European Theology Teachers Rethink Ministry in a Digital Age

As March drew to a close, Adventist European theologians gathered at Sagunto Adventist College in Valencia, Spain, for the European Theological Teachers Convention (ETTC). The theme for this year’s event was “Rethinking the Church in the Digital Age: Theological, Missiological, and Pedagogical Considerations.”

The keynote speakers at the March 18-22 conference were: Elias Brasil de Souza, director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (BRI); Tihomir Lazic, lecturer in theology at Newbold College of Higher Education (NCHE); Ken Shaw, president of Southern Adventist University (SAU); Martin Klingbeil, professor of Old Testament at Friedensau Adventist University (FAU); and László Szabó, director of the Arthur Daniells Institute of Mission Studies (ADIMIS). FAU lecturers Igor Lorencin and Bojan Godina also presented papers.

As digital and technological developments continue to reshape the world, the Adventist Church faces both new challenges and fresh opportunities. Speakers examined theological, missiological, and pedagogical perspectives, critically analyzing how digital technology is influencing church identity, community dynamics, mission strategies, and education. At the heart of their discussions was a central question: How can the church thrive in a digital age while remaining anchored in its core beliefs and values?

Embedded in every European theologians’ convention is the meeting of the European Adventist Society of Theology and Religious Studies (EASTRS), a scholarly society for Adventist academics in all fields of theology and religion. At the end of the conference, László Szabó took office as president of EASTRS for the next two years, succeeding Tihomir Lazic. Stefan Höschele, FAU professor, continues to serve as secretary, a role he has held since 2017.

Commenting on the event, FAU rector Roland Fischer noted, “The large turnout of around 80 participants from both the Inter-European Division (EUD) and the Trans-European Division (TED) was impressive; even a representative from Ukraine was present with his family. A big thank-you for the overwhelming hospitality of our colleagues from Sagunto.”

Alexander Schulze, FAU dean of the School of Theology, praised the constructive cooperation between colleagues and their willingness to engage with such a current issue. Sebastian Kuhle was also impressed: “There was a lively exchange at the conference on a digital church and what this means for theology and the study of theology.”

Kerstin Maiwald, FAU research assistant, noted, “The fact that some universities allow and even promote work with artificial intelligence (AI) in certain areas of study and research was a new perspective for me. It became important to me to take a wholistic look at the benefits and limitations of AI.”

Martin Klingbeil, FAU professor of Old Testament, viewed the congress from a different perspective: “It was my first time at the ETTC, and I enjoyed being part of the well-represented Friedensau delegation. There were many new colleagues from EUD and TED to meet, and then there were also the familiar faces from my previous places of work.”

Theology teachers from TED were well represented, with delegates from NCHE, Adriatic Union College, Belgrade Theological Seminary, Hungarian Adventist Theological College, and the Polish Senior College of Theology and Humanities.

Kayle de Waal, TED Education director, commented, “The convention was stimulating and an absolute joy to attend. The presentations were thought-provoking and will support the church’s mission, particularly as it grapples with the impact of digital technology on our teaching ministry.”

The next ETTC conference is scheduled for 2027 and will take place in Maruševec, Croatia.

This story is based on the version posted by the Trans-European Division news site.