Catalyst Academics network
Vision
The Catalyst Academic Network exists to see the gospel at the heart of New Zealand and New Zealand at the heart of world mission by growing a new generation of academics shaped by the gospel who will express its breadth and depth in the academy.
Aims
We have two major aims: to encourage the integration of Christian faith into academic life, and to support and equip all university and tertiary staff to be true witnesses, deep thinkers, live undivided lives, and have a passion for global reach.
Convictions
Each Christian member of tertiary staff has been uniquely gifted, specially called and placed on their campus by God. They are ambassadors for Christ in their own specialised mission field.
The academic community is one of the most influential groups in the country. We draw the next generation of leaders from graduates and therefore Christian university and tertiary staff are strategically placed for tremendous national influence and a worldwide impact for Christ.
The existence of a vibrant and visible staff Christian fellowship strengthens, supports and enhances the credibility of the work and witness of Christian student groups on campus.
Every Christian in the university or tertiary community has a role to play in bringing God back to the centre of our intellectual life through working in their academic discipline. Christian values and thinking can again permeate the academy, and in turn society, as the Christian worldview is seen as sufficient and relevant to all of life in every discipline.
A country-wide cross-disciplinary network of Christian academics and staff brings encouragement, support, stimulation and a renewed sense of corporate vision and hope to the academic community and its work.
Recognising the distinctive part played by other Christians on campus, the academic community and the wider body of Christ, we believe that by working together we can have a greater impact than working alone.
Key Activities
In fulfilment of its Aims, the Catalyst Academics Network will pursue, those activities deemed appropriate, which may include the following:
a. grow and support the network by facilitating an online community for our membership. Through the website and message boards members can interact, contribute ideas and view other member’s websites, research interests and keep involved from afar.
b. undertake to organise conferences and training events to bring university and tertiary staff together from across the NZ.
c. publish paper or electronic media to inform, share information and give vision and encouragement.
d. support, resource and encourage local staff groups on campuses for the purposes of fellowship, support, study, prayer and outreach to have an impact on their university or tertiary campus for Christ.
e. develop specialised strategies, provide resources and give training to assist Christian university and college staff in their work of teaching, research and witness for Christ. This includes the fostering of scholarly publications, informed by the Christian worldview, in the secular media.
f. foster in the NZ, as part of a global academic community, access to international resources and work with Christian lecturers and professors from every discipline across the world.
g. encourage interaction with professionals in the field to ensure that new thinking is grounded in reality and disseminated widely.
h. foster engagement and dialogue with others.
