Rev Deirdre Brower
Principal and Senior Lecturer in Pastoral and Social Theology
I was born in Canada, the daughter of passionate Christian parents who joined a love for God with a love of learning. We moved between the UK and Canada several times before finally settling in Manchester in my late teens. I pastored churches in Urban Bristol and Manchester serving in both settings in co-vocational roles – as Youth Pastor and then as lecturer in Pastoral and Social Theology at NTC in Manchester. As a result of my pastoral work I became increasingly interested in issues of justice and transformation, urban realities and practices – all joined with an intense love of learning and theology.
Rev. Dr. Deirdre Brower has an extensive academic background in theology, with qualifications from the University of Manchester. Here is a summary of her educational qualifications:
1993: BA (Hons) in Theology and Pastoral Studies from the University of Manchester (Nazarene Theological College), graduating with a 2:1. This degree provided a foundation in theological studies and pastoral care.
1999: MA in Theology from the University of Manchester, awarded with Distinction. Her master’s thesis was titled “No Holiness but Social Holiness: An Analysis of John Wesley’s Understanding of Corporate Holiness,” which explored Wesleyan theology and its implications for social holiness.
2010: PhD from the University of Manchester. Her doctoral research focused on “A Contextual Reading of John Wesley’s Theology and the Emergent Church: Critical Reflections on the Emergent Church Movement in Respect to Aspects of Wesley’s Theology, Ecclesiology, and Urban Poverty,” supervised by Professor Elaine Graham. This research examined the intersections of Wesleyan theology with contemporary church movements and social issues.
Rev. Dr. Deirdre Brower Latz is involved in teaching a variety of subjects at Nazarene Theological College, focusing on practical theology and social issues. Her teaching areas include:
- Practical Theology: Engages students in applying theological principles to real-world contexts, emphasising the integration of faith and practice.
- Wesleyan Theology: Explores the theological framework and teachings of John Wesley, focusing on their contemporary relevance.
- Urban Mission: Examines the role of the church in urban settings, addressing issues such as urban poverty and ministry.
- Justice: Poverty, Ecology, and Development: Covers topics related to social justice, including poverty alleviation, ecological concerns, and sustainable development.
- The Church and Social Justice: Investigates the church’s role in advocating for and implementing social justice initiatives.
- Practices and Polity of the Church: Studies the organisational and operational aspects of church life and governance.
- Christian Leadership: Focuses on developing leadership skills within a Christian context, emphasising integrity and justice.
- Ecology and Environmental Practical Theology: Addresses the intersection of theology and environmental issues, promoting ecological awareness and action.
- Connections Between History and the Contemporary Church: Analyses historical developments in the church and their impact on modern ecclesial practices.
- Preaching and Pastoral Theology: Provides training in effective preaching and pastoral care, equipping students for ministry roles.
- New Forms of Church: Explores innovative expressions of church life and community engagement.
Rev. Dr. Deirdre Brower Latz’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of theology and social issues, particularly in urban contexts. Her interests include:
- Poverty and Church Engagement: She has been involved in research concerning the church’s role in engaging with people living on the margins of society, particularly focusing on economic poverty.
- Cultural Influence on Congregational Life: She explores how culture shapes congregational dynamics and the impact of globalisation on church practices.
- Urban Mission and Ministry: Her work often considers how urban planning and understandings of the city relate to theological education and practice.
- Wesleyan Theological Frameworks: She is interested in how Wesleyan theology can inform justice and compassionate action within communities.
- Leadership Development and Organisational Change: Her teaching and research also cover leadership practices, integrity, and justice within church and community settings.
Selected Publications
- 2007: “What is the Church? Towards a Wesleyan Ecclesiology” in Didache, an online journal.
- 2009: Chapter in “Postmodern and Wesleyan? Exploring the Boundaries and Possibilities,” published by Beacon Hill Press.
- 2009: “Generations” in Didache, an online journal.
- 2010: Several sermons published in The Preacher magazine.
- 2011: Book review of “Work: A Kingdom Perspective” in Evangelical Quarterly.
- 2012: Chapter in “Conversations on Holiness,” edited by Keith M. Davenport.
- 2018: “Themes for Christian Education and Formation in a British, Postmodern, Secular Context” in Christian Education Journal.
- 2019: Contributions to the Justice and Peace Network and “Faith in our Democracy” paper.
- 2020: Sermons in The Preacher Magazine and contributions to the Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology.
- 2021: Foreword for “The Present Preacher” and “Garbage Theology.”
- 2022: Chapters in “A Prophet Among Us: The Legacy of Tom Nees” and “The Pastor as Theological Steward,” both edited by Al Truesdale.
- 2023: “Church on the Margins: Report on Research” with Carmel Murphy-Elliot and Sarah Purcell.
- 2024: Edited and contributed to “The Holy People of God: Identity, Contexts, Challenges,” published by Cascade.