Will you be exclusively working with Christians and Christian focused projects?
We have a commitment to benefit the world, not just Christians. Though many of the activities we propose will be targeted at Christians, our intention is not to encourage science and technology (S&T) Christians for their own sake, but so that they can positively impact the whole world. Likewise, as much as appropriate, our projects and programs should benefit all who come into contact with them, whether Christ-followers or not.
What specific faith tradition are you promoting?
Different traditions offering what they regard as their best insights – even when we disagree – will be more valuable for progress than trying to build upon “least common denominators.” Whether reaching a diversity of traditions within Christianity or across faiths, we aim to seek unity, when possible, while recognizing and respecting differences. Especially within Christianity, our aim is, insofar as possible, to build unity and not to create division.
Who do you work with?
Our target is primarily (but not exclusively) on S&T professionals, present and future. How can we get them to the point of serving as mentors for future S&T professionals and to be great enough in number and credibility that they can positively shape discussions in the academy and industry for the betterment of humanity and the natural world?
Our operating hunch is that many of these “science-minded” people who are Christ-followers would love to grow in their knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology, their ability to bring their faith to bear on their profession even in a diverse or secular environment, and their skills in presenting this knowledge and ability in an effective and loving pastoral manner to others. A surge of attention in equipping and deploying these S&T lay-ministers may become a positive, self-perpetuating element of the Church.
Will you work with pastors and ministry leaders?
We partner with pastors and ministry leaders to serve the science community and to serve the church. If pastor’s have resources to effectively pastor present and future S&T leaders, and if they catch a vision for how critical the discipleship of S&T professionals for the mission of the Church in the 21st century, the involvement of pastors in this movement will be organic and mainstream, and, thus, sustainable.
It is unrealistic to expect pastors to become conversant in all of the different science disciplines that might be relevant. We believe it is more strategic to have pastors focus on the work that they are trained for and serve as disciplers and teachers for S&T professionals, so that these professionals, in turn, may serve the Church more effectively. S&T students and professionals will need the support and guidance of pastors and other ministry leaders to get to that point.
What countries do you work in?
One method of addressing the diversity of cultural spaces is to think globally and locally. Thinking globally helps to identify the big questions that face all of us; thinking locally helps us see how these big questions get worked out in the particulars of a time and place. Likewise, when it comes to strategy, we will be most effective to identify local places that are leverage-points for global conversations.
Though our networks and current partners mostly come from the Anglophone world – and the United States and UK more specifically – our work is meant to be global. Especially given growth patterns in the Church in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it may prove more strategic in some cases to focus efforts in specific localities in those parts of the world. This may be termed a “glocal” strategy.
Where does your funding come from?
We are funded through a combination of grants, services, and generous donations. To learn more about our funding, or to make a contribution, contact us today.
How can I support Blueprint 1543?
You can make a donation here.
