Al Padilla: A New Kind of Learning: Contextualized Theological Education Models

It is undeniable that the ethnic/cultural composition of our North American society has changed in the last 50 years and as a result the face of American Christianity is rapidly changing as well. All of us here today are aware that the numeral epicenter of Christianity has shifted to the global south [Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia]. A century ago Europe and North America comprised 82% of the world's Christian population. Today, Europe and North America comprised less than 40% of the world's Christian population. It is estimated that by 2050 71% of the world's Christians will be from Africa, Asia and South America. Closer to home, it is estimated that by 2050 ethnic minorities will comprise over 50% of the population in the USA. By 2025 minorities will comprise 50% of all children. Those are staggering statistics and in some way or other they challenge all of us—for diversity seems to be overwhelming us.

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Glenn Smith: A New Kind of Space

In articulating a missional theology of place we need a fresh understanding of the Trinitarian God who is in his very essence missionary. This God acts in the particular stories of his project – this is why we take the narrative portions of the Bible seriously. Therefore "place" is where this Tri-une "being in action" works, it tells us much about how communities of followers of Jesus (not separating God's mission from the church's existence and purpose) should "be in action" and it suggests a four-fold agenda.

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Also check out Glenn Smith's "Thinking After..."

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