Three for the World

Three for the World posts are quick updates you can read in a few minutes to learn more about what God is doing around the world. The following post was written and compiled by Juliany González Nieves from Scholar Leaders. 

Theology is not done in a vacuum. It’s deeply shaped by context, culture, and the urgent questions communities wrestle with every day. While we often turn to books for deeper insight, academic journals give you a front-row seat to conversations happening right now.

If you’re looking to think theologically alongside the global Church, here are five open-access journals well worth exploring.

African Christian Theology

Languages: English, French, and Portuguese

If you want to explore theology that deeply engages African cultures, politics, and daily life, African Christian Theology is a must-read. Published by the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), this unique journal is accessible across the continent and beyond, offering content in three languages.

In its latest issue, you’ll find thought-provoking articles exploring ubuntu, the African concept of shared humanity, and its relevance for theology and mission today. One standout article, “Without Exceptions: Envisioning Ubuntu Churches Confronting Abuse in Africa,” by Alfred Sebahene and Ruth Barron, tackles the church’s struggles to respond adequately to abuse. The authors highlight how bias can distort institutional responses and how ubuntu, with its insistence on recognizing each person’s full humanity, offers a transformative African contribution to global efforts to end abuse.

Journal of Palestinian Christianity

Languages: Arabic and English

Palestinian Christians have long played a vital role in both Palestinian society and global Christianity. Yet until recently, there was no peer-reviewed journal specialized on Palestinian Christianity in Arabic or English. The Journal of Palestinian Christianity changes that.

Led by an editorial team at Bethlehem Bible College and supported by respected scholars worldwide, the journal seeks to ensure that Palestinian scholars can lead conversations about Palestinian Christianity on their own terms, contributing fresh insights to both local communities and global theological discourse.

Notably, editorial committee members Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and John S. Munayer are recipients of Scholar Leaders’ support through the Leader Studies program.

Malaysian Pentecostal Journal

Language: English

Curious about how Pentecostal theology is being articulated in Malaysia and the wider region? The Malaysian Pentecostal Journal is a great place to start. Published annually by the Malaysia Pentecostal Research Centre at the Bible College of Malaysia, it engages a broad range of topics – from theology and spirituality to missions, church practice, education, and history.

The journal is edited by Rev. Dr. Eva Wong Suk Kyun, whom Scholar Leaders proudly supported through our Leader Studies program for her PhD in Theology (Pentecostal Studies) at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Eva is also a member of our Women’s Peer Leader Forum.

Theological Reflections: The Eastern European Journal of Theology

Languages: Ukrainian and English

Theological Reflections offers a window into how theology is being developed across Central and Eastern Europe, especially within Evangelical communities. Covering topics from biblical studies and systematic theology to missiology, public and political theology, and ecumenical studies, the journal provides a diverse platform for scholarly engagement.

Its most recent issue, published earlier this year, explores the theme Theology of Memory in the Context of Experiencing Trauma and Collective Violence, examining how faith communities reflect on and respond to collective suffering.

InSights Journal

Languages: English, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish*

The InSights Journal seeks to enhance the global discourse on contextual theology and theological education by highlighting voices from the Majority World. It particularly values articles that offer a prophetic voice – addressing the urgent challenges churches and societies face through deep theological reflection and practical engagement.

Its latest issue asks a timely question: How can seminaries, churches, and universities in the Majority World not only endure growing political, cultural, and theological pressures but also serve with renewed clarity and purpose?

If you care about how theology is taught and practiced around the world, this is an invaluable resource.

Note: *While not every issue is fully available in all the listed languages, the reader will find a number of works and issues available in selected languages.

To register for SL’s weekly prayer updates from Christians from the Majority World, click here.