2026 Cartledge Lecture & Symposium

The Cartledge Lectures were founded in 2006 in honour of the life and ministry of David Cartledge, former President of Southern Cross College and a significant leader within the Australian Pentecostal church. The aim is to promote Pentecostal engagement with culture and society. They act as a window for the best in Pentecostal thought and practice, offering a forum in which prominent speakers foster creative thought and help to expose Australasian Pentecostal believers to leading thinkers and ideas from around the world. Former speakers in the lecture series have included Stuart Piggin, Frank Macchia, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen and Gordon Fee.

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 6pm 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.

For more information, please contact Jacqui Grey.