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NTS Professor Accepts New Leadership Roles in Global Education

  Dean G. Blevins, Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Education Degree Program at Nazarene Theological Seminary recently accepted two new leadership roles that provide new responsibilities for the global church and greater influence within the academic discipline of Christian Education.

On November 24, 2009, Dr. Blevins was voted President-Elect of the Religious Education Association, the oldest organization guiding professional research and academic teaching in global educational
ministry. The mission of the Religious Education Association (REA) is to create opportunities for exploring and advancing the interconnected practices of scholarship, research, teaching, and leadership in faith communities, academic institutions, and the wider world community. Founded in 1903, REA now combines professional practitioners, academics, and research theorists from around the world. Dr. Blevins, who has been a member of the REA Board of Directors, will serve a three-year term that includes serving as program chair of the annual meeting in 2010 and officially taking the role of President in 2010-2011.

In addition to this new profession role, the Board of General Superintendents also recently appointed Blevins as the USA Regional Education Coordinator and Consultant for the Church of the Nazarene.  Under this new role, Dr. Blevins will serve as chair and resource for the USA Regional Course of Study Advisory Committee as well as serve as USA representative to several global committees including the International Course of Study Advisory Committee (which oversees planning for ministry education around the world) and the International Board of Education. Working with Clergy Development, Blevins will resource educational institutions in planning ministry education, and be responsible for other program areas including the next Global Theology Conference.

Commenting on the two new positions Dr. Blevins stated, “It is gratifying to have the opportunity to influence the future of my academic field and also serve the general church at the same time. I am thankful to NTS for providing a context where academic passion and ministry dedication merge together. I am also grateful to an institution that allows me space to serve in these global positions. Undoubtedly the experiences I gain from these leadership roles will enrich students and ministry preparation at Nazarene Theological Seminary.”

Dr. Blevins has maintained an active role in several academic organizations including the North American Professors of Christian Education, and the Wesleyan Theological Society where he has chaired the practical theology section for nine years. He has also served the general church as a consultant to children, youth and adult ministries; and recently contributed to a new denominational study concerning family ministry. In October, Dr. Blevins was re-elected Chairman of the Board of YouthFront, a regional youth ministry based in Kansas City with national education programming in youth ministry and youth spiritual formation.

Posted on Mon, January 25, 2010 by NTS News

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