David Parker (Executive Director, WEA Theological Commission)

Promoting Biblical Truth by Networking Theologians

The Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance exists to promote biblical truth by networking theologians to serve the church in obedience to Christ.

1. By internationalizing theological frameworks.
2. By encouraging original theological reflection and research.
3. By defending and confirming the gospel.
4. By focusing discussion on practical and relevant themes in varied contexts.
5. By articulating biblical truth in forms accessible to all Christians.

The main channels for achieving these aims are:

1. Networking evangelical theological organizations and theologians worldwide.
2. Organizing theological reflection teams, task forces, study groups, dialogue groups and other international gatherings.
3. Disseminating theological reflection about biblical truth in clear and concise formats for use at by the church at all levels.

To meet these objectives the TC will

1. Establish effective communicative networks of theologians, educators and church leaders.
2. Partner with regional and national Evangelical Fellowships of Theologians to sponsor joint conferences, plan joint publications and foster exchange of theological educators.
3. Partner with other organizations that are involved in theological education, dissemination of literature and student scholarship programs.
4. Form strategic alliances with organizations that share our goals and objective.
5. Mobilize volunteers, part-time staff and recruit other full-time staff to work toward agreed goals.
6. Engage in a vigorous program of research and publications of topics that apply biblical understanding to relevant problems facing the churches in their ministry. Examples of topics might be: the uniqueness of Christ, the nature and mission of the church, the role of pastoral care in the face of epidemic disease, the Christian response to homosexuality.

Structure and Organization

As of August 2007, the TC consists of a group of about 12 people representative of its core activities and spread regionally, denominationally and by gender. Currently the personnel are Dr Rolf Hille (Germany), Chair; Dr Brian Edgar (Australia/USA), Vice-chair; Dr David Parker (Australia), Executive Director; Dr JustinThacker (UK); Dr Jae Sung Kim (Korea); Dr Thomas Oden (USA); Dr Chris Hall (USA); Rev Per D. Pedersen (Armenia); Dr Claus Schwambach (Brazil); Dr Carver Yu (Hong Kong); Dr James Nkansah (Africa), and WEA International Director (or representative, ex officio). Other names are pending.
As of Jan 2006, a system of extended membership was introduced allowing representatives of national Theological Commissions, seminaries and individual theologians and interested people to be members of the TC ( for full details click here )

In addition Task Forces, Study Groups and other forms of activity are set up as required to work on specific long term or ad hoc projects.

For more information, the Executive Director, Dr David Parker at tc@worldevangelicalalliance.com.