A few days ago I posted on social media my desire to host a series of Zoom meetings with professors to discuss best practices in missions education in the academy. As promised, I am following up to provide more details and extend an official invitation.
I have been in the classroom since the late 1990s. Over the years, I have taught numerous students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. As a Ph.D. student, I was required to take a brief seminar in higher education. Since that time, I have never heard of any cohort of missions professors regularly gathering to discuss effective and innovative pedagogy related to our niche in theological education. What I have learned has been through observation, reading, and primarily, experience (as both an academic and practitioner). I do not believe my story is unusual. I still have much to learn.
Here is my proposal and invitation: Starting in April 2025, I want to gather 15-20 mission educators for a one-hour, monthly Zoom meeting for six months. The purpose is to improve as educators in the academy by learning from others, sharing experiences, and considering innovative methods. Participants are not limited by years of experience. So, come old-timers and new-arrivals to the world of academia. Though all sessions will be conducted in english, these gatherings are not limited to U.S. educators. Professors in other countries have already asked to be included.
Requirements for participation:
- Presently serving as a missions professor (any rank) in the academy at the collegiate, university, or seminary-level
- Willing to meet for a recorded, one-hour, monthly Zoom gathering to hear and learn from others
- Willing to share experiences (though not every time if we have 15-20 people)
- Willing to pray for the group as we seek to improve as educators
May we trust the Lord to do beautiful things among the nations through such collaboration.
Interested? If so, reach out to me via email by March 1: jd.payne@samford.edu