News archive: ALC enjoys successful ANZATS conference

The rapid growth of charismatic churches and the widespread interest in spirituality was the focus of a major conference held at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in July. ALC hosted the 2009 conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools (ANZATS).

Around 80 teachers, students of theology and clergy from Australia and New Zealand gathered from 5–9 July to explore the theme, 'Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth'.

ALC Principal Rev John Henderson said, ‘Participation in organisations such as ANZATS is an important part of our participation in the wider Christian community and our common witness to Christ’.

While scheduled keynote speaker Max Turner was unable to attend due to illness, other speakers, including Rick Strelan, Helen Bergin, Vicky Balabanski and Denis Edwards, challenged and inspired with their research and presentations. Each addressed different aspects of 'pneumatology', the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible, throughout church history, and in the life of the church today.

Daily break-out sessions provided opportunities for clergy, teachers and students of theology to present short papers and test their research findings, also in areas outside the conference theme. The annual ANZATS conference provides rich opportunities for in-service training for people engaged in ministry and in teaching Christian and religious studies.

Many comments were received on the content and the scope of papers (from traditional Orthodox to different-perspective Pentacostalist), as well as the fellowship and friendship, the remarkable atmosphere and the hospitality, the ecumenical mix and the eminent suitability of ALC for such a conference.

Four books were launched as part of the conference: Grace upon grace: spirituality for today, by Dr John W Kleinig; An inconvenient text, by Dr Norman C Habel; God’s wisdom or the devil’s envy, by Marie Turner; and Uncovering theology: the depth, reach and utility of Australian theological education, by Dr Charles Sherlock for ANZATS.

At the conference dinner, held at the Snooty Fox restaurant, participants were entertained by Adelaide’s top barber shop quartet, the Fishbowl Boys.

The organisation and program of the conference were judged to be impressive, with ANZATS Secretary Dr Charles Sherlock saying, ‘The ALC conference committee has set the benchmark for future ANZATS conferences’.

For more information about the Australia and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools, visit www.anzats.edu.au

Updated: 05/11/2009 [1.02]