PRESENTATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S IN THEOLOGY

The Professional Master's in Theology at FTSA (Recognized by the Ministry of Education – MEC, as per Ordinance No. 1, January 3, 2022, Official Gazette No. 2, Section 1, p. 35, dated 01/04/2022) focuses on Practical Theology as its concentration area. It encompasses two areas of study: "Pastoral and Missiological Praxis" and "Applied Biblical and Theological Studies." The primary objective of the program is the advanced training of religious and ministerial leaders, both ordained and laypersons, as well as professionals interested in the role of religious communities and various religious agents. The program aims to enhance their practice in religious institutions, third-sector organizations, professional settings, and society at large. It provides a solid theoretical foundation—both theological and interdisciplinary—while fostering a more critical and self-aware professional experience for individuals engaged in Christian praxis.

The Professional Master's is designed to develop human resources by strengthening professional performance and deepening scientific training through the systematization and expansion of professional experiences. To this end, it integrates knowledge from participants’ fields of practice with academic methodologies, facilitating applications in educational activities and relevant work within public and private social and community organizations.

The final project of the Professional Master's is distinguished by its applicability, differing from the theoretical dissertations of an Academic Master's program. It may take the form of processes, projects, techniques, or educational and training products applicable to real-world classroom conditions or other teaching, social, and professional settings related to the field. Depending on the content, methods, and techniques relevant to the discipline, these projects or products may include, for example: didactic sequences, instructional and pedagogical materials, manuals, artistic productions, management models, software applications, media programs, games, videos, a set of video lessons, equipment, exhibitions, extension projects, social engagement initiatives, technical consulting/advisory services for public or private organizations, case studies, and technical reports.

The Professional Master's program may be offered in both in-person and modular formats. At FTSA, the modular format consists of in-person modules held in January and July, with each module lasting two weeks per month.

CONCENTRATION AREA: PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

FIELD OF STUDY: PASTORAL AND MISSIOLOGICAL PRAXIS

The “Pastoral and Missiological Praxis” field of study encompasses projects and themes grounded in an interdisciplinary perspective, aimed at fostering reflection and engagement among religious agents, churches, and Christian-tradition communities. This line of study focuses on their existence, institutionalization, functionality, social role, and public participation, while interacting with contemporary phenomena and issues relevant to the field.

In line with the traditional approach to Practical Theology, this field covers aspects of community life (koinonia), pastoral care (poimenic), service (diakonia), education (didaskaly), worship practices (liturgy), homiletics (kerygma), mission, witness, and evangelization (martyria and kerygma). These correspond to key themes such as: theology and health, homiletics, the relationship between theology, worship, and praxis, mission, inculturation and contextualization, inclusion and human rights, theology and society, action, experience and practical knowledge, and education within Christian traditions.

Thus, the objectives of this field include: (a) Enhancing theological and contextual pastoral practices, such as homiletics, leadership, education, chaplaincy, counseling, and evangelization;  (b) Developing theological and missiological reflection on the role and place of churches, organizations, and contemporary Christian communities (both historical and Pentecostal);  (c) Interdisciplinary analysis of new ecclesial and missional models active within Christian churches and emerging religious movements and spiritualities in society, including media-driven churches, cell-based churches, megachurches, and non-traditional religious associations;  (d) Critical and constructive discussion on the theoretical foundations of church action in society, particularly regarding the concept and models of the church’s mission;  (e) Examining the role of religious leadership and ecclesiastical institutions in the formation, implementation, and evaluation of actions aimed at community and societal development.

 

FIELD OF STUDY: APPLIED BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

The "Applied Biblical and Theological Studies" field of study encompasses projects and themes at the intersection of Practical Theology, the Holy Scriptures, and theological traditions, recognizing their essential role in shaping the practices and reflections of individuals and Christian-tradition communities. This field integrates the biblical text and theological tradition with the realities, contexts, and factors influencing reading, reinterpretation, interpretation, teaching, and exposition. It acknowledges the need to develop interpretative and biblical-theological teaching processes with appropriate hermeneutical mediations, while considering the plurality of interpretative methods, communities, and applications, as well as the challenges and problems related to biblical readings and practices. The ultimate goal is to foster and build humanized and just community practices.

The objectives of this field include: (a) Enhancing interpretative practices, teaching methodologies, and the application of the biblical text and theological tradition in the daily life and contexts of religious individuals and communities;  (b) Fostering critical reflection on applied theories, interpretative practices, and the uses and misuses of interpretation, including different readings, reinterpretations, and appropriations of the biblical text and theological tradition;  (c) Developing an interdisciplinary approach to the biblical text, taking into account both the historical and cultural contexts reflected in the text and those influencing its reception;  (d) Promoting a missional reading of Scripture, ensuring contextual applicability;  (e) Constructing teaching practices and biblical-theological exposition processes for religious agents and communities.

CURRICULAR COMPONENTS

 

Common Core

Module 1
  • Foundations of Practical Theology
  • The Brazilian Religious Landscape
  • Research Methodology

 

Module 2
  • Theologies and Contemporary Issues
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Seminar 1
  • Didactic-Pedagogical Methods and Productions (Elective)
  • Methods and Productions Using Information and Communication Technologies (Elective)

 

Pastoral and Missiological Praxis

Module 3
  • Foundations of Missiology
  • Gospel and Social Transformation
  • Research Seminar 2
Module 4
  • Foundations of Pastoral Theology
  • Pastoral and Ecclesial Praxis
  • Research Seminar 3

 

Applied Biblical and Theological Studies

Module 3

  • Applied Biblical-Theological Hermeneutics
  • Bible, Text, and Context
  • Research Seminar 2
Module 4
  • Methods of Biblical Theology
  • Practical Themes in Biblical Theology
  • Research Seminar 3

 

PROGRAM FACULTY

Pastoral and Missiological Praxis          

Ph.D. Jorge Henrique Barros http://lattes.cnpq.br/2698794934002867

Ph.D. Denise Martins Américo de Souza https://lattes.cnpq.br/3255231381030488

Ph.D. Jacqueline Ziroldo http://lattes.cnpq.br/4826676326586405

Ph.D. Wander de Lara Proença http://lattes.cnpq.br/3497875179823124

Ph.D. Ronaldo de Paula Cavalcante http://lattes.cnpq.br/2245001519562954

 

Applied Biblical and Theological Studies

Ph.D. Flavio Henrique de Oliveira Silva http://lattes.cnpq.br/5479874114744973

Ph.D. Lucas Merlo Nascimento http://lattes.cnpq.br/1434422374038753

Ph.D. Marcos Orison Nunes de Almeida http://lattes.cnpq.br/9601784351036425

Ph.D. Éder Wilton Gustavo Felix Calado http://lattes.cnpq.br/0463324885057047

Ph.D. Luana Martins Golin http://lattes.cnpq.br/3559845486973101

 

ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS

CHURCH AND CITY – URBAN LIFE EXEGESIS FOR CHRISTIAN MISSION

Coordinator: Ph.D. Jorge Henrique Barro

The "Church and City: Urban Life Exegesis for Christian Mission" project aims to investigate how churches can better understand and engage with the complex dynamics of contemporary cities through urban exegesis. The research seeks to bridge the gap between urban exegesis and missional practice, offering new theological and methodological perspectives applicable directly to the church's mission in urban contexts. The main outcome of this study will be the production of a collaborative dossier, compiling theological analyses, case studies, and reflections on pastoral practices, serving as a valuable resource for academic training, ministerial practice, and mission work.

 

EVANGELICAL PRACTICES IN REGIONAL CONTEXTS

Coordinator: Ph.D. Wander de Lara Proença

Research Group: The Religious Phenomenon in Londrina: History and Historiography

This project develops studies on evangelical practices in regional contexts in Brazil across different historical periods. It examines new or frontier cities, urban spaces with contemporary specificities, and rural environments where forms of Protestantism developed between the 19th and early 20th centuries. These religious expressions later shaped urban churches, influenced by rural-to-urban migration and other population movements.

The research employs conceptual and methodological perspectives from History, Theology, Anthropology, and Social Sciences, drawing from Pierre Bourdieu and Roger Chartier, especially regarding fields, symbolic power, representations, and practices, including elements of reading history.

The project welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from the Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana as well as researchers from other institutions. The research involves cataloging and analyzing:

  • Written, oral, and visual sources
  • Institutional documents, rituals, symbols, and religious practices
  • Historical records and memorial materials from religious communities or institutions, contributing to the formation of regional archives for future research.

The project also includes theoretical readings, bibliographical reviews, and academic production (dissertations, articles, and papers) to be presented at Theology, History, and Religious Studies conferences.

 

EDUCATION, TEACHING, AND ECCLESIASTICAL INSTRUCTION: THEORETICAL PRODUCTION, PRINTED KNOWLEDGE, CONSCIOUSNESS, AND NARRATIVES IN SOCIETY

Coordinator: Ph.D. Denise Martins Américo de Souza

Research Group: Education, Teaching, and Ecclesiastical Instruction

This project explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of theological and ecclesiastical education, analyzing its interface with society and the narratives it produces.

 

NEW DYNAMICS OF THE BRAZILIAN EVANGELICAL RELIGIOUS FIELD

Coordinator: Ph.D. Jacqueline Ziroldo

Research Group: Religion, Culture, and Society

This project analyzes the forms of evangelical religiosity in Brazil, particularly the emergence of new religious assemblies and movements.

It is divided into two main areas:

  1. Institutional (Ecclesiastical) Scope:
    • Examines established evangelical traditions and new hybrid church forms emerging across Brazil, especially in large urban centers.
    • Focuses on worship practices, leadership, and ecclesiastical education.
  2. Informal Religion:
    • Studies non-ecclesiastical religious groups that self-identify as evangelical.
    • Investigates interactions between historical traditions, new church models, and non-institutional movements (or post-institutional expressions).

This interdisciplinary project fosters dialogue between Theology and Religious Studies.

 

RELIGION AND THE INTERNET

Coordinator: Ph.D. Marcos Rodrigues Simas

Research Group: Religion and the Internet

This project investigates Digital Religiosity, analyzing the impact of the Internet and digital media on Brazilian Protestant religiosity and the characteristics of religious belonging in digital spaces.

 

RELIGIOUS DISCOURSES AND BIBLICAL TEXTS FROM A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS PERSPECTIVE

Coordinator: Ph.D. Éder Wilton Gustavo Felix Calado

Research Group: Biblical and Theological Studies from Discourse Analysis

This project applies French Discourse Analysis (DA) to religious discourse, studying:

  • The biblical text itself
  • Dogmatic and historical Christian texts
  • Rituals and religious ceremonies
  • Power dynamics in religious environments

The research follows Michel Pêcheux and Michel Foucault’s theories, exploring Foucauldian and Pecheutian discourse analysis approaches. It also incorporates insights from prominent Brazilian scholars in Discourse Analysis.

 

CARE IN THE BIBLE: IDENTITY AND MISSIONAL ASPECTS

Coordinator: Ph.D. Flávio Henrique de Oliveira Silva

Research Group: Method and Contextual Biblical Interpretation

This research investigates the concept of care in the Bible, exploring its identity and missional dimensions. The methodology integrates textual and contextual analysis of biblical narratives, focusing on:

  • Behavioral patterns, values, and principles related to care
  • Hermeneutical tools to understand the impact of biblical "care" on religious identity and mission

Using bibliographic review, exegetical analysis, and theoretical discussions, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of biblical care and its implications for Christian identity and mission.

 

REINTERPRETATIONS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: TEACHINGS OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS AND PAULINE THEOLOGY

Coordinator: Ph.D. Marcos Orison Nunes de Almeida

Research Group: Method and Contextual Biblical Interpretation

Christian theological traditions are shaped by Scripture and hermeneutical approaches, particularly:

  • The person and ministry of Jesus
  • Pauline theology

This project examines the continuous task of rereading and interpreting Jesus' teachings and Pauline doctrines, aiming to develop strategic ways to communicate biblical teachings in contemporary contexts.

 

BIBLE AND CONTEXT

Coordinator: Ph.D. Lucas Merlo Nascimento

Research Group: Method and Contextual Biblical Interpretation

This project explores biblical literature from a historical, literary, and hermeneutical perspective, investigating:

  • The social contexts of biblical texts
  • Theologies and traditions within biblical narratives
  • Latin American contemporary issues in dialogue with biblical realities

It applies exegetical methodologies that integrate historical and contextual elements.

 

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION, BODY, AND EMBODIMENT

Coordinator: Ph.D. Lucas Merlo Nascimento

Research Group: Method and Contextual Biblical Interpretation

This interdisciplinary project explores body and embodiment in biblical interpretation, investigating:

  1. How body and embodiment influence biblical interpretation
  2. Corporeality as a theme in exegetical, hermeneutical, and interdisciplinary studies
  3. Specific biblical texts addressing the body
  4. Effects of biblical-theological interpretations of the body on Scripture reception

The research seeks to develop theoretical frameworks for interpreting the body in biblical studies, offering new perspectives on body-conscious exegesis and theological reflection.