Rev. Dr. Heesung Hwang

Assistant Professor of Christian Religious Education

Phone: 913-253-5027
Email:
Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D. in Christian Education and Congregational Studies
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL
M.Div., Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC
Certificate, TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages), Providence Theological Seminary, Otterburne, MB, Canada
M. Th., The Graduate School of Methodist Theological University, Seoul, South Korea
B. Th., Methodist Theological University, Seoul, South Korea

Denomination

United Methodist Church

Discipline or Specialty

Christian Religious Education and Congregational Studies

Disciplinary/Research Interests

practical theology, multicultural religious education, curriculum development, UMC studies, postcolonial feminist theology, Asian/Asian American theology, eco-theology

What do you hope your students come away with when they leave your classroom?

I hope that my students leave with a deepened understanding of how faith and theology are lived out in the everyday complexities of life. I aim for them to feel equipped not only with intellectual knowledge but also with practical tools for ministry, a commitment to justice, and the ability to navigate theologically in multicultural and multi-religious contexts. Ultimately, I want them to develop critical thinking skills, an embodied faith, and a passion for life-long learning that informs their vocation and service in both church and society.

What is your teaching style?

My teaching style is collaborative, reflective, and dialogical. I encourage active participation and create spaces where students' diverse voices and experiences shape the learning environment. I integrate a balance of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and creative assignments that challenge students to think critically and practically. I also emphasize contextually relevant learning, helping students apply theological concepts to their own lived experiences. My goal is to nurture a community of learners where exploration and questioning are encouraged, fostering an environment of mutual respect and deep engagement with the subject matter.

Representative Courses Taught

Introduction to Ministry

Faith Formation and New Generations

Teaching and Learning - Lifelong Process

MACM Summative Seminar

Eco-Pedagogy

Recent Publications

Monograph

Reframing Religious Education for a Global Generation. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2024

Book Chapters
“Dreaming in the Valley of Dry Bones: Child Care and Advocacy for the Undocumented Children in the United States,” in Growing Together: Insights and Practices for Raising Faithful Kids, Denise Janssen, Carmichael Crutchfield, Virginia Lee, and Jessica Young Brown, eds. King of Prussia, PA: Judson Press. Forthcoming Nov. 2024

“기독교적 양성 평등의 과제 [Christian Tasks for Gender Equality] based on Acts 18 and Romans 16:3-4,” in Building the Kin-dom of God Together by The Korean UMC Peace Initiative. Seoul: Sinang and Jisung, December 2021

“현대사회의 도전과 미래목회 [Challenges in the Modern Society and the Future Ministry],” in Leadership and Discipleship. The United Methodist Church Discipleship Ministries. Korean. Nashville: UMC Discipleship Ministries, 2021.

“‘Last Night I Dreamed of Peace’: Letters to Women Who Hold Up the Moon” in Asian and Asian American Women in Theology and Religion: Embodying Knowledge (Asian Christianity in the Diaspora), co-authored with Mai-Anh Le Tran, Linna Gunawan, Kwok Pui-lan, ed. New York: Palgrave Mcmillian, 2020.

 Journal Articles

“Navigating Waste: A Journey through Environmental Awareness, Faith, and Global Responsibility,” Religious Education 119(3): 174-77. 2024. http://doi.org/10.1080/00344087.2024.2330224.

“Crossing the Border: Religious Education of Coexistence with the Case of North Korean Refugees in the U.S.” in the Journal of Religious Education, Conference Edition. (May 2020): 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00344087.2020.1768473.

 Blog
“Deacon’s Call: Heesung Hwang” – An article contributed to Deacons Hold the Bowl: Resources for the United Methodist Deacons. (https://deaconsholdthebowl.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/deacons-call-heesung-hwang/)