It is a joy to welcome Pete back to Cliff, where he previously served as Lecturer in New Testament Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies.
In this part-time role, Pete will lead a new Centre for Digital Theology, Mission and Practice, as well as developing digital theology units within our MA Theology and Mission programme. This work will enable Cliff College to equip and inspire its students to be ambassadors of the joyful news of Jesus in digital spaces. We also anticipate a benefit for the whole church as these developments provide valuable research and contributions that will equip and energise God’s people for ministry and mission in the digital age.
I am thrilled to be returning to Cliff College, where the fire of Methodist mission and evangelism training has been burning for many years. I’m looking forward to developing new training to help us engage with the digital culture that is all around us, supervising some Spurgeons College students who have transferred to Cliff and opening up a new doctoral training stream researching how we can do mission, ministry and theology in a digital setting.
Rev Dr Peter Phillips
Pete has been a pioneer in digital theology for nearly 20 years and brings with him a wealth of experience, from founding and directing the Centre for Digital Theology (CODEC) at Durham University to more recent work in the same field at Premier Christian Media and Spurgeon’s College. He is a widely published scholar in the areas of biblical literacy, digital theology, Methodism, online ecclesiology, and mission and is recognised internationally as a scholar and speaker on digital theology, preaching and practice.
Understanding and navigating digital spaces as disciples and evangelists is essential for church and mission in the present age. I am thrilled that Pete joins Cliff at this moment to lead this important work and am looking forward to his passion and contribution. Pete’s Methodist ministry grounds his digital work in practice, embodying our commitment to learning that supports the church’s mission, rooted and grounded in prayer, Scripture and worship.
Rev Dr Andrew Stobart, Cliff College Principal
We are grateful for a generous financial donation to the College from a benefactor which has made this appointment possible at this time. If you would like to further support the work of the College, or of the Centre for Digital Theology, Mission and Practice in particular, please contact the Principal by email at principal@cliffcollege.ac.uk.
If you are interested in signing up for information about MA study in digital theology, mission and practice, or to explore research opportunities in this area, please contact enquiries@cliffcollege.ac.uk.
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