Spiritual Formation in World Christianity: Global Conversations on Discernment, Discipleship, and Christlikeness
October 14–16, 2026
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The 2026 Missiology Lectures
Spiritual Formation in World Christianity: Global Conversations on Discernment, Discipleship, and Christlikeness
October 14–16, 2026
Christianity is a world religion, in the sense that it is globally widespread, locally rooted, and interconnected. It has always been so but today, as globalization, migration, and technology bring diverse peoples into closer contact, it has become more obvious. We realize that there are many different expressions of Christianity; that Christians do not share a single history which passes only through the West; and that the Christian movement is polycentric. This heritage explains why what is discerned as “spiritual,” the nature of discipleship, and perceptions of maturity and the kingdom can vary widely, not only across Christian traditions but also across varied geographical and social locations.
For 60 years, Fuller’s Missiology Lectures have hosted global conversations to promote mutual learning and cross-fertilization of ideas and practices. This year’s lectures aim to de-center Eurocentric thought and practice in matters of formation. With that goal in mind, we have invited scholars from different traditions, cultures, and contexts to contribute their perspectives on practices of spirituality, methods of spiritual formation, and ideals of spiritual maturity. In each of these three areas, nine keynote contributors will consider how their perceptions of discernment, discipleship, and Christlikeness differ. In light of this, they will suggest implications for spiritual formation in theological education, both locally and globally, including formation into mission and world Christianity. Fuller faculty and PhD students will also contribute to these discussions.
“Spiritual Formation in World Christianity” will be offered both in-person on Fuller’s Pasadena campus (where the contributors will be staying) and online through the Whova app. Spanish and Korean translation will be provided. This year’s lectures form part of a wider project led by David C. Wang, Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders and professor of psychology and spiritual formation. Other members of the planning committee are Kirsteen Kim, Paul E. Pierson Chair in World Christianity; Euiwan Cho, professor of Christian spirituality and ministry; and E. Trey Clark, assistant professor of preaching and spiritual formation.
Presenters
- Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London; moderator of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and patron of Christians Aware, among other distinctions
- Daniela C. Augustine, honorary senior research fellow, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, UK; author of The Spirit and the Common Good and Pentecost, Hospitality, and Transfiguration
- Stephen B. Bevans, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Professor Emeritus of Mission and Culture, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago; author of Community of Missionary Disciples: The Continuing Creation of the Church, Models of Contextual Theology, and other titles
- Febrianto, PhD student focused on Christian spirituality at Princeton Theological Seminary and managing editor of the Indonesian Journal of Theology
- Kang Hack Lee, associate professor of practical theology and Christian spirituality at Torch Trinity Graduate University, South Korea
- Rosalia Meza, VDMF, senior director of religious education, Diocese of Los Angeles; author of Toward a New, Praxis-Oriented Missiology
- Esther Mombo, professor of theology and acting vice-chancellor, St. Paul’s University, Limuru, Kenya; published in theology, ecclesiology, missiology, interfaith relations, and theology and gender studies, with a focus on African women’s theologies
- Annie Pan Yi Jung, associate professor of practical studies at the China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong; books include Meditation on Chinese Painting: A Journey Through the Book of Exodus
- Steve Porter, executive director of the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont, Santa Barbara, California; editor of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care
- Selina Stone, lecturer in theology and ethics at University of Edinburgh; author of Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith and The Spirit and the Body: Towards a Womanist Pentecostal Social Justice Ethic