Glocal Conversations

Practice what you preach! This expectation is no less relevant for academics than for preachers. As a journal of the University of the Nations, Glocal Conversations occasionally dedicates an issue to shortened versions of MA research work. This issue has four such articles, written by people with boots on the ground. Two book reviews by seasoned seers round out the issue. Here's the overview.

The first of the MA projects considers the role of grief in Christian formation, and practical ways of leading others to deeper connection with God in the aftermath of loss. Brigitte Schönenberger brings to this study her own journey of loss, as she candidly notes. The study documents the creation and application of a five-week formational curriculum. Evaluation of the program found it successful in moving participants toward a deeper and more mature connection with God. 

How can we move learning online and not lost the heart of it? Researcher Mike Stevens engages the topic from decades of personal experience in the field. This article examines the development and potential of distance and hybrid learning at the University of the Nations, with a focus on the Genesis Centre’s role. Findings reveal insights into how the UofN’s live-learn model can adapt within a digital learning environment while preserving the core principles of Christian formation and community.

The third article investigates the experience of female leaders within Youth With A Mission North America. Although the beliefs and values of YWAM clearly affirm female leadership, this is not always reflected in practice. Through qualitative interviews, this investigation considers several factors potentially contributing to female leadership limitations. Author Lindsay Spang brings her world of practice to bear on this research, suggesting ideas for assessment to evaluate how hospitable North American YWAM bases are in practice to female leadership. 

The fourth article considers the application in Youth With A Mission today of the ancient pratice of praying the Psalms as a regular part of community life. The study, conducted by Joshua Crockford at YWAM Seamill in Scotland, found that the practice of praying the Psalms had a positive impact. Potential implications for Christian formation and corporate discipleship through worship are considered. 

This issue also includes two book reviews.

Steve Cochrane reviews The World in 2050: How to Think about the Future by Scottish economist and futurist Hamish McRae. Cochrane's review highlights the lessons applicable to Great-Commission-minded Christians. Cochrane notes that "McRae’s analysis of the world as he envisions it in 2050 is cautious and fairly conservative in that he doesn’t subscribe to ‘doomsday scenarios.’" While McRae expects that a "strong, confident USA will continue," South Asia is also out-doing his earlier predictions.

Paul Miller reviews N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird's Jesus and the Powers, putting to test both their theoretical analysis and their particular application of it to the contemporary American moment. Miller applauds their equipping of Christians to think biblically, but finds their discussion of what they term “Christian nationalism” to be "irresponsible." 

We trust you will find these works worth engaging. There is so much more that the authors could have said, and indeed they wished to. Please write them with comments or questions. Author emails have been provided on the documents for your convenience. Feel free as well to direct comments and questions to me at [email protected].

Glenn Martin

Managing Editor