Academic interests
I work within the field of practical theology with a particular emphasis on pastoral theology. I am especially interested with the interplay between cultural change and religious change. Much of what I do has to do with identifying and interpreting theological concepts within the field of practice, and examining the professional role of the pastor in contemporary society. I primarily work with written sources, and I also have experience with empirical studies.
My PhD dissertation, "The Spirituality of Secularization," is an investigation of how new ideals for spirituality within the Church of Norway implicitly negotiate with the secular culture’s perception of reality. The dissertation is particularly based on Charles Taylor's social philosophy and secularization theory. The monograph "Prest" (Pastor), which is set to be published in 2025, is a contribution to a theological theory of professions. The book first illuminates the historical sources of the pastor's role and then explores how the role's mandate, function, and purpose can be understood today.
Additionally, I am interested in questions relating to the theory of science, intellectual history, and systematic theology. My teaching experience covers secularization theory, practical-theological theory and method, pastoral care, pastoral theology, Christian spirituality, ecclesiology, and leadership.
Teaching
I primarily teach practical-theological subjects in the theology program (cand.theol.). In 2019, I completed the Educational Leadership Program (ULP) at the University of Oslo and have since worked with management and development of the program for theology and pastoral studies at the faculty. During the period 2023-2026, I am the project leader for ADAPT (Second Career Decentralized Professional Theology Program). This is an educational development project under the auspices of the Faculty of Theology, in collaboration with the Diocese of Nidaros, focusing on flexible teaching methods (see “positions”).
I have coordinated and taught the following courses:
- TEOL4901 Fordypningsoppgave (MA dissertation course)
- TEOL4903 Fordypningsoppgave i teologi (MA dissertation course)
- TEOL4580 Masteroppgave teologi og pastoral praksis (MA dissertation course)
- TEOL4020 Teologi i praksis 3 (Theology in Practice 3)
- TEOL4012 Praktisk teologi med institusjonspraksis: sjelesorg (Pastoral Care with Internship)
- TEOL2504 Kirkens ritualer og roller med menighetspraksis (Church Rituals and Ministry with Congregational Internship)
- TEOL2502 Pastoralteologi og liturgikk (Pastoral Theology and Liturgy)
- TEOL2500 Praktisk teologi med menighetspraksis (Practical Theology with Congregational Internship)
- TEOL2002 Kirkesyn og kirkekunnskap (Theoretical and Practical Ecclesiology)
- TEOL4551/52 Prest og teolog i praksis (Pastor and Theologian in Practice)
- TEOL4538V Spesialprest i livssynsåpent samfunn (Pastoral Chaplaincy in Secular Society)
- TEOL4537V Ledelse, roller og samspill i menighetene (Leadership, Roles and Professional Interaction in Church Congregations)
Current Positions
- Project Leader for ADAPT (Second Career Decentralized Professional Theology Program) (2023-2026)
- Leader for the Theology Program (Cand.Theol.) (2023-)
- Leader for the Theology and Pastoral Practice Program (2023-)
- Member of the Suitability Assessment Committee at the University of Oslo (2024-)
- Theological Committee of the Church of Norway, Representative for the Faculty of Theology (2024-)
- KIFO's Representative Assembly, Deputy Member for the Church of Norway (2024-)
- National Program Council for cand.theol., Representative for Professional Education in Theology at the University of Oslo (2024-
Previous Positions
- Program Leader for the Bachelor and Master's Degree Programs in Theology (2023-2024)
- Editor-in-Chief for "Nytt Norsk Kirkeblad" (2018-2022)
- Program Leader for the Master's in Practical Theology (2019-2022)
- Academic Contact for Suitability Assessment at the Faculty of Theology (2017-2022)
- Chair of the Competence Council for Further Education of Pastors (2019-2020)
- Member of the Competence Council for Further Education of Pastors (2021-2022)
- Chair of the National Council for Practical Theology (2008-2016)
Professional Experience
Since 2023, I have been an Associate Professor in Practical Theology and Project Leader for the ADAPT-project. Between 2017 and 2023, I held the position of Associate Professor and Practice Director at the Faculty. Prior to that, I was a Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Studies and Practice Director at the Practical-Theological Seminar (2007-2016). I was ordained as a pastor in the Church of Norway in 2003. From 2003 to 2007 I served as chaplain in Hammerfest, located in the northernmost part of Norway. In addition to my academic work, I still undertake short-term vicar positions as a pastor from time to time.
Education
- 2019: Educational Leadership Program (ULP), University of Oslo
- 2017: PhD in Practical Theology, University of Oslo
- 2002: Practicum (30 ECTS), Practical-Theological Seminar, University of Oslo
- 2002: Intellectual History (90 ECTS), University of Oslo
- 2001: Literary Studies (60 ECTS), University of Oslo
- 2000: Cand.Theol. (equals MA in Theology, 360 ECTS), University of Oslo