Are you a Christian theologian with insights on revival movements? Join leading scholars in Helsinki this September to explore key themes shaping global Christianity.
The Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) is delighted to partner with the Polin Institute of Åbo Akademi University to co-organise an international conference, “Revival Movements in World Christianity: Key Themes and Methodological Issues”, taking place from 1–4 September 2025 at the Cultural Centre Sofia in Helsinki, Finland.
Revival movements have played a transformative role in the history of Christianity, crossing cultural, regional, and denominational boundaries. From the Pietism of the seventeenth century to the recent Asbury awakening of 2023, these movements inspire and challenge both scholarship and practice. However, global studies of revival remain fragmented, often overshadowed by institutional and confessional narratives. This conference seeks to address these gaps by bringing together researchers to explore the themes, methodologies, and challenges of revival traditions worldwide.
Key topics include:
- The history and theology of revival movements
- Piety, spirituality, and worship
- Ecclesiastical and missional legacy
- Revival’s societal transformation and impact
We are delighted that Prof. Kirsteen Kim, Paul E. Pierson Chair in World Christianity at Fuller Theological Seminary, USA, will serve as the keynote speaker. Prof. Kim recently delivered a thought-provoking lecture at OCMS as part of our Mission and Beyond Lecture (MBL) series, titled “Mission, Church, and Theology: An Approach from World Christianity”. This insightful presentation explored how theological disciplines from Christendom must be reimagined for a global context. You can watch her lecture here.
Call for Papers
Abstracts (300 words) are invited by 1 March 2025. For submission details, visit the official conference page.
This partnership underscores OCMS’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue on themes that shape global Christianity. The conference is co-chaired by Dr. Chongpongmeren Jamir (Polin Institute) and Dr. Marina Ngursangzeli Behera, OCMS PhD Stage Leader, Research Tutor and Editor-in-Chief of Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies.
For more details, contact Dr. Behera at mbehera@ocms.ac.uk.
