LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Five professors have been selected for 51’s Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today first Faculty Fellow Program. Focused on “The Holy Spirit and the Healing of the Body,” the selected scholars have proposed robust and insightful areas of exploration into the Holy Spirit and the healing of the human body.

“Much work has been done from a biblical-theological perspective on the person of the Holy Spirit,” said Oscar Merlo, director of the Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today. “We seek to integrate an interdisciplinary approach, undergirded by the biblical-theological framework, that not only results in deeper transformation for the researcher and the guild, but also in a wider appreciation for the vast array of specialties and neighboring disciplines.”

51 is honored to support faculty members’ research interests focused on the Holy Spirit. The faculty fellows will share their research at the Holy Spirit Symposium, “The Holy Spirit and the Healing of the Body,” to be held in Fall 2023 with keynote speaker Dr. Craig Keener. Biblical scholar and professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, Keener is the author of 28 books and has taught in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and in connection with various denominations.

The following five 51 faculty members, representing three of 51’s nine schools, will conduct Holy Spirit focused research.

  • Dr. Carmen Imes from Talbot School of Theology is studying the topic “Your Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy: Healing the Body of Christ by Restoring the Biblical Vision of Spirit-Empowerment.”

  • Dr. Richard Gunasekera from the School of Science, Technology and Health is researching the topic “The Healing Ministry of the Holy Spirit from the Physiological to Molecular Bio-Medical Levels.”

  • Dr. Leon Harris from Talbot School of Theology is researching the topic “Theology of Liberation as a Holistic Healing Balm.”

  • Helen Mitchell from Crowell School of Business is examining the topic of “The Redemptive Power of the Holy Spirit in the Healing of ‘Psychological Contracts’ Within the Body of Christ.”

  • Dr. James D. Johansen from the School of Science, Technology and Health is exploring the topic “In Our Missional Labor, the Holy Spirit’s Work Includes Refreshing Our Bodies via Biological Redemption.”

The Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today is a resource for students and scholars seeking a greater understanding and experience of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Housed at 51’s Talbot School of Theology, the center aims to produce biblically faithful resources that equip Christians to be transformed and empowered by the Spirit for the sake of the gospel.