Cartledge Symposium
The Pentecost event, recorded in Acts 2, provides the foundational account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit experienced by the followers of Jesus to empower them for ministry. The passage describes the birth of the church, historically and theologically. Arguably, as the church began at Pentecost, so theologically and experientially the church should continue. The 2026 Cartledge Lecture and Symposium will explore the Spirit at and spirit of Pentecost in the church today, to continue the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
This symposium invites interdisciplinary reflection on the S/spirit of Pentecost. This includes exploration of the biblical and theological importance of Pentecost, as well as its practical and missional implications in the contemporary context. We welcome contributions from scholars across disciplines—including theology, history, education, economics, and management—engaging with the challenges, opportunities, and distinctive contributions of the Spirit-empowered life of the church. Plenary papers will be presented by Dr Craig Keener and Dr Médine Keener.
Potential paper topics may include topics such as the following:
- Biblical and theological foundations of Pentecostal theology
- Pastoral implications of Spirit-filled living
- Spirit empowerment in Christian education
- Pentecostal contributions to missions, education, politics, and social science
- Historical and sociological reflections on pentecostal people and ideas
Proposals should include the title and an abstract (approx. 300 words) and are due by Friday, 22 May 2026.
Selected papers will be invited to contribute to a special issue of Australasian Pentecostal Studies. We welcome contributions from scholars at all stages of their careers and from diverse Christian traditions. Travel subsidies may be available for AC HDR students. Please submit your proposal below.
The symposium is hosted by the Australasian Pentecostal Studies Centre at Alphacrucis University College. The event will commence with the annual Cartledge Lecture, held at 6 pm on Thursday, 13 August, where Professor Craig Keener will speak on the topic “Miracles and Healing for Today: How Signs and Wonders Follow the Empowering of Pentecost.”
The rest of the symposium will follow on Friday, 14 August 2026.
Call for papers
Proposals due: Friday 22 May 2026
Include: title + ~300 word abstract
Selected papers invited to contribute to Australasian Pentecostal Studies
Click here to submit your paper.
Keynote Speaker:
Prof Craig S. Keener
F.M. & Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
Biography: Dr. Craig S. Keener is the premier Pentecostal scholar of the New Testament. He is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Craig is the author of 37 books with 1.4 million copies in circulation, including the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Gift & Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today, Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. Craig also blogs at craigkeener.com.
For more information, please contact Jacqui Grey.
