Revd Dr MiJa Wi
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Global Mission; Research Degree Chair
Although originally from South Korea, I have journeyed through diverse countries, such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the UK, as a mission practitioner and as an academic. Some of my cross-cultural mission and ministerial experience include working with Operation Mobilization in Bangladesh while living with a Bengali family and initiating and pastoring a house church in a Manila slum. The experience of living as a “resident alien” while seeking a “home” in various countries has profoundly shaped my identity and how I engage with God and the Bible.
My lived experience in Bangladesh and the Philippines led me to explore the meaning of the scriptural expression, ‘good news to the poor’ in Luke’s Gospel, both in its biblical context and considering its implications in today’s world, as my doctoral research which was published by The Library New Testament Series. See The Path to Salvation in Luke’s Gospel: What Must We Do? LNTS 607; London: T&T Clark, 2019. Continuing my journey as a “resident alien” in the UK, I have been exploring the intersection of my multiple identities—East Asian woman, church minister, and Bible teacher. At the heart of this exploration is Bridging Worlds, a centre for those seeking to find a “home” or “community” in Christ while navigating the complexities of multiple (or hyphenated) identities. For those interested in understanding how Asians engage with the Bible, see my article, “Asian Hermeneutics”, in Global Wesleyan Encyclopaedia of Biblical Theology (Kansas City: Foundry, 2020). For those who dig deeper into the topic, NTC offers ‘Biblical Hermeneutics in Asia’ (MA). Alongside this, I teach undergraduate courses such as ‘Missional Readings of Luke/Acts’ and ‘John’ (BA) and supervise PhD students in NT studies with diverse approaches. I am interested in a wide range of fields, such as wealth and poverty in the NT, the intersection of the Bible and mission, Diaspora and global Christianities, and various Asian approaches to biblical interpretation.
Alongside teaching and directing the Centre at NTC, I served with my husband, Eun Ho, as minister of Manchester YeDam Church of the Nazarene for eight years, until January 2025. In June 2025, we established a new congregation, Warwick YeDam Church of the Nazarene, in Leamington Spa.
Revd Dr MiJa Wi has a comprehensive academic background with qualifications from various institutions, emphasising her expertise in Biblical Studies and her international educational experience. Here is a summary of her educational qualifications:
- 2017: PhD in Biblical Studies from the University of Manchester. Thesis was titled “What Must We Do: The Path to Salvation in Luke’s Gospel.”
- 2013: Master of Arts (Distinction) in Biblical Studies from the University of Manchester. Thesis focused on “God-Fearers in Acts: Historical and Literary Approach.”
- 2012: Master of Divinity (Summa Cum Laude) from Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Manila, Philippines.
- 1997: Bachelor of Arts in French Literature from Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
Revd Dr MiJa Wi has been involved in teaching a variety of courses at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, UK, focusing on Biblical Studies and Global Mission. Here is a detailed list of the courses she has taught, categorized by educational level:
Undergraduate Courses
- Jesus and the Gospels: This course likely covers the life, teachings, and significance of Jesus as depicted in the four Gospels.
- Paul and His Epistles: Focuses on the letters written by Paul, exploring his theology, missionary journeys, and impact on early Christianity.
- Missional Readings of Luke-Acts: Examines the books of Luke and Acts with an emphasis on mission and the spread of the early church.
- Missional Readings of John: Looks at the Gospel of John with a focus on its unique perspective on Jesus’ mission.
- Corinthian Correspondence: Studies Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, addressing issues within the early church and providing pastoral guidance.
- Studies in Luke-Acts: A deeper dive into these texts, likely exploring theological themes and historical context.
- Cross-Cultural Ministry in Biblical Perspective: Discusses principles of ministry and mission work across different cultures, grounded in biblical teachings.
Postgraduate Courses
- Holiness in Biblical Perspective: Explores the concept of holiness throughout the Bible, its theological foundations, and practical applications.
- Holiness in Pauline Perspective: Focuses on the Apostle Paul’s teachings on holiness and how they apply to Christian life and thought.
- Contextualising Scripture: Deals with interpreting the Bible within various cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of understanding local and global perspectives.
Books
- 2024: The Holy People of God: Identity, Contexts, Challenges. Edited by Svetlana Khobnya, Arseny Ermakov, Deirdre Brower Latz, Peter Rae, and MiJa Wi. Eugene, OR: Pickwick.
- 2019: The Path to Salvation in Luke’s Gospel. LNTS (JNTS) 607. London: T&T Clark.
Book Chapters
- 2024: “Wealth and Poverty” in Behind the Scenes of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts, Edited by Bruce Longenecker, T.J. Lang, and Elizabeth E. Shively. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
- 2024: “Embracing the Ongoing Challenges of Intersectional Identities and Identifying: A Re-reading of Acts 16:16-18.” The Holy People of God: Identity, Contexts, Challenges. Edited by Svetlana Khobnya, Arseny Ermakov, Deirdre Brower Latz, Peter Rae, and MiJa Wi. Eugene, OR: Pickwick.
- 2021: “‘On earth as it is in heaven’: The Vocation of Holiness in Scripture” in All Things Needed for Godliness: A Portrait of Holiness Among Christian Traditions, Edited by Al Truesdale. Kansas City, MO: Foundry.
- 2020: “Asian Hermeneutics” in The Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
Journal Articles
- 2024: “Paul’s Collection for the Poor.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2023: “A Response Paper to ‘Hope of New Creation’ by Scott Daniels and Ivelisse Valentín-Vera.” Didache 23.2.
- 2023: “Commentary on Luke 1-2.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2022: “Class and Economic Differences in the First Century.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2021: “The Purpose of Parables.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2020: “You Shall Receive Power to Cross the Boundaries (Acts 1:8): The Holy Spirit as the Boundary Crosser and the Boundary Marker.” Didache 19.1.
- 2019: “Tax Collectors and Sinners” in Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2018: “Justice in the Ancient World” in Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
Selected Book Reviews
- 2024: Review of The Politics of Salvation: Lukan Soteriology, Atonement, and the Victory of Christ by Timothy Reardon. RBL.
- 2024: Review of Luke the Chronicler: The Narrative Arc of Samuel–Kings and Chronicles in Luke–Acts by Mark S. Giacobbe.
- 2024: Review of Women and the Gender of God by Amy Peeler.
- 2023: Review of Gospel Reading and Reception in Early Christian Literature by Madison N. Pierce, Andrew J. Byers & Simon Gathercole, eds.
- 2022: Review of Constructing Ethnic Identity in 1 Peter: Who You are No Longer by Janette H. Ok.
- 2021: Review of Minoritized Women Reading Race and Ethnicity: Intersectional Approaches to Constructed Identity and Early Christian Texts by Mitzi J. Smith & Jin Young Choi, eds.
- 2020: Review of T&T Clark Handbook of Asian American Biblical Hermeneutics by Uriah Y. Kim & Seung Ai Yang, eds.
- 2019: Review of Colonialism and the Bible: Contemporary Reflections from the Global South by Tat-siong Benny Liew & Fernando F. Segovia, eds.
- 2018: Review of Sacramental Charity, Creditor Christology, and the Economy of Salvation in Luke’s Gospel by Anthony Giambrone.
Forthcoming Publications
- 2025: “Intercultural Church as a Direction of Travel: Exploring the Journey of a Korean Diaspora Church (KDC).” In Polyphonic God: Exploration of Intercultural Theology, Church and Justice, Edited by Israel Oluwole Olofinjana, David Wise, and Usha Reifsnider. London: SCM.
- 2025: “Who is Our Neighbor.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.
- 2025: “What is a Beatitude?.” Illustrated Bible Life. Kansas City, MO: WordAction.