A Future Agenda for Research on In-Service Theological Training in Thailand and Beyond

Abstract

Contextualization has featured prominently in missiological research for decades, often alongside concepts such as syncretism and hybridity. Being typically conceived as attempts to transpose and communicate the gospel in words and ways that make sense to people in their local cultural settings, contextualization has been theorized extensively in missiological scholarship. Notwithstanding this longstanding scholarly interest, a dearth of research recognizes in-service training as a valid expression of contextualization praxis. This article addresses this knowledge gap. Set in the contemporary church context in Thailand, the article explores questions, issues, and trends of current theological training practice, considering future opportunities for indigenous leadership formation. The analysis converges around the central proposition that in-service training is an under-recognized strategy for leadership development in Thailand and beyond. Conceptualizing opportunities for future research, the review charts pertinent perspectives and prospects for in-service training. This article embodies a timely research agenda aimed at sidestepping undue reliance on Western-dominated hermeneutics while at the same time advocating for indigenous theological training approaches in countries of the majority world.