions, it was a brilliant if perhaps full day. We had keynotes from Steve Holmes, Krish Kandiah, and Anna Strachn, and papers from a range of folk. My own paper, 'Dignity Demanding Love', is now available to read in rather rough form on my academia.edu profile here. The conference was well run, well attended, and there were some great interactions. It was a joy to connect with a wide range of people - some I've known for a while, and others who I've known only on Twitter and through email. The day ended with a public lecture from well known and controversial figure, Steve Chalke, which led (As you might expect!) to some spirited Q&A. I will write up a more full report of, and reflection on, the day soon.

The Theology Network Conference was great fun. Very different - we didn't really have a budget and our presenters were/are either undergraduates or postgraduates at the University of Nottingham. I didn't present, but instead hosted, moderated, stuck signs up, and briefly introduced the concept and form of an 'academic' conference to those attending. We had a great day, with some stimulating discussion and thought-provoking conversation. I'm hoping to write a little more about Theology Network over the summer, as well as write up reflection/report of this conference too.

That is it for this short post. A Tale of Two Conferences - both, in their own way, fulfilling and engaging my personal passion to connect the the academy and the church, theology to mission, and God's Word to God's world. Thanks for dropping by!

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Keep your eye on my Twitter profile and Facebook page for the posts I've hinted at above. Otherwise, thanks for reading, and feel free to leave a comment!