A program unit is a group of ETS members, led by a steering committee, that conducts sessions at the annual meeting which are organized around specific areas of study and special topics. The steering committees for the units determine areas of focus for the sessions, solicit invited papers, and in some cases, review and select papers submitted by the membership at large for presentations in one of the Section open sessions. For details on the three types of units and a listing of active program units, follow the links below.
The program units are designed to reflect a range of opinion for discussion rather than a particular position to be promoted. Steering committees are broadly representative of the range of viewpoints or methodologies found within the Society, as well as broadly represented across institutional and denominational lines. The tone of the units should be irenic, scholarly, critical thinking, and Christ-like in papers and discussion.
Consultations
There are three types of program units. The first is a Consultation. All units begin as Consultations. A Consultation is responsible for one session at the Annual Meeting (4 presentations slots or 3 hours and 10 minutes). Generally, Consultations use this session for a slate of invited papers or a panel discussion. A Consultation will be approved for a three-year term, after which it must apply for renewed status as a Section or a Study Group or to continue as a Consultation, or else disband. The absence of an application will taken as a decision to disband. Responsibility for Consultations resides with each Consultation’s chairperson and steering committee, answerable to the Program-Units Committee and ultimately to the Executive Committee.
List of Consultations
African Biblical Studies
Overview
The consultation aims to promote Africentric biblical scholarship that highlights the voices of African Old Testament and New Testament scholars who are sensitive to the African context and faithful to the Scriptures.
Steering Committee
- Elizabeth Mburu (Co-Chair)
- Abeneazer G. Urga (Co-Chair)
- Kidist Bahru Gemeda
- Misheck Nyirenda
Biblical Evangelism
Overview
Sharing the gospel today presents multiple challenges. The Biblical Evangelism group gives a fresh opportunity for those with an academic interest in evangelism, apologetics, and related matters such as church planting, church renewal, mission, and the completion of the Great Commission to gather and consider afresh the task of proclaiming Christ today.
Steering Committee
- Mark J. Keown (Chair)
- Timothy Beougher
- Nicholas Clark
- John Dickson
- Austin Freeman
- J.D. Payne
Christianity and Islam: History and Texts
Overview
As the most important evangelical society in North America, ETS has much to offer in the area of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim relations. This unit provides a venue for interested researchers—professors and PhD students—to engage in rigorous theological discussions and critical evaluations of the intersection between Christianity and Islam, historically, missiologically, and textually. As a unit, we provide a scholarly gathering, focused solely on Islam in its interaction with Christianity, past and present, around historical and textual matters. We aim for new scholarly research on Islam to emerge and receive evaluation and critique for future publication. Since ETS is the most important evangelical gathering in North America, this unit seeks to become a forerunner for crucial discussions around Islam and Christian-Muslim relations from evangelical perspectives, by welcoming papers that have never been published before with the specific focus on Christian-Muslim relations historically and textually.
Steering Committee
- Ayman S. Ibrahim (Chair)
- Rami Halaseh
- Daniel Janosik
- Daniel A. Brubaker
- Shane Folks
- Devon Provencher
Evangelicals in the Public Square
Overview
Steering Committee
- Don Smedley (Chair)
- Darrell Bock
- John Hartley
- Eric Patterson
- Galen Carey
Gospel of Matthew
Overview
The consultation will explore the text, background, exegesis, and theology of the Gospel of Matthew
Steering Committee
- Charles L. Quarles (Co-Chair)
- Jeannine Brown (Co-Chair)
- Bruce Henning
- Patrick Schreiner
- Mariam Kovalishyn
- Nathan Ridlehoover
History and Theology of Biblical Preaching
Overview
This consultation aims to explore and encourage research and writing on the history and theology of biblical preaching. This consultation will consist of papers, discussion panels, and reviews on a specific theme that the committee will select for each conference, e.g., Historical Methodologies in Preaching, Christ-centered Preaching, Theology of Preaching, Rhetoric and Theology in Preaching, etc.
Steering Committee
- Dwayne Milioni (Chair)
- Bryan Chapell
- Jim Shaddix
- Jesse Welliver
- Ryan Lintelman
- Walt Nilsson
Latino/a Biblical and Theological Reflection
Overview
The Latino/a Biblical and Theological Reflection unit seeks to promote the scholarship of Latinos and Latinas at the Evangelical Theological Society. The steering committee also hopes that the unit will serve to encourage Latino/a scholars to participate in other program units and in the governance of the society
Steering Committee
- Miguel Echevarria (Chair)
- Oscar Merlo
- Octavio Esqueda
- Dominick Hernandez
- Mario Melendez
- M. Daniel Carroll R.
Lutheran Studies
Overview
The Lutheran Studies will seek to provide a theological Lutheran perspective pertaining to the annual theme of the Evangelical Theological Society with a broad evangelical and confessional tone. This would serve to compliment the current vision and scope for ETS and provide avenue for members to learn from a tradition that may be distinct from their own.
Steering Committee
- Nathan Olson (Chair)
- Wade Mobley
- Andrew Kneeland
- Joel Biermann
New Testament Christology
Overview
In this session, we seek to discuss the Christology of the New Testament from the texts themselves, but also in conversation with historical and systematic theology. We seek to foster a dialogue of the role of the biblical studies guild in constructive Christology, and how that guild stands to benefit from the insights of other related disciplines.
New Testament scholarship has witnessed a (re)emergence of “early high Christology” in recent decades from voices across the spectrum. Yet this label is ambiguous and slippery as it is used by those committed to a variety of methodological positions. At the same time, the emergence of theological interpretation of Scripture (TIS) shows a growing awareness of the theological implications of texts. Nevertheless, a shared, cohesive method remains elusive.
In this consultation we want to investigate the most prudent ways to think about Christology in the New Testament in light of the church’s historic affirmations. To that end, we will consider (1) the contents of the entire New Testament over three years and (2) bring exegesis into conversation with a more diverse array of voices from historical and systematic theology. Our goal is to bring various disciplines together to discuss the person and work of Christ in the New Testament in order to sharpen our understandings of texts and methods from an evangelical perspective.
Steering Committee
- Brandon Crowe (Chair)
- Daniel Treier
- John Lee
- Murray Smith
Socio-Cultural Interpretation
Overview
The Socio-Cultural Interpretation Consultation focuses on the inter-relationship of socio-cultural studies to biblical interpretation. This group is interested in topics related to the development of methodology for using cultural anthropology and other relevant interdisciplinary perspectives in biblical interpretation as well as papers that implement these perspectives into hermeneutics and exegesis. An important objective is to bring these perspectives in a constructive dialogue with evangelical theology.
Steering Committee
- Myriam Klinker-De Klerck (Chair)
- David Bosworth (Co-Chair)
- Steven J. Winiarski
- J. Brian Tucker
- A. Sue Russell
- Daniel K. Eng
The Doctrine of Deification
Overview
In the words of Paul Gavrilyuk, the doctrine of deification has in recent decades transformed from a “despised archaism” to an “ecumenical desideratum.” This transformation, at least in part, is due to the ascendancy of Tuomo Mannermaa’s Finnish interpretation of Martin Luther, a re-reading of the mercurial monk that links his doctrine of justification to deification. Beyond causing a stir within Lutheranism, deification has since played a key role in Orthodox-Reformed dialogue, Baptist-Orthodox dialogue, and Evangelical soteriologies which aspire to incorporate scriptural statements about participation in God and union with Christ that transcend purely forensic or juridical themes. Additionally, scholars have demonstrated how these soteriological themes of union and participation can be understood as deification—or at the least, are linked to deification—in a host of significant Protestant thinkers such as John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Richard Hooker, John Owen, John and Charles Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, Herman Bavinck, C. S. Lewis, T. F. Torrance, Karl Barth, and Robert Jenson. The goal of this consultation is to highlight and promote new investigations into the doctrine. This may include investigations which highlight deiform themes in previously unstudied or understudied thinkers, but also may extend beyond traditional conceptions of deification rooted in soteriology alone. The Steering Committee will invite papers from ETS members—and, occasionally, non-ETS members–that analyze connections between deification and other areas of theology (e.g., pneumatology, ecclesiology, eschatology), biblical studies, historical studies, and even connections between deification and non-traditional arenas such as the natural sciences and philosophy.
Steering Committee
- Paul Copan (Chair)
- Ben Blackwell
- Carl Mosser
- Michael Reardon
Study Groups
A Study Group consists of scholars working in a collaborative fashion on a narrowly defined topic, requiring active participation. Normally a Study Group is assigned one session in the Annual Meeting for invited papers or a panel discussion. Study Groups are strongly encouraged to work toward publication of the results of their work. Study Groups normally have a six-year term which is renewable once. If a particular Study Group wishes to continue longer than this, it must take a two-year hiatus, and apply for new status as a Consultation in the third year. Responsibility for Study Groups resides with each Study Group’s chairperson and steering committee, answerable to the Executive Committee (via the Program-Units Committee).
List of Study Groups
Anglican Theology
Overview
The Anglican Theology consultation is dedicated to the study of the Anglican theological tradition, with attention to theological themes and developments from John Wycliffe to the present. It will focus both on unique contributions related to dogmatic loci, as well as discussion of the theology of key figures and theological works from within the Anglican tradition.
Steering Committee
- Greg Peters (Chair)
- Joel Scandrett
- Mark Bowald
- Luke Stamps
- Mary Baker
- Maurice Elliott
Applied Linguistics and Biblical Languages
Overview
The ETS ALBL Consultation provides a setting within the Evangelical Theological Society for promotion, presentation, and discussion of research on the nature and teaching of biblical languages. In particular, there is an emphasis on how the principles of applied linguistics as an aid in ancient language acquisition.
Steering Committee
- Brian Schultz (Chair)
- Scott McQuinn
- Jennifer Quast Noonan
- Randall Buth
- JoAnna Hoyt
Asian/Asian-American Theology
Overview
Asian/Asian-American Theology Consultation Group in ETS is an academic venue where specialists on subjects related to Asian theologies and/or Asian communities may present papers as well as collaborate on researches and projects. The AAA Group invites papers diverse in their research methods and topics, and hosts creative and innovative panel discussion that can help not only develop a paradigm of interpretation but also feed the academic need of the audiences in the ETS who are interested in learning cutting edge researches of Asian theological, cultural, and religious issues.
Steering Committee
- Jackson Wu (Co-Chair)
- Benjamin Shin (Co-Chair)
- Danial Eng
- Melissa Tan
- Grace Ng
Baptist Studies
Overview
The Baptist Studies Group exists to promote academic research into the origins, thought, history and influence of the Baptist tradition. Due consideration will be given to historical, theological and practical issues as related to Baptist life and thought.
Steering Committee
- Anthony Chute (Chair)
- Jason Duesing
- Chris Chun
- Peter Back
- Marvin Jones
- Matthew Pinson
Bible Exposition and Hermeneutics
Overview
Our study group organized as a result of perceiving the current need in academia and in churches for teachers and pastors to be able to teach (or preach) and apply the Bible accurately with both confidence and conviction. Whereas, most study groups direct their papers exclusively towards scholars and/or teachers of the academic community, we desire also to provide something that will be beneficial for pastors in the area of Expository Preaching and Hermeneutics.
Steering Committee
- Forrest Weiland (Chair)
- Elliott Johnson
- Greg Trull
- David Klingler
- Eric Redmond
- Nate Hoff
- Wayne House
Bioethics
Overview
The Bioethics program unit is devoted to examining issues in health care and biotechnology that constitute the field of bioethics.
Issues addressed include reproductive technologies, abortion, informed consent, human embryonic research, cloning, genetic testing, gene editing and design, health care access, end-of-life decision-making, medicide (physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia), artificial life extension, nanotechnology, and transhumanism, among many others.
The program unit has particular interest in exploring relevant biblical teachings and how to communicate their insights effectively within the church and in the public square.
Steering Committee
- Michael Sleasman (Chair)
- Scott Rae
- Chris Ralston
Book of Revelation
Overview
The purpose of this study group is to advance evangelical scholarship on the book of Revelation within its historical, literary, and theological contexts. The study group also hopes to develop and foster a community of evangelical students, pastors, and scholars with interest in Revelation which will result in both collaborative academic publications and better-informed preaching and teaching from Revelation in local churches.
Steering Committee
- Alan Bandy (Co-Chair)
- Alexander Stewart (Co-Chair)
- Dave Mathewson
- Mike Naylor
- J. Scott Duvall
Christianity and the Natural Sciences
Overview
The study group focuses on the relationship between the Christian faith and the academic disciplines generally understood to be the natural sciences (i.e., astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, etc.). The group provides a platform to explore the interaction of biblical hermeneutics, biblical studies and the various theological disciplines (biblical, historical and systematic) with the history, philosophy and methodologies of the natural sciences. Invited papers represent a spectrum of approaches and positions.
Steering Committee
- Kenneth Keathley (Chair)
- Fazale Rana
- Hans Madueme
- John Bloom
- Roy Brown
Evangelicalism in the Long Eighteenth Century
Overview
Historians and theologians devote considerable attention to the period between the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. They refer to this era as the long eighteenth century. This period witnessed the rise of English nonconformity and the advent of the Evangelical Revival. Evangelicals from several ecclesial traditions trace their heritage to these events. This consultation will examine evangelical life and thought during the long eighteenth century. It will explore eighteenth-century doctrinal developments and church life. It will also consider biographical details of eighteenth-century figures and new secondary resources devoted to the period.
Steering Committee
- Michael Haykin (Co-Chair)
- David Mark Rathel (Co-Chair)
- Nathan Tarr
- Obbie Tyler Todd
- Dustin Bruce
- Chris Chun
General Epistles
Overview
The General Epistles Consultation Group centers around eight New Testament books: Hebrews; James; 1, 2, 3 John; 1, 2 Peter; and Jude. Presentations focus attention on the epistles academically yet with an emphasis on identifying their relevant contribution to the church.
Our desire is to stay current with and contribute to the study of the General Epistles. Our Consultation Group on the General Epistles offers a forum for authors who have published or are currently studying the epistles to present their past and present discoveries. Thus our rational is simply this: provide a public forum for experts in the area of the General Epistles to come and share current exegetical, theological, and hermeneutical issues that students, professors and pastors wrestle with in their study, teaching, and preaching of the letters.
Steering Committee
- Bruce Compton (Co-Chair)
- Tim Miller (Co-Chair)
- Herbert W. Bateman IV
- Gary Derickson
Greco-Roman Backgrounds
Overview
Because the first-century world in which the New Testament was written was Greco-Roman, this consultation will study linguistic, cultural, political, socio-economic, and religious developments in the Greco-Roman world as they relate to and impact the interpretation and understanding of the New Testament. The consultation has special interest in new or neglected areas of study in New Testament backgrounds.
Steering Committee
- Lynn Cohick (Chair)
- Bernie Cueto
- Joe Fantin
- Randy Richards
- Joey Dodson
Messianic Jewish Studies: History, Theology and Praxis
Overview
The Consultation will invite evangelical scholars (Jewish and Gentile) to address biblical, theological, historical and practical issues related to the ancient and modern Messianic movements. The committee will focus on the Jewish background of Christianity, the integration and impact of evangelical theology on the Messianic movement, the missiological call of the Jewish people, and the application of Messianic Jewish expressions of faith to all aspects of life.
Steering Committee
- Hélène Dallaire (Chair)
- Tuvya Zaretsky
- Amy Downey
- Jim Sibley
- Gregg Hagg
- Stan Meyer
Models of God
Overview
The Models of God study group exists to foster discussion of:
- God’s existence and attributes;
- the Trinitarian persons considered individually or in their mutual relations;
- biblical material relevant to the previous two subjects;
- the implications that beliefs about the first two subjects hold for other areas of theology and vice versa; and
- proposals by past and/or contemporary theologians relevant to any of the preceding four topics.
Steering Committee
- Dennis W. Jowers (Chair)
- R. Scott Swain
- H. Wayne House
- Norman Gulley
- Keith E. Johnson
- Steven M. Studebaker
Puritan Theology in Post-Reformation Context
Overview
The “Puritan Theology in Post-Reformation Context” program unit will focus on the theological debates, developments, and emphases of the Puritans, a group centered in England, loosely connected by their Reformed, experiential piety, and spread across the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Such theological topics will be considered in their immediate international and multi-confessional post-Reformation historical context, as well their place in broader church history and historical theology.
Steering Committee
- Andrew Ballitch (Chair)
- Stephen Yuille
- Joel Beeke
- Shawn Wright
- Nathan Tarr
- Greg Salazar
- David Whitla
Scottish Church History and Theology
Overview
Scottish Church History and Theology will promote and encourage scholarly research and writing on the regional as well as global influence of the Scottish Church in the period since the Reformation era. The Scottish churches have replicated themselves abroad through emigration; Scottish theology has spread internationally through the published works of theologians and biblical scholars both from within Scotland and from teaching posts abroad. Scottish Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Baptists and Restorationist movements (such as the Christian Churches) have all relayed impulses from Scotland to the wider Christian world.
Steering Committee
- John Tweeddale (Chair)
- Kenneth J. Stewart
- John McClean
- Iver Martin
Septuagint Studies
Overview
The Septuagint Studies program unit seeks to sponsor invited papers, panels, reviews and submissions on any topic related to Septuagint scholarship. Topics on the Septuagint that relate to evangelical scholarship may include, but are not limited to, history, interpretation (and history of), linguistics (e.g. lexicography, semantics), textual criticism, Hexaplaric studies, translation technique, and the influence of the Septuagint to biblical and theological scholarship. Of particular interest is the NT use of the OT with respect to the Septuagint. The increase in interest and work in the field of Septuagint studies is growing rapidly. Scholars and students realise the importance the Septuagint plays in interpretation of the New Testament. For example, in the early church a version of the Septuagint was the only Bible they knew. It is estimated that between 70-80% of the quotations from the Old Testament in the New Testament are from a Greek base text. Thus, the Septuagint is very important for serious study of the Christian Bible. The Septuagint is also being studied as a text in its own right. There are at least three series of commentaries on the Septuagint, being backed by major publishers. ETS members are involved in these projects, and it is important to have the evangelical community carefully consider how the Septuagint relates to the work of the society.
Steering Committee
- Phillip Marshall (Chair)
- Greg Lanier
- Jennifer B. Jones
- Matthew Albanese
- Christopher J. Fresch
Trinitarian Theology
Overview
That articulating the Christian doctrine of God requires a distinctively trinitarian theology is increasingly recognized as a crucial area of discussion, debate and disagreement in the evangelical church and the academy. This consultation seeks to provide a place for engaging in classic trinitarian theology in biblical, historical and systematic modes.
Steering Committee
- Josh Malone (Chair)
- Keith Johnson
- Fred Sanders
- Scott Swain
- Steve Duby
- Tyler Wittman
Warfare and Violence in the Old Testament
Overview
The focus is on warfare and violence in all parts of the Old Testament, examining the ethical and theological issues associated with these texts as well as questions about how to apply them today.
Steering Committee
- Charlie Trimm (Chair)
- Brittany Kim
- Michelle Knight
- Michelle Navarrete
Sections
A Section is the most broadly defined program unit, representing areas of general interest, and it offers presenters the most access for unsolicited papers. Normally Sections are responsible for two sessions at the Annual Meeting. Often one session is used for invited papers or a panel discussion, while the other session is constructed from presentations submitted by members at large in response to the general call for papers. Sections may also use the their two assigned sessions to address different topics within their area of study. At a minimum, one of the two sessions must be constructed from papers submitted in response to the general call for proposals. Sections normally have a six-year term and are renewable indefinitely, contingent on the demonstration of continued viability and compliance with the goals for all program units and the Society at large. Responsibility for Sections resides with each Section’s chairperson and steering committee, answerable to the Executive Committee (via the Program-Units Committee).
List of Sections
American Christianity
Overview
The American Christianity section is dedicated to exploring the history and historical theology of Christianity in North America.
Steering Committee
- Miles Mullin (Chair)
- Glenn Kreider
- Robert Caldwell
- Donald Westblade
- Paul Sanchez
Biblical Theology
Overview
The Biblical Theology program unit aims to explore and clarify what it means to understand and embrace the interpretive perspective of the biblical authors. We are interested in whole Bible treatments of themes, analysis of inner-biblical interpretation, and canonically sensitive treatments of particular passages, literary structures, and typological developments. We further welcome treatments of the Bible’s story, how truths and doctrines are derived from it, the symbols used to summarize and interpret it, and the ethics, culture, and worship to which it gives rise. The history of the consideration of these topics, the state of the current discussion, and proposals for the future of such inquiry likewise concern us.
Steering Committee
- Ched Spellman (Chair)
- Bob Yarbrough
- Miles Van Pelt
- Daniel Timmer
- Stephen Dempster
- Jim Hamilton
Biblical Worship
Overview
The Biblical Worship Section is a forum for evangelical scholarship that analyzes the practice of Christian worship from historical, biblical-theological, and pastoral/practical perspectives. Papers and discussions focus especially (although not exclusively) on corporate worship and the biblical-theological foundations for the theology and practice of worship. The section aims primarily to encourage and model academic study that supports renewal and reform in the worship of evangelical churches and promotes education about worship in evangelical institutions.
To find our more information about the Biblical Worship section and to access papers presented at past ETS conferences, please visit our website: http://etsworship.wordpress.com/
Steering Committee
- Joshua Waggener (Chair)
- Greg Stiekes
- Robert Pendergraft
- Ron Man
Christian Ethics
Overview
The Christian Ethics program unit is devoted to exploring questions relevant to the field of Christian theological ethics. Inquires include but are by no means limited to: moral theory, virtue, justice, warfare, technology, creation, economy, and politics. All topics in this unit are explored theologically, and may sometimes address methods and approaches in ethics.
Steering Committee
- Jacob Shatzer (Chair)
- Ken Magnuson
- Dennis Hollinger
- Dani Treweek
- Jason Thacker
Christian History and Thought Since 1700
Overview
This unit is aimed at gathering interests in post-Reformation and modern Christian History and Thought not presently accommodated in existing units. The members of the steering committee are a group of church historians, historical theologians, and theologians who interact significantly with history. Christian History and Thought since 1700 aims to accommodate such themes as the following:
- Post-Reformation studies (leading individuals, doctrinal themes)
- European Pietist movements
- Evangelical leaders, evangelical movements and awakenings from 1700 onward
- The history of missions since the Puritan age, and developments in theology since the Reformation age
Steering Committee
- Robert Caldwell (Chair)
- Karin Stetina
- Ken Stewart
- Crawford Stevener
Christianity and Culture
Overview
The Christianity and Culture program unit examines the role of culture in evangelical theology. We seek to integrate a variety of disciplines and expertise (biblical exegesis, biblical studies, biblical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, philosophy, psychology, missiology, ethics, sociology, and homiletics) into the conversation. The focus is on both theory and practice. Invited papers in the session represent a variety of approaches, organized in pursuit of the question: how should evangelicals view culture and what role does culture play in faith and practice?
Steering Committee
- Glenn Kreider (Chair)
- John Adair
- Steven Sherman
- Earl Waggoner
Early Christian Theology in Protestant Thought
Overview
The Consultation on Early Christian Theology in Protestant Thought seeks to contribute to recent movements of theological retrieval by examining the biblical, historical, and theological themes evident in the Protestant retrieval of early Christian theology in theologians of the Reformation and successive generations. The consultation will sponsor invited and submitted papers, panels, and reviews on topics related to modes of theological retrieval centered on a particular theme, chosen by the committee each year (theology proper, theology of Scripture, Calvin, Lutheran retrieval of the fathers, Baptist retrieval of the fathers, Reformation commentaries on Romans, etc.)
Steering Committee
- H. Clifton Ward (Co-Chair)
- D. Blair Smith (Co-Chair)
- Michael Haykin
- David Luy
- Jennifer McNutt
Evangelicals and Women
Overview
Through scholarly engagement from varied disciplines and perspectives among evangelicals and a broader Christian community, Evangelicals and Women will explore (1) The biblical text as it speaks to relations between women and men in the body of Christ and community, (2) the ontological significance of male-female; (3) and historical backgrounds of women specific issues, from biblical times and throughout church history (4) and the relevance of Scripture’s teachings on women when addressing today’s issues in church, home and society.
Steering Committee
- Cynthia Westfall (Co-Chair)
- Mimi Haddad (Co-Chair)
- Adesola Akala
- John W. Herbst
Hebrew Language
Overview
The Hebrew Language section seeks to encourage the academic investigation of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and engage topics in the current study of Hebrew language. We believe that foundational to a vibrant evangelical theology is serious interaction with the texts of the Christian Scriptures written in Hebrew. Topics will focus on the issues arising from linguistic, historical, textual, and philological questions about the Hebrew Bible and of interest to a Christian scholarly community. In addition, we plan to host invited presentations to discuss innovative pedagogical approaches and encourage language instructors in their teaching Hebrew language and interpretation.
Steering Committee
- Chip Hardy (Chair)
- Adam Howell
- JoAnna Hoyt
- Miles Van Pelt
Hermeneutics
Overview
The goal of this unit is to study and evaluate theories and methods of biblical interpretation. In our pursuit of this goal we welcome papers and seek to have sessions addressing various aspects of biblical interpretation, including the contributions of key interpreters, controversial hermeneutical issues, and the interpretation of specific biblical passages.
Steering Committee
- Matt Harmon (Chair)
- Ed Glenny
- James B. De Young
- Jan Verbruggen
- Patrick Schreiner
- Brandon Smith
Johannine Literature
Overview
The Johannine Literature section exists to advance scholarship of the Gospel of John, Johannine Epistles, and Book of Revelation. We endeavor to study the diverse Johannine Corpus in all aspects, including but not limited to its historical, literary, and theological dimensions. Features such as the use of the OT, intertextuality, narrative development, and interpretive methods will be considered as well.
Steering Committee
- Mark R. Kelley (Chair)
- James M. Hamilton Jr.
- Robert “Bobby” Jamieson III
Luke-Acts
Overview
The Luke-Acts program unit meets annually for the purpose of promoting the evangelical study of the gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, in two sections, an invited section and an open section. Our invited section seeks to feature presentations and discussions on specific timely and relevant issues, or continuing discovery and debate in the field of Luke-Acts by invited up-and-coming and established scholars. The open section is a loosely themed session that gives room for presentations and discussion topics proposed to and accepted by the steering committee. In all things, the Luke-Acts steering committee promotes scholarship that begins from a stance of belief in God’s Word as the sole authority to the life of every Christian and inspired Scripture, truthful and coherent in its message of redemption. From this starting point, the steering committee entertains a diverse methodology for the study of Luke-Acts, and welcomes a diversity of contributions. Soli Deo Gloria.
Steering Committee
- Zachary Dawson (Chair)
- Aaron White
- Joy Vaughan
- Wayne Cornett
- Holly Beers
Method in Systematic Theology
Overview
Method in Systematic Theology brings to the Evangelical Theological Society a forum to track and to research basic issues in theological method. From the theological interpretation of scripture and types of theology, to interdisciplinary, comparative, contextual, missional issues – all require engagement, assessment and constructive response toward the development of Christian doctrine and theological practice.
Steering Committee
- Kurt Anders Richardson (Co-Chair)
- Ken Keathley (Co-Chair)
- Sung Wook Chung
- John C. Peckham
New Testament Canon, Textual Criticism & Apocryphal Literature
Overview
This section explores the development of early Christian texts and their role in the formation of the New Testament Canon. In addition to studying the origins and acceptance of the NT books themselves, special attention is given to the role of extra-canonical writings within the life of the early church and also to the form, function, and transmission of early Christian manuscripts.
Steering Committee
- Stanley E. Porter (Co-Chair)
- Benjamin Laird (Co-Chair)
- Charles E. Hill
- Darrell Bock
New Testament Greek Language and Exegesis
Overview
The New Testament Greek Language and Exegesis sessions are devoted to assessing the current state of New Testament Studies’ discussion regarding the exegetical task, the nature of New Testament Greek, and instructional “best practices.” Through rigorous and open discussion, we aim to see what evangelical consensus on these matters might begin to emerge.
Steering Committee
- Stanley E. Porter (Co-Chair)
- David Mathewson (Co-Chair)
- Martin M. Culy
- Todd Chipman
Old Testament Backgrounds/Ancient Near East
Overview
The OTB / ANE consultation focuses on the content and methodology of Old Testament background studies rooted in the ancient Near East. Building on previous research and exploring new applications, we will engage standard and unique aspects of this sub system of OT research within the framework provided by ANE literature in the context of its material remains.
Steering Committee
- Matthew McAffee (Co-Chair)
- Caleb Howard (Co-Chair)
- David Deuel
- Dick Averbeck
- Rick Hess
- Gordon Johnston
Old Testament Narrative Literature
Overview
The Old Testament Narrative Literature section devotes the bulk of our attention on the narrative literature found in those biblical books generally referred to as Historical books (Joshua-Esther). We would also include papers that focus on narrative/historical issues in pentateuchal passages. Although we would accept papers that deal with narrative issues in primeval history (relating to creation and flood), we would not accept papers that focus on the early/late earth debate or flood geology/chronology. We will also not accept papers that focus on legal literature. Both of those areas are covered by other sections or consultations.
Our desire is to provide a platform for evangelical scholars to address relevant interpretive issues that arise in narrative/historical literature. Those issues are not pursued just as some obscure form of debate, but to give evangelical scholars the chance to wrestle with interpretive issues that have significance for understanding the Bible accurately. Although periodically we may invite a guest outside of the ETS (but not hostile to ETS), our primary goal is to facilitate collegial discussion of strategic interpretive questions.
Steering Committee
- Michael Grisanti (Chair)
- Robert Chisholm
- Bryan Murawski
- Paul Twiss
- Gary Schnittjer
- Danny Hays
Old Testament Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books
Overview
This unit examines and discusses areas associated with the Old Testament Prophets and Apocalyptic Books. Over the next few years the emphasis in our main session will be upon Reading the Prophets as Christian Scripture. This session will consist of invited papers that will address reading a given prophetic book as Christian Scripture: Isaiah (2019), Jeremiah (2020), Ezekiel (2021), and The Twelve (2022). The unit will also offer a second session of papers on anything pertaining to the Old Testament prophetic and apocalyptic books. Papers for this second session will be selected from proposals submitted through the ETS website for the unit Old Testament Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books.
Steering Committee
- William Osborne(Chair)
- Jill Firth
- Jerry Hwang
- Paul D. Wegner
- Andrew King
- Eric Tully
Old Testament Theology
Overview
The Old Testament Theology section is dedicated to discussing methods, themes, and insights that derive from a theological reading of the Old Testament. While the contours of the discipline and its methodological commitments are debated, our section exists to explore what these Scriptures contribute to our understanding of God and his relationship to the world, in a manner that extends beyond a simplistic historical or grammatical analysis of a given text (or corpus). Our section has addressed a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, method in theological reading, the relationship of the Old Testament to the New, themes central to the Old Testament, systematic exploration of Old Testament texts, Old Testament ethics, and even the historical or canonical development of Old Testament thought. At its most fruitful, Old Testament Theology is textually-derived, but also hermeneutically aware, ethically oriented, and ever-evolving to apply timeless biblical truths to pressing contemporary questions.
Steering Committee
- Michelle Knight (Chair)
- M. Daniel Carroll R.
- Heath Thomas
- Mark Boda
- David Firth
- Brittany Melton
Old Testament Wisdom Literature
Overview
This consultation focuses on the content and methodology of interpreting Old Testament Wisdom Literature. Recent studies have raised fresh questions about the existence, genre, theological value and ethical vision of wisdom literature. In light of these questions, our committee picks a central theme each year, and invited participants contribute to the ongoing discussion of this theme.
Steering Committee
- Brian Gault (Co-Chair)
- Christopher Ansberry (Co-Chair)
- Daniel Estes
- Brittany Melton
- Richard Schultz
Patristics and Medieval History
Overview
The Patristic and Medieval History Section is dedicated to the study of ancient and medieval church history. We encourage a diversity of disciplinary and methodological approaches (theological, historical, sociological, literary), and we welcome scholarly work that bridges to our contemporary context by drawing informed insights from the past.
Steering Committee
- Stefana Dan Laing (Chair)
- Glen Thompson
- Brian Shelton
- Stephen Presley
- Bryan Litfin
Pauline Studies
Overview
Pauline Studies covers all aspects of scholarship that shed light on Paul and his letters, including linguistics, exegesis, genre, cultural milieu and theology.
Steering Committee
- Linda Belleville (Co-Chair)
- John Taylor (Co-Chair)
- Harry Hahne
- Justin K. Hardin
- Aída Besançon Spencer
Psalms and Hebrew Poetry
Overview
The Psalms and Hebrew Poetry Section focuses generally on the genre of Hebrew poetry, and particularly on the Psalter. Studies of Hebrew poetry include the role of metaphor, poetic techniques and devices, narrative-embedded poetry, imagery, figurative language, and related topics. Studies in the Psalter include various approaches to the Psalms as individual units, as collections, and as the canonical Psalter.
Steering Committee
- Daniel J. Estes (Chair)
- Scott Swanson
- David Gunner Gundersen
- Brian Toews
- Kyle Dunham
Public Theology
Overview
The Public Theology section examines what scripture and theology teach us about public social orders – civil authority and governance, as well as informal (social and cultural) public systems of meaning and legitimation – and their intersection with the life of the church, especially amid the challenges of increasingly pluralistic social environments. Politics provides core biblical themes describing God (king), salvation (reprieve from legal guilt and punishment), Christian life (in the kingdom) and much else. The interaction of the church (individually and corporately) with public social orders is a key theme in every section of the Bible. Unprecedented pluralism and secularistic social ordres make the need for theological knowledge and disciple-making in this area especially great today.
Steering Committee
- Greg Forster (Chair)
- Matthew Lee Anderson
- Vincent Bacote
- Chris Armstrong
- Kaitlyn Schiess
- Jennifer Powell McNutt
Reformation Studies
Overview
To highlight, discuss, and present the latest scholarly research in Reformation Studies. This non-sectarian and interdisciplinary Consultation will also focus on annual themes (cultural, political, social, and economic) or theological results of the Reformation. Each year, expert professionals and scholars will be invited to present cutting-edge research and analysis for the ETS membership.
Steering Committee
- Martin Klauber (Chair)
- Joel Beeke
- Michael Haykin
- Dan Borvan
- David W. Hall
Scriptural Use of Scripture
Overview
The purpose of this section is to study the interconnections of the Christian Bible by carefully examining inner-biblical allusions and how these bear on progressive revelation. This broadens the scope of exegesis from immediate context to include interconnections within biblical books and between biblical books. The scope of the section includes OT use of OT, NT use of OT, and NT use of NT.
Steering Committee
- Gary E. Schnittjer (Chair)
- Quonekuia Day
- Bryan Murawski
- L. Michael Morales
- Seth Postell
- Jillian Ross
Spiritual Formation/Sanctification
Overview
Synopsis of theme:
The Spiritual formation/sanctification section is interested in papers that address issues of spiritual growth in Christ. Specifically it is interested in papers addressing the theological, integrative and practical issues relevant to the goals, processes and directives of transformation as well as the dynamics of assisting others in spiritual growth.
Rationale:
There has been a resurgent interest in the area of spiritual growth, traditionally discussed theologically under “sanctification.” The topic of “spiritual formation” has emerged as a renewed interest in the theology of sanctification as well as a more integrative and theological understanding of the experience, dynamic processes and directives involved in growth. However, we are aware that sometimes the spiritual formation movement has lacked in theological grounding and understanding. Thus, we desire to provide both guidance and theological leadership for this movement that combines theoretical rigor and true piety.
Steering Committee
- John Coe (Chair)
- Richard Averbeck
- Michael Wilkins
- Steve Porter
- Tom Schwanda
- Kyle Strobel
The Doctrine of Scripture
Overview
The last full evangelical statement and exposition of inerrancy, the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, is now over forty years in the past. In the intervening years, new questions about and challenges to inerrancy have been raised. This study group will work to identify the key issues and questions that evangelicals need to research and discuss with regard to inerrancy. The goal will be to outline these key areas and to provide a roadmap for future research and dialogue about inerrancy, its roots, its meaning, its supporters and detractors, and its practical outworking, in order to promote and guide sustained and productive affirmation of the doctrine. With its increasingly fractured understanding of both the definition and importance of inerrancy, evangelicalism is in need of a focused effort to address the core issues at the heart of today’s debates and doubts about the doctrine. There is also need to present the positive effects and outcomes of ministry and scholarship that affirm this doctrine’s truth. Because this is a topic which often produces discussions with more heat than light, the hope is that this consultation can help moderate an enlightening inquiry that will solidify our understanding of the truthfulness and integrity of the Scriptures in their witness to God and to everything else about which they speak.
Steering Committee
- Gregg Allison (Co-Chair)
- Robert Yarbrough (Co-Chair)
- Gwenfair Adams
- Adonis Vidu
Torah (Pentatuech)
Overview
The Torah (Pentateuch) Section provides a setting within the Evangelical Theological Society for presentation and discussion of research on the Pentateuch. It focuses on the content and methodology of interpreting the Pentateuch, keeping in mind both the Pentateuch’s ancient Near Eastern context and its theological significance for today.
Steering Committee
- Katy Davis (Chair)
- Peter Link
- Kevin Chen
- Geoff Harper
- Jay Sklar
Program Units Committee Members
- Ken Magnuson (Chair)
- Greg Peters
- Daniel Estes
- Eric Turner
- Eric Moore
- Miles Mullin