Evangelical Foundation for Biblical Research

Oxford, UK  16-20 May 2024

The Evangelical Foundation for Biblical Research (EFBR) warmly issues this invitation for a small group of New Testament scholars to gather for a symposium focused on the Parousia and its role in spiritual formation. All participants will receive funding for travel to Yarnton Manor, nestled in the lovely countryside outside Oxford (Church Lane, Yarnton, Kidlington OX5 1PY, UK). Participants and their spouses’ accommodations will be provided as well. While participation in the full program is required—from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon—an additional evening of accommodation will be provided for those who wish to explore Oxford on Sunday (four nights, with check out on Monday morning). Spouses are welcome to accompany participants (at the participant’s expense) and are invited to all meals. As in previous years, the aim is that our meeting will result in rich discussion and a volume for the life of the church. To this end, upon submission of a revised version of the paper for publication, a stipend of $500 will be issued.

The Parousia and Its Practical Implications for the Church

The New Testament writers frequently referred to an eschatological incentive for holy living as they encouraged believers to prepare for the Parousia by intentionally considering the implication of the  future on their present spiritual transformation. So, exactly what were believers expecting at the Parousia that would have motivated them to spiritual renewal? Did various approaches to the Parousia by apostles and church leaders result in different kinds of theological community, spiritual life, and vitality?  Was the Parousia a short-term or a long-term prospect? These are among the questions that speak to how the expectation of the Messiah’s return might have influenced the early church to cultivate spiritual formation, and how the Lord’s return should inform believers’ sanctification today. This symposium will explore the spiritual implications of  the Parousia’s biblical passages by seeking to understand how they were used then and should be now.

Additional Topics for Discussion Include:

1. How does the hope of the Parousia shape the lives of believers? 

2. With a cultural context so different from the early Church, how should modern Christians go about the task of interpreting the Parousia texts for their spiritual and moral benefit?  

3. What impact do these texts play on the ordo salutis?

4. What challenges does the delay of the Parousia present for spiritual formation?

5. How does the Parousia and/or its delay impact the churches’ missions?

6. How should the Parousia expectation serve to motivate the Church for missions?

Instructions for Abstract Submission:

Paper proposals should include a title, an abstract (250–500 words), along with a CV, and be submitted to David Capes (david.capes@lanierlibrary.org) by February 28, 2024. 

When composing your paper proposal, be sure to address one or more of the “Topics” listed above or any related issues.

Papers will not be considered if they address primarily the more interpretive issues (e.g., pre-, a-, or post-millennialism; or primarily a pre-, mid-, or post-rapture). 

Papers need to address explicitly the symposium’s focus on relevance to the Church and/or the use of Parousia texts for theological inquiry, spiritual vitality, pastoral guidance, and moral development. 

Please feel free to contact David Capes (david.capes@lanierlibrary.org), Randy Richards (e.randolph.richards@gmail.com), or Terry Wilder (twilder1@att.net) with any further questions.