Free Church DNA: Priesthood of All Believers Decoded

31 okt. 2024 - 02 nov. 2024 17:00

Teoloogiline konverents “Vabakiriklik DNA: kõigi usklike preesterluse dekodeering” keskendub vabakirikliku traditsiooni olemuses juurdunud veendumusele kõigi usklike võrdväärsest jumalariiklikust teenimisvalmidusest. Konverentsi käigus püütakse lahti mõtestada antud teemaga seonduvaid küsimusi ja vaatenurki ning selle mitmekülgset mõju vabakiriklikule identiteedile eklesioloogilises, pastoraalses ja missioloogilises plaanis. Konverents toob esile teemad ja spetsialistid arutlemaks vabakirikliku eklesioloogia ajaloolise arengu, kõigi usklike preesterluse piibellike lähtekohtade, eklesioloogiliste mõjutuste ning pastoraalsete järelmite ja väljakutsete, missioloogiliste paradigmade, kultuurilise relevantsuse ja mitmekülgsuse, nüüdisaegsete väljakutsete ja võimaluste ning teoloogilise ja oikumeenilise dialoogi üle seoses vabakirikliku DNA ja kõigi usklike preesterlusega. Olete väga oodatud osalema!

NB! Tegemist on inglise keelse konverentsiga.

October 31-November 2, 2024 Tallinn, Estonia

The theological conference "Free Church DNA: Priesthood of All Believers Decoded" aims to explore and shed light on the unique theological essence ingrained in the free church tradition. By embracing the fundamental conviction of the priesthood of all believers, this conference intends to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of this concept and examine its implications for the ecclesiological, pastoral, and missional aspects of the free church identity. The conference will cover topics and feature specialists addressing questions related to the biblical sources of the priesthood of all believers, historical perspectives on free church ecclesiology, ecclesiological implications, pastoral applications and challenges, missional paradigms, cultural relevance and diversity, contemporary challenges and opportunities, as well as theological and ecumenical dialogues and education concerning free church DNA and the priesthood of all believers. Your participation is highly encouraged and welcomed!

The conference is organised by the Theology and Education Commission of the European Baptist Federation and the Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary.

Program

Pre-conference, Oct 31, Thursday.
10.30 Gathering and coffee
11.00 Student presentations and discussion, group 1
13.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
14.30 Student presentations and discussion, group 2
16.00 Coffee break
16.30 Discussion "Future of baptistic theological education" with faculty members and students together
18.30 Dinner and fellowship (organised on-site)

Conference, Friday, Nov 1st
9.30-11.30 Study trip in Old town of Tallinn focussing on the free church history – led by Toivo Pilli
12.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
13.00 Opening. European Baptist Federation – Alan Donaldson, Estonian Council of Churches – Urmas Viilma and Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary – Einike Pilli
13.20 Interview with three "older brothers" – Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran view of priesthood - Philippe Jourdan, Urmas Viilma and Tauri Tölpt, led by Meego Remmel
14.30 Coffee break
15.00 Plenary session with discussion and Q&A – Stephen Holmes and Teun van der Veel
17.30 Dinner (organised)
19.00 Jazz evening

Conference, Nov 2nd, Saturday
9.00 Devotional
9.30 Plenary session with discussion and Q&A – Toivo Pilli, Olexandr Geychenko
11.30 Coffee break
12.00 Big interview with Dietrich Schindler, followed by discussion, led by Theo Bunescu
13.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
14.15 Track Seminars
15.30 Plenary session - Gabriel Stephens and Helle Liht
17.00 Discussion groups and conclusion
18.00 Dinner and prayers together

Additional day, Nov 3, possible visit to local churches

Prices

Call for Papers

If you would like to present a paper (15 minutes), followed by a discussion (10-15 minutes) for the track seminar, please send the abstract (appr 300 words) to rektor@kogudused.ee before September 25th, 2024.

Possible Thematic Areas

Biblical Sources of the Priesthood of All Believers:
Scriptural exegesis and theological reflections on passages central to the priesthood of all believers. Exploring the implications of this concept in both Old and New Testament contexts.

Historical Perspectives on Free Church Ecclesiology:
Tracing the roots of the priesthood of all believers in the free church tradition. Examining key figures and movements that shaped this theological DNA.

Ecclesiological Implications and Pastoral Applications and Challenges:
Understanding the impact of the priesthood of all believers on the structure and function of the church. Exploring how congregational autonomy aligns with this theological DNA. Addressing challenges in implementing a shared priesthood within congregational settings.

Missional Paradigms:
The role of the priesthood of all believers in fostering a missional church.
Exploring ways to engage communities and cultures with this theological framework.

Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities:
Adapting the concept of the priesthood of all believers to diverse cultural contexts. Addressing the issues of inclusivity and diversity within the free church tradition and in polarized societies. Navigating the intersection of the priesthood of all believers with contemporary issues such as ecology. Examining how this theological DNA shapes responses to societal changes and challenges in dialogue with wider societies.

Theological and Ecumenical Dialogues and Education:
Participating in discussions with other theological traditions on the concept of the priesthood of all believers, and addressing common societal concerns. Exploring opportunities for ecumenical collaboration and understanding. Examining the role of education in the context of free church DNA and the priesthood of all believers.

Keynote Speakers