Leading Through Change: Kristen Deede Johnson on Community, Conflict, and Christian Formation

How can theological schools remain rooted in their traditions while responding creatively to a changing and increasingly polarized world?

In this episode of The Thinking Teams Podcast, Jason Mills speaks with Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson, Principal of Wycliffe College, about the role of deep Christian formation in unsettling times—and why collaboration and discipleship matter more than ever.

Johnson also offers a thought-provoking perspective on discipleship. If you assume disciple-making begins with the Great Commission, the final part of this conversation may invite you to think more deeply about where Christian formation begins and how it shapes the whole of life.

Listen to the Episode

In This Episode

Jason and Kristen explore how theological schools can remain faithful to their distinct traditions while finding meaningful ways to collaborate. Their conversation considers the purpose of theological education, the deeper dynamics behind conflict, and the role of Christian formation in shaping how we live and engage with the world.

• Formation is about more than credentials: Theological education is not simply about earning degrees or acquiring knowledge. It is about forming people for lives of faithful service, thoughtful engagement, and Christian discipleship.
• Conflict can reveal what matters most: Disagreement often points to deeper fears, hopes, and commitments. Learning to listen for what lies beneath the surface can help leaders navigate difficult conversations with greater understanding.
• Collaboration doesn’t require uniformity: Theological schools and Christian traditions can identify shared commitments, pool resources, and work toward common purposes without giving up what makes them distinctive.
• Discipleship extends to every part of life: Christian formation is not confined to personal spirituality or church life. It shapes our vocations, our engagement with culture, our relationships, and our participation in public life.
• We need to discern how culture forms us: Culture is always shaping our assumptions, desires, and practices. Christian communities have an important role in helping people recognize these influences and respond with wisdom and discernment.

About Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson

Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson is Principal and Helliwell Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Culture at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. She holds a BA in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia and a PhD in Theology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Johnson is the author of Theology, Political Theory, and Pluralism: Beyond Tolerance and Difference and co-author, with Bethany Hoang, of The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance, which received Christianity Today’s 2017 Book of the Year award in the Politics and Public Life category. Her work explores the relationship between Christian faith, culture, justice, and discipleship.

Why This Conversation Matters

Theological schools are undergoing tremendous uncertainty and upheaval. There has never been a more important time for us to work together. In a divided world, theological schools, denominations, and churches have an opportunity to be about deep formation that moves beyond superficiality.

Christian higher education institutions with a vision to work with other like-minded institutions will not find the path any easier. But they will find fellow companions and a larger community in which to think and act creatively in an increasingly polarized world.

Collaboration does not require institutions to set aside their distinct traditions. It creates opportunities to discover areas of agreement, share resources, and work together toward a common purpose while remaining faithful to their own callings.

Continue the Conversation

Theological schools, Christian universities, and denominations are navigating questions that cannot be answered by one institution alone. Jason works with leadership teams to facilitate focused conversations, clarify complex challenges, and identify practical next steps.

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