Lydia Nelson
Lecturer in Practical Theology
Perhaps unusually for the wonderfully international community that is NTC, I’m born and bred in Manchester, with Caribbean roots. As a lifelong lover of books, my undergraduate degree was in English Literature and, after a couple of years studying and working on the office-side of the theatre arts in London, I returned to Manchester and became an English teacher for many years. In doing so, I discovered my love of the exchange found in the teaching-learning moment and really enjoyed my time working with students from adults through to 9 year olds in a range of settings. More recently, and prior to coming on faculty at NTC, I had the privilege of supporting people with refugee status, as a support worker for the Boaz Trust.
My studies in Theology blossomed following completion of ministry school during a sabbatical year from teaching, and I subsequently studied MA Practical Theology at NTC. During my MA I encountered articulated Liberation Theology, which then led to my current PhD research, a womanist project, which engages voice and identity in Black women of Caribbean descent in the UK. As a researcher, I enjoy developing empowering, participative and creative approaches, and my interests include womanist theology, hospitality, theopoetics, embodiment, ecclesiology and continuing to develop participative and creative (arts-based) research methodologies.
When I’m not reading for pleasure, work or studies, I enjoy the creative arts, cooking and staying active.
Lydia Nelson has a diverse educational background, with qualifications from prestigious institutions, emphasising her expertise in English and Practical Theology. Here is a summary of her educational qualifications:
- 2019 – Present: PhD in Practical Theology (current part-time PhD student) at the University of Manchester (Nazarene Theological College). She has received the Emerging Theologians Bursary (2022 to end of PhD studies), Ruth Ross Award (2021), and Dr. Kent E. Brower Award (2020).
- 2018: MA in Practical Theology with Distinction from the University of Manchester. She was awarded the Academic Excellence Award (2019) and Ruth Ross Award (2019).
- 2015: Completed studies at the United School of Ministry, Manchester.
- 2006: PGCE in Secondary English (11-18) from the University of Manchester (School of Education), awarded the Withers Memorial Prize.
- 2002: MA in Arts Administration & Cultural Policy from the University of London (Goldsmiths College).
- 2001: BA (Hons) in English with a 2:1 from the University of Cambridge (Robinson College).
Lydia Nelson has been involved in teaching various courses at Nazarene Theological College, focusing on Practical Theology and English Literature. Here is a detailed list of her teaching areas, categorized by educational level:
Postgraduate Courses
- Models of Theological Reflection: Involves hybrid team teaching, focusing on different models for reflecting theologically on practice and experience.
- Social and Pastoral Implications of Christian Holiness: Team teaching course that explores the social and pastoral dimensions of holiness.
- Christian Spirituality: Hybrid team teaching course that delves into various aspects of Christian spirituality.
- Research Methods and Literature Review: Online team teaching course that covers research methodologies and literature review techniques.
- Theological Engagement and Research Methods: Includes teaching sessions on qualitative research as part of a hybrid course.
- Dissertation Supervision: Provides guidance and feedback to students working on their dissertations.
Undergraduate Courses
- Study Skills Module: Teaches academic writing as part of a module designed to enhance students’ study skills.
- English Literature Module: Covers texts such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Othello.
- Liberation Theology: Teaches sessions on Liberation Theology for the BA Community Development program, delivered in a hybrid format.
- Dissertation Supervision: Offers supervision and feedback for undergraduate dissertations.
Lydia Nelson’s research interests are deeply rooted in Practical Theology, with a focus on cultural competence and inclusivity. Here are some key areas of her research:
Practical Theology: Lydia is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology, which involves exploring theological concepts in practical, real-world contexts. Her work often intersects with issues of social justice and community engagement.
Cultural Competence: She has developed and delivered culturally competent sessions, particularly in academic writing and support, which indicates a focus on understanding and addressing the diverse cultural backgrounds of students.
Black British Womanist Theology: Lydia has presented papers on topics such as “Ways of Knowing: Towards an Epistemological Framework for a Black British Woman’s God Talk” and “In Search of a Black British Womanist Voice: Developing a Poetic (Auto)Ethnography.” These presentations suggest a strong interest in exploring the theological voices and identities of Black British women.
Creative and Participatory Approaches: Her background in further education and not-for-profit work highlights a commitment to creative, participatory, and student-centered approaches, which likely influence her research methodologies and focus.