Driestar Educatief has once again established an endowed chair at the Theological University Apeldoorn (TUA) to strengthen the connection between theology and pedagogy. Dr Bram Kunz, lecturer in the Formation of Christian Professionals research group at Driestar University of Applied Sciences, has been appointed Professor by Special Appointment at TUA. Through this chair, he will focus on the theme of Christian Formation and Professional Practice (Christian Vocation in Practice).
Robert Zoutendijk, Executive Board member of Driestar Educatief, emphasises the importance and value of this collaboration: “We see Christian education as both a gift from God and a calling from Him, which requires a strong foundation of identity and quality. By bringing education and theology together, we aim to make a valuable contribution to the development of Christian professionals, including teachers, leaders and ministers.”
The endowed chair marks an important step in the joint research programme between Driestar Educatief and TUA. According to Zoutendijk, this appointment contributes not only to the academic development of Christian pedagogy but also to the practical formation of Christian professionals.
Maarten Kater, Rector of TUA, shares this view: “As the Executive Board, we are grateful for this closer collaboration in the fields of theology and education. This chair focuses particularly on further exploring the relationship between our understanding of God, our understanding of humanity and our understanding of society, and how these shape formative practices in the church, school and family. This chair aligns with our vision, which is captured in our motto: ‘Thinking in order to serve.’”
The new professor will focus primarily on questions of formation. Bram Kunz explains: “At Driestar Educatief’s research group, ‘Formation of Christian Professionals’, we already conduct research into wise action in complex situations: what is the right thing to do in a given situation? This new chair creates the opportunity to address these questions in an academic context as well. It also brings us closer to the training of ministers. Research into how people are formed to act wisely can also serve practical needs, as ministers increasingly find themselves in complex situations, both in pastoral care and in providing spiritual leadership to the church and congregation.”
This new chair will foster close collaboration with the chair held by Professor Bram de Muynck, Professor of Christian Pedagogy. Both professors are authors of Gidsen, a book on Christian school pedagogy, reflecting their shared expertise and vision regarding Christian formation and pedagogy. Alongside his appointment as Professor by Special Appointment at TUA, Bram Kunz will continue in his role as lecturer at Driestar University of Applied Sciences.
