Contextual Theology: Methods & Models
12 January - 20 March 2026
ONLINE with weekly forums only
Suitable for those wanting to deepen their theological understanding and practice, this course focuses is on theological method, and an analysis of the methods used by theologians from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and theological traditions. Stephen Bevans’ Models of Contextual Theology is used as a framework for this analysis, supplemented by other works on the discipline of contextual theology. A key emphasis in the module is the de-centring of the Western theological tradition as normative, identifying all theological reflection as essentially contextual. This will be of particular interest to those who wish to examine their own theological process, reflect theologically on their intercultural practice, and to broaden their appreciation of theological insights from other cultures and traditions. Throughout, participants are encouraged to apply their analysis of these methods and models, considering the implications for their own ministry.
Course Tutor
Sue Barclay
BA (Hons) Latin & Physics, BA (Hons) Biblical & Intercultural Studies, MA in Aspects of Biblical Interpretation, PhD
Course Delivery
This course is delivered fully online, allowing students to work through each week’s material according to their own timetable and schedule. Each week, students contribute to an online forum discussion to share reflections on the week’s learning, with occasional live online chats led by the module tutor. Content is realised on a week by week basis allowing students to digest, apply and discuss the topic along with other learners.
Those accessing Advanced Short Courses will be provided with relevant reading materials and other information to enable their full participation in the course.
Participants are not required to complete an assignment and will receive a certificate of participation on completion of the course.
Please note you are expected to have a good level of English Language (equivalent to 7.0 IELTS) to participate in the course.
Library Resources
All Nations has one of the finest mission libraries in the country with over 50,000 volumes, over 12,000 eBooks and a wide range of journals and audio visual material.
For remote access students, readings are supplied by college online and any additional reading you would like from our library catalogue may be accessed by emailing our librarian.