Zambian Scholar Dr. Chammah J. Kaunda Appointed Academic Dean at Renowned Global Institution for Christian Leaders and Scholars Specialising in Mission Research
OXFORD, UK – 13 June 2024 – The Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), founded over 40 years ago by leading Christian figures from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to provide advanced missiological education and research in diverse global contexts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chammah J. Kaunda as its new Academic Dean.
Dr Kaunda joins OCMS at an exhilarating juncture as the institution continues to expand its services to the global church in missiological research and education. Our flagship PhD program remains robust, with a record number of scholars graduating this year, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence. As we mark this significant milestone, OCMS is poised to further its strategic initiatives, including the establishment of a new research institute, an innovative move aimed at addressing contemporary global mission challenges. He will take up his post at the start of September 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kaunda as he takes the academic reins at this pivotal juncture,” said Executive Director Paul Bendor-Samuel. “Dr. Kaunda brings fresh clarity and strength to OCMS’s vision of learning from and amplifying theological voices, particularly from the Majority World church. His scholarship and experience will enable OCMS to serve the Church more effectively.”
Dr. Kaunda joins OCMS from the prestigious United Graduate School of Theology (UGST) at Yonsei University in South Korea. He is a specialist in African Christianity/Pentecostalism, African Religions, Missiology, Theology, Philosophy, Liberation, and Decoloniality.
Dr. Kaunda’s wife, Dr. Mutale M. Kaunda, is an Academic Associate/Research Fellow at the Research Institute for Theology and Religion (RITR) in the College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa (Unisa). Previously, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Western Cape in South Africa. She works at the critical intersection of gender, culture (with a particular focus on female-related rituals appropriated in Christianity and Pentecostalism), and religion in Africa. She will also join OCMS’s faculty as a part-time Research Tutor, bringing her valuable expertise and experience.
Dr. Kaunda succeeds Dr. Tom Harvey, who retires after 16 years of distinguished leadership. During his tenure as Academic Dean, Dr. Harvey played a key role in the development of OCMS’ PhD programme which now has over 190 doctoral degrees with alumni from 56 nations since first opening its doors to students in 1983.
“It’s been an honour to serve this pioneering institution,” said Dr. Harvey. “I’m delighted to pass the baton to Dr. Kaunda, whose leadership will undoubtedly propel OCMS’s missiological scholarship to new heights.”
About Dr. Chammah J. Kaunda
Chammah J. Kaunda is a Zambian scholar currently serving as an Assistant Professor of World Christianity and Mission Studies at the United Graduate School of Theology, Yonsei University, Korean Republic. Additionally, he serves as Professor Extraordinarius at the University of South Africa, South Africa. He is also affiliated as a Research Fellow with both the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) and The Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide, UK. Previously, Kaunda held roles as an Africa Research Fellow (senior research specialist) at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Part-time Lecturer at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa (ESSA) in South Africa. He was also Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, and as a visiting Professor at the University of Zambia. He has a prolific publication record, with over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published in internationally renowned journals and book publishers. Additionally, he has edited and co-edited over 10 volumes and authored three monographs. Prof. Kaunda is also an associate editor, board member and guest editor for various academic journals.
About Dr. Tom Harvey
Dr. Tom Harvey is an internationally recognized scholar specialising in World Christianity especially the China and Southeast Asian Church and state relations. His work has influenced global Christian ministries and leaders across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Before joining OCMS, he served for 11 years at Trinity Theological College in Singapore, where he held significant roles in the Presbyterian Church and the National Council of Churches. Harvey’s research work includes ‘the enculturation of Christianity’ in China as well as the ideological, legal, and bureaucratic policy of ‘Sinicisation’ of the Chinese Communist Party to monitor and manage religious expression and identity in China. He is a contributor to several volumes on Chinese Christianity and author of Acquainted With Grief: Wang Mingdao’s Stand for the Persecuted Church in China.
About Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
The Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) is an independent Christian institution advancing global mission through pioneering research, scholarship, publishing and leadership development. Founded 41 years ago and housed in an iconic Oxford church, OCMS has established a worldwide reputation for academic excellence and transformative programs. Its unique PhD program has produced nearly 200 graduates from 56 countries, with an impressive 80% completion rate. OCMS nurtures the next generation through its Guided Research Programme (GRP), which has seen 26 graduates since 2018 and is currently supporting over 20 scholar-practitioners. The institute’s Integrated Mission Leadership (IML) programme has equipped 75 senior leaders from over 30 mission agencies and churches. As a leading publisher via its Regnum imprint, OCMS releases around 20 books annually. Additionally, its peer-reviewed journal, Transformation, is published by Sage and has around 10,000 institutional subscribers and over 60,000 whole text downloads annually. With core values of spiritual community, hospitality, global connectivity, excellence and context-driven innovation, OCMS contributes to equipping the global church for faithful witness.
