CfP: Congregational Education in Times of Transformation: Traditions, Transitions, and Futures

The 2nd International Conference on Congregational Education in the 21st Century (ICCE2027) invites scholars and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of congregational education in times of profound social, cultural, and religious transformation. Under the theme “Traditions, Transitions, and Futures” the conference addresses how processes of learning, formation, and community life within congregations are being reshaped in increasingly plural, secularized, and globalized contexts. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, ICCE2027 aims to critically reflect on historical developments, present challenges, and innovative practices, while opening new horizons for the future of congregational education across diverse settings.

Congregational Education – often referred to as Christian Education or Religious Education within congregations – encompasses the processes and practices through which beliefs, values, and forms of life are transmitted, interpreted, and transformed in community. It includes people of all ages and involves formal, non-formal, and informal approaches to lifelong learning in local, regional, and transnational contexts.

The multidisciplinary ICCE2027 welcomes contributions from theology, religious education, social sciences, educational studies, practical theology, sociology of religion, cultural studies, and related fields.

1. Foundations and Contexts

• The role and relevance of Congregational Education in secularized and religiously plural societies

• Historical developments and turning points in Congregational Education

• Theological, pedagogical, and ethical foundations of Congregational Learning

• Public theology and civic engagement in the field of Congregational Education

2. Organization, Training, and Professionalization

• Organizational structures and governance of Congregational Education

• Comparative perspectives on the relevance of Congregational Education in different countries

• Education and training of volunteers and professionals (study programs, training locations, curricula, continuing education)

• Cooperation between congregations, schools, social work, diaconal institutions, and NGOs

3. Practices, Models, and Innovations

• Future models of ministerial and Congregational Education

• Innovations in confirmation work, youth ministry, and intergenerational education

• Pastoral/Spiritual care as a space of learning: e.g. emotional and/or mental health

• Lifelong learning, adult and older adult education in congregational settings

• Digital, hybrid, and media-based forms of Congregational Education

• Ecumenical and interreligious learning in congregations and public spaces

The above list is indicative, not exhaustive. Other related topics are welcome.

We invite a variety of academic and practice-oriented formats:

• Paper Presentations – 20 minutes presentation + 10 minutes discussion

• Poster Presentations – A0 posters presenting ongoing or completed projects

• Round Table Discussions – approx. 45 minutes, focusing on a specific question, project, or controversy

• Workshops – 60 minutes, interactive formats (e.g. methods labs, curriculum labs, practitioner–researcher dialogues)

Contributions may present empirical studies, theoretical reflections, conceptual frameworks, methodological discussions, or practice-based case studies.

• Abstract length: max. 300 words

• Include:

  • title of contribution

  • name(s) and affiliation(s) of author(s)

  • email address of the corresponding author

  • preferred format (paper, poster, round table, workshop)

• Submission deadline: 01 March 2027

• Notification of acceptance: 15 March 2027

Please submit your proposal as a single PDF or Word file to: felicitas.held(at)uni-bamberg.de

Information on registration fees, accommodation options, and travel details will be provided on the conference website in due course.

A selection of conference papers will be considered for publication in an edited volume or journal publication.