Theo-Futures Research Approach
We live at a point in time in which the pace of change is accelerating rapidly, while at the same time, the scale of the impending change is also being magnified. As the church and Christian leaders navigate these changes, the Futuring Hub (an initiative of the MacRae Centre for Faith and Culture) seeks to support Christian leaders prayerfully and thoughtfully consider the implications of current and future changes.
The Christian faith is future oriented. There is a belief in a promised future (return of Christ), however, that belief is complimented by the call to faithfully participate in the mission of the church in the current and short-term future. Following the example of Jesus, Christians move through the world recognizing that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1), but also that we are looking to the return of Jesus (Matthew 25:13).
The Futuring Hub for Theo-Futures Research is committed to engaging in formalized futures thinking as a deliberate task. To do this the Theo-futures research approach informs all areas of research activities. Developed by researchers within the Hub, Theo-futures research represents an interdisciplinary methodological framework which seeks to explore the intersection of Christian beliefs, values, and practices with emerging trends and future scenarios and using theologically reflective practices to nurture forward-thinking perspectives (future literacy) that inspire and equip leaders for purposeful action as they serve in the mission of God.
Recognizing that theo-futures is not about predicting the future; it is about:
- engaging diverse voices to think deeply about complex issues;
- imagining new possibilities;
- assembling signals into larger trends;
- connecting past, present, and future; and
- using those connections to shape today’s decisions.
This yields a vision of the church that not only responds to the future but helps to shape it. Clearer future possibilities will support churches in their planning endeavours and theological educators in imagining innovative methods for equipping Christian leaders and their congregations.
We recognize that all contexts are different. We want to work closely and partner with local churches, Christian organizations, and denominations to imagine new futures, and to equip new and existing pastors & leaders to think more intentionally about the future and incorporate that new way of thinking into their lives and local ministries.
