Summer 2026
The Four Voices of Theology in Teaching with Prof Hans Schaeffer and Dr Alistair McKitterick
This seminar was held online on 11 June 11.00am – 12.30pm BST.
Thank you all for joining the seminar It was a great way to engage in meaningful conversation and explore anew how the four voices are introduced, applied and processed in education.
This TARN seminar, in partnership with the Practical Theology Seminars at the University of Roehampton, explores the ways the four voices of theology from theological action research are being used in the teaching of theology beyond practical theology methodology. Drawing on experience from their own teaching Hans Schaeffer and Alistair McKitterick will join others from the TARN team to explore how the four voices are being used in different ways within theological education helping students to make sense of their Christian practice, and to develop as theological reflectors.
Hans Schaeffer, PhD (1972) was pastor in a Reformed congregation in the Netherlands, and currently working as professor of practical theology at the Theological University Utrecht (NL). His main research areas are: practices of church renewal, liturgy, and inclusion of people with mental disabilities. His latest publication is: Hans Schaeffer, Jan Martijn Abrahamse, Karen Zwijze-Koning, and Stefan Paas, eds. Visions of the Good Life: Salvation, Church, and Mission in the Secular West. Brill, 2025.
Alistair McKitterick is senior lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA programme in Practical Theology and Ministry at the London School of Theology where he also teaches on the undergraduate programmes in the areas hermeneutics and biblical theology. His recent research focuses on integrating theology and natural sciences.
Spring 2026
TARN Conversation: Theology, Action Research, and Change
12th March 2026, 14:00 pm – 15:30 pm (GMT).
Thank you all for joining the TARN Conversation. It was a great way to engage in meaningful conversation and explore anew the relationship between theology, practice and change.
This TARN seminar was hosted by Dr Simon Hallonsten, Lecturer in Practical Theology, University College Stockholm, Prof Jonas Ideström, Head of Department of Religious Studies and Theology at the University College Stockholm, and Dr Maria Ledstam, Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University College Stockholm.
In theological action research, change is both a hoped-for outcome and a key lens for understanding situations. Yet change does not always occur—or move in the direction we intend. In this conversation, we will explore the relationship between theology, action research, and change, asking why change sometimes remains elusive and what this means for how we pursue theological action research in practice, including how much the various researchers involved should themselves shape and influence the processes of change.
Below you can read a dissemination document, sharing what occurred to people during their small group and plenary discussions.
We warmly invite you to also watch our panel discussions of 2025 and 2024 by following the links to
- TARN Seminar 2025: Just knowing: How do we create knowledge that does justice to marginalized voices?
- TARN Seminar 2024: Engaging with theological action research in doctoral work
Theology and Action Research Network 