MR JOSEPH LENCKE

MR JOSEPH LENCKE
MR JOSEPH LENCKE
MR JOSEPH LENCKE

Ph.D. (Candidate), M.A., B.A.

Research PG

About

Biography

I current serve as Latin teacher at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. I am also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Memphis and Memphis Theological Seminary. I have taught undergraduate courses in theology and ministry since 2003. During this time, I also had two professional stints in Europe: as an Old Testament lecturer in the UK from 2003-2006 and as a pastor in Belgium from 2008-2013.

My education includes a B.A. in Communications, an M.A. in Theological Studies, and two years of work toward a Doctor of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. In February 2020, I transferred my research into the University of Aberdeen School of Divinity in order to complete my Ph.D.

I have two published works: My most recent is Reflections of Immanuel, which released in September 2020 via Wipf & Stock. In 2016 I also released an early memoir entitled Change for the First Time, Again, under Wipf & Stock’s imprint, Resource Publications.

You can view my full C.V. at this link.

Qualifications

  • M.A. Theological Studies 
    2008 - Covenant Theological Seminary 
  • B.A. Communication 
    2001 - University of Memphis 

Latest Publications

View My Publications

Research

Research Overview

Inculturation Formation: The Contribution of Inculturation on Christian Spiritual Formation

My research focuses on how the missional practice of inculturation contributes to Christian spiritual formation.

In fleshing out inculturation as a spiritually formative exercise, Catholic missiologists Bevans and Schroeder assert, “What makes a process of inculturation more than a mechanical activity are the more elusive qualities of insight, depth, creativity, imagination, wisdom, openness to grace, courage in the face of risk and recognition of the unexpected.” They cap off this statement with the crucial reminder of what is most important, “Not what we are able to do, but who we are able to become . . .” (2011, 89, emphasis theirs). This is a spiritually formative concept—to become, not simply do. Bevans and Schroeder move on to lay out their concept of a “spirituality of inculturation,” which they define as “a whole complex of ideas and practices that can open people up to the Spirit in such a way that there emerges an understanding and expression of Christianity that takes its form in a loving, creative, and sometimes critical dialogue with a particular social or cultural context" (Ibid.). This undoubtedly speaks to the spiritually formative nature of inculturation.

With this, my research is particularly inspired to further probe this “spirituality of inculturation.”

Bevans, Stephen B. and Roger P. Schroeder. 2011. Prophetic Dialogue: Reflections on Christian Mission Today. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.

 

Inculturation Formation: The Contribution of Inculturation on Christian Spiritual Formation

 

Past Research

My Master's Capstone centered around the teaching of a "theology of the kingdom" to undergraduate students at a faith-based college.

Teaching

Teaching Responsibilities

University of Memphis (Memphis, Tennessee, USA)

  • RLGN 1100 Introduction to Religion

Christian Brothers University (Memphis, Tennessee, USA)

  • CRS 218 New Testament
  • CRS 240 The Religious Dimension of Work
  • CRS 270 World Religions
  • RS 285 The Church in the World

Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kansas, USA)

  • BRS 204 Gospel of John
  • BRS 362 Church and the Mission of God
  • BRS 392 Knowing the Story (introduction to systematic theology)

Visible Music College (Memphis, Tennessee, USA)

  • BTM 1143 Old Testament Survey
  • BTM 1573 Ministries of the Church
  • BTM 3343 Theology of the Kingdom
  • BTM 4763 Missional Life
  • BTM 5213 Ministry Contextualization
  • LDR 4333 Leadership Development & Care

 

Publications

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Books and Reports

Contributions to Journals