Cory Thompson and Jackson Watts

Over the last decade we both have had the privilege of coordinating the Commission for Theological Integrity’s annual Symposium. It has been a blessing to hear many substantive and interesting papers presented. Just as valuable have been the in-person interactions we’ve had with Symposium attendees and presenters.

However, despite the fact that this year marks 30 years of holding this event, people often have questions about the event and/or what is involved in presenting. Specifically, people want to know how to develop a quality proposal/paper, especially if they have never done so before.

In this post we want to answer some of the most basic questions about the event itself. Second, we want to answer some of the questions people may have about becoming a presenter.

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When and Where is this Year’s Symposium?

This year’s Symposium will be held on the campus of Randall University in Moore, Oklahoma. The meeting will convene at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 6, and conclude around 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 7.

How Much Does it Cost to Attend?

There is no registration fee associated with this event. Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and meals. Discounted rates are typically available at area hotels.

Is There a Theme?

Yes, the theme is “90 Years of the National Association of Free Will Baptists.” We welcome papers to touch on this theme in some way. However, we will gladly consider quality submissions on other theologically substantive topics also.

Can Anyone Attend?

Yes, this event is open to the public.

What is Required of Presenters?

Presenters should be members of a Free Will Baptist church, able to attend in-person, and otherwise willing to meet the basic expectations as communicated by the Symposium Coordinator. There are no educational requirements for presenters.

What Does the Proposal Process involve?

Contact us at fwbtheology@gmail.com with any specific questions. However, in short, we ask you to submit an abstract of an existing paper, a proposal of a paper you’d like to share, or a completed paper. The Commission will either greenlight you to proceed in developing your paper, accept the completed paper, or decline (based on any number of reasons, not limited to theme, paper quality, space on the program, etc.).

What Kinds of Suggestions Do You Have for Producing a Quality Proposal/Paper?

First, papers should espouse arguments that are biblical. That is to say, they have their basis in some biblical truth, and they advance arguments compatible with the Treatise of Faith and Practices of the National Association of Free Will Baptists.

Second, papers should be original. While we will accept papers which have been presented (or will be presented) in other contexts, they should aim to offer a perspective that isn’t simply recycling the work of another author or figure. (Obviously, papers which self-consciously aim to represent or characterize a prominent figure’s perspective are excepted from this.) Moreover, papers should have a specific argument they aim to make or a specific question they aim to answer. As a rule, avoid mere “surveys,” “explorations,” or “reflections.”

Third, papers should meet the requisite format requirements. This would include proper length, Turabian-style, etc. While there is some flexibility, the Program Coordinator can advise you further on this.

Fourth, papers should be theologically substantive. Papers which fail to connect to any particular biblical theme, category, or doctrine aren’t suited for this context.

Given a Theme Like “90 Years of the NAFWB,” What Kind of Paper Might Be Appropriate?

It’s difficult in advance to identify all the paper topics that might be appropriate. However, we’ll offer what we think are some potentially interesting and helpful ideas that could be developed with this theme in view.

-Consider the doctrinal commitments of our movement. How, if at all, have they developed over time? What work has been done to articulate our perspective during a key period of time?

-Consider doctrinal differences. What were those, and how have they been resolved? Again, think of not only our Treatise, but key publications or resolutions.

-Consider various theological debates or disputes in the wider evangelical world. What have Free Will Baptists offered in response to these?

-Consider a key publication. What was its unique theological and historical contribution?

-Consider the history of the Symposium. (Some digests are available at our Commission website, and others are available through the FWB Historical Collection.) Are there substantial papers and/or arguments worth revisiting?

-Consider writing an appraisal of a contemporary theological figure and/or argument and/or idea. Drawing on our historical resources, what shape could such an appraisal, appropriation and/or critique take?

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This is by no means an exhaustive list of ideas, but hopefully it will generate some reflection.

We ask that those interested in possibly submitting something for consideration to contact us at fwbtheology@gmail.com by July 1.