For such a time as this: ETF Leuven opens academic year with lecture on public missiology
“The rise of Global Christianity shows that new dialogue partners are challenging old assumptions.”
With 43 new Bachelor’s students, the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven (ETF Leuven) opened the 2025-2026 academic year this evening. This is a large number and a continuation of the increased enrollment of recent years. The total number of students for 2025-2026 is estimated at 280.
During the evening, Dr. Joseph Bosco Bangura gave the opening lecture. Bangura is a guest assistant professor of Religious Studies and Missiology and holds the chair of Missiology for the Church Today and Tomorrow. In his lecture, he emphasized the urgency of public missiology in secular Flanders.
“For such a time as this – the words of Mordechai to Esther – also apply today,” said Bangura. “The call is to break old patterns of Western dominance and to reshape the mission in equal partnership.”
New discipline, current relevance
Public missiology is a young field that examines how churches relate to society. For a long time, mission was a one-way street: from the West to the rest of the world. The rise of Global Christianity shows that new voices from Africa and Latin America, among other places, are enriching the conversation and challenging existing assumptions.
According to Bangura, this shift is particularly important in Flanders, where Protestants and Evangelicals are only a small minority. Belgium pursues a policy of liberal neutrality: religions are recognized, but public visibility remains limited. “It is precisely in this area of tension that Protestant-Evangelical churches need to reflect on their public calling,” says Bangura.
Afro-Pentecostal churches as a new voice
Bangura pointed in particular to the role of Afro-Pentecostal churches. Often originating from migration and confronted with challenges such as language barriers or residence status, they prove to be remarkably resilient. “Their experience of marginality gives them a unique voice. They know what it is like to profess their faith under pressure, and precisely because of this, they make an important contribution to public missiology,” he said.
Modesty
In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Jos de Kock emphasized the importance of modesty in academia and in theology in particular. De Kock: “We ourselves are not the brightest lights. We receive the light from above; it is a blessing from God. Moreover, academics should not elevate themselves above other sectors. Science is wonderful. Theology is wonderful too. But just as wonderful is the mechanic who repairs my washing machine. Just as wonderful is the animal caretaker who runs the petting zoo.“ And to students and teachers: ”It is not normal that you, as a student, can start studying theology and religious studies. We, students and teachers, are the lucky ones among too many people near and far with at least as much potential, but who are not granted the opportunity. People who live in disadvantaged circumstances. So know that you are blessed and know that you are rich. In fact, you have been placed in a position of responsibility to contribute to a more just world.”
About the Chair in Missiology for the Church Today and Tomorrow
The Chair in Missiology for the Church Today and Tomorrow encourages new reflections on missiological questions in response to the growth of Christianity in the Global South and the mobility of Christians from these regions.
About ETF Leuven
The Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven is a Flemish institution for academic higher education. It is characterized by a Protestant-Evangelical identity, a denomination-transcending orientation, an international character, and a combination of highly qualified academic work and attention to community building and spirituality.
