Prof JW Beukes

Qualifications

PhD (2014, University of Stellenbosch)

LTh (2005, University of Stellenbosch)

MDiv (2004, University of Stellenbosch)

BTh (2003, University of Stellenbosch)

NRF Rating

Currently teaching

CSP4802: Introductory issues in the study of Christian Spirituality

CSP4803: History of Christian Spirituality

CSP4804: Christian Mysticism

SACL01T: African Christian Leadership

Field of Specialisation

Christian Spirituality; Eco-Spirituality; Eco-Theology; Eco-Diakonia; Theology and development, Religion and development, Community development, Diaconal (Diakonia) studies, Youthwork, Youth ministry, and children’s ministry

Books

Monographs

Beukes, J.W., 2016. Belhar en ’n Teologie van Ontwikkeling in ’n Konteks van Armoede en Ongeregtigheid. Sun Media, Stellenbosch.

Book Chapters

Beukes, J.W. 2024. Youth and Environmental Consciousness: Do Religion, Faith, and Spirituality Matter?  In Annette Potgieter & Khegan M. Delport (Eds.), Experiencing God in Everything and Nothingness: Negativity, Embodiment, and Spirituality—South African Perspectives. Wipf and Stock Publishers, Pp. 95-108. Print ISBN: 9781666764352, 1666764353. 

Beukes, J.W. 2022. Not the future leaders of tomorrow! Youth, missio Dei and the missiological research agenda in (South) Africa. In Johannes Knoetze (Ed.), Mission the “Labour Room” of Theology. CLF Publishers. Pp. 193-208.

Beukes, J.W. 2022. Youth, Religion and Resilience in South Africa: An Autoethnographic Perspective. In Annette Potgieter (Ed.), Resilience in a VUCA world: Reflections on teaching, learning and health in turbulent times. AOSIS Publishers. Pp. 55-66. 

Stork, J., Beukes, J.W., Öhlmann, P., Swart, I., & Van Wyk, T. 2022. The South African-German Research Hub on Religion and Sustainability (SAGRaS): An Inter-Contextual Initiative for Transdisciplinary Research on the Role of Religion for Ecological Sustainability. In Daniel Beros, Eale Bosela, Lesmore Ezekiel, Kambale Kahongya, Ruomin Liu, Grace Moon, Marisa Strizzi, Dietrich Werner (Eds.), International Handbook on Creation Care & Eco-Diakonia: Concepts and Theological Perspectives of Churches from the Global South. Regnum Handbooks, Oxford, Pp. 775-782. 

Beukes, J.W., Thyssen, A.A., & Jacobs, D. 2022. “Here Am I, Send Me!” The Youth as Co-Participants and Agents of Change. In Bowers du Toit (Ed.) Faith, race and inequality among young adults in South Africa: Contested and contesting discourses for a better future. First Edition. Sun Media Press., Stellenbosch. DOI: 10.52779/9781991201775. ISBN 978-1-991201-76-8. Pp. 149-163.

Beukes, J.W., 2017. The Belhar Confession and the Establishment of a Theology of Development. In Leepo Modise and Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel (eds) Belhar Confession: The Embracing Confession of Faith in Church and Society. First Edition. Sun Media Press. DOI: 10.18820/9781928357599. ISBN 978-1-928357-58-2. Pp.231-250. 

Beukes, J.W., 2016. Die Belhar-Belydenis: Belydenis van ’n Kerk Weerklink Wêreldwyd – in Afrikaans. In WAM Carstens & Michael le Cordeur (Eds) “Ons kom van vêr. Bydraes oor Bruin Afrikaanssprekendes se Rol in die Ontwikkeling van Afrikaans” opgedra aan Adam Small. Naledi Uitgewers. Pp. 39-56.

Journal articles

Scholtz, J.W.K., Nel, M. & Beukes, J.W., 2024. Die bediening aan enkelouergesinne met adolessente: ’n inklusiewe en intergenerasionele uitdaging. In die Skriflig / In Luce Verbi 58(1), a3033. https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3033

Msebi, M. & Beukes, J.W., 2024. Enhancing youth involvement in community development: A pragmatic strategy for local churches. Verbum et Ecclesia 45(1), a2956. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v45i1.2956

Van Vliet, G. & Beukes, J.W., 2023. Lost in translation? Religious elements and concepts in youth climate movements. Verbum et Ecclesia 44(1), a2876. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v44i1.2876

Beukes, J.W. & Beukes, L.E., 2023. Proposing a Social Justice Approach to Diaconia for a South African Context. Religions 14: 668. Pp. 1-17.

Beukes, J.W., 2023. Diakonaat en Jeug in Afrikaanssprekende Gereformeerde Gemeentes in Suid-Afrika. Verbum et Ecclesia 44(1), a2762. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v44i1.2762

Beukes, J.W., 2021. Youth, faith and environmental consciousness in Africa: A Practical Theology research imperative. Stellenbosch Theological Journal (STJ) 7(2) Pp.1-19.

Beukes, J.W., Stork, J. & Swart, I. 2021. Editorial: Youth, faith, climate change and environmental consciousness: A case for sustainable development. Special Collection. HTS Theological Studies 77(2), a7085. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i2.7085.

Beukes, J.W., 2021. Seen and heard: The youth as game-changing role-players in climate change and environmental consciousness – A South African perspective. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies 77(2), a6893. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i2.6893.

Beukes, J.W., 2021. ‘I Can’t Breathe’: Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the Belhar Confession as a Beacon of Light for Denouncing Racism. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae 47 (2):15 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/8308.

Van der Westhuizen, M., Beukes, J.W. & Greuel, T., 2021. Authentic African community development practices in a diverse society: A transdisciplinary approach. Verbum et Ecclesia 42(1), a2150. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v42i1.2150. Pp.1-9.

Beukes, J.W., 2020. To be or not to be? A missional and practical theological perspective on being Church without walls amidst coronavirus disease 2019: A challenge or an opportunity? HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 76(1), a6115. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i1.6115. Pp.1-7.

Beukes, J.W., 2019. Leveraging social capital of the church for development: A case study of a farming community in Wellington. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 75(4), a5528. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v75i4.5528. Pp.1-10.

Van der Westhuizen, M., Smith, R. & Beukes, J.W., 2019. Exploring the social function of congregations: A community development approach to develop “hub-and-spill” early childhood development centres. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 75(2), a4850. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v75i2.4850. Pp.1-8.

Beukes, J.W. & Van der Westhuizen, M., 2018. Moving from faith-based concerns to de-marginalising youths through the Circle of Courage. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 74(3), 5013. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/hts.v74i3.5013. Pp.1-9.

Van der Westhuizen, M., Greuel, T. & Beukes, J.W., 2017. Are we hearing the voices? Africanisation as part of community development. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(3), 4512. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.4512. Pp.1-9.

Beukes, J.W. & Plaatjies van Huffel, M.A. 2016. Towards a Theology of Development in the Uniting Reformed Church (URCSA): Embodying Article 4 of the Belhar Confession. Missionalia 44:2. Pp.224-240.

Beukes, J.W. & Van der Westhuizen, M.A. 2016. Exploring the Voice of Children and Youth: A Plea for Renewal in Church Structures. Stellenbosch Theological Journal (STJ). Vol 2, No 2. Pp.111–130.

Paper presentations

International Conference Presentations

Beukes, J.W. 2024. Christian Churchgoing Youth and Environmental Commitment: Informed by Youth Ministry!? Paper presented at the Bi-Annual International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM) Conference. 3-6 January 2024, Manchester, UK. 

Beukes, J.W. 2023. Like, thumbs down, friend or foe, connected or distracted!? Exploring the opportunities and challenges of social media and technology for Youth Ministry in the digital age. Paper presented at the Joint Conference UP – PThU on Techno-Humanism North-South Critical Theological Discourses on Technology. 8-10 November 2023, Amsterdam, Netherland. 

Beukes, J.W. 2023. Towards the Demarginalisation of African Youth: Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want - A Golden Opportunity or A Pie in the Sky? Paper presented at the IASYM Africa Conference, 5-7 September 2023, Abuja, Nigeria. 

Beukes, J.W. 2023. Youth, Race and the African Union Agenda 2063 within the Environmental Discourse: A Quest for Sustainable Development in Africa. Paper presented at the Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race (TRRR) on the theme, “New Generation Nation Building: Religious and Political Perspectives from Africa and the Diaspora”. Lusaka, Zambia, 10-14 July 2023.

Beukes, J.W. 2023. South African Youth and Environmental Consciousness: Inspired by Faith and Religion? Paper presented at the International Academy of Practical Theology (IAPT) bi-annual conference on “Practical Wisdom on the Living Web of the Anthropocene”. Seoul, South Korea, 7-11 June 2023.

Beukes, J.W. 2023. The Role of Diakonia in Church-Led Initiatives for Environmental Justice in South Africa. Paper presented at the Ninth Conference for Research in Diakonia and Christian Social Practice, an international conference on “Contested Spaces of Diaconia – Seeking Justice, Safety and Well-Being”. Oslo, Norway, 31 May-2 June 2023. 

Beukes, J.W. 2022. Marginalised Youth as Agents of Change in a Quest for Demarginalisation: A South African Community Development Perspective. Paper presentation at the Community Development and Diakonia (CODE) conference on “Critical Approaches to Community Development and Diakonia in a Time of Crisis”. Helsinki, Finland, 26-30 September 2022.

Beukes, J.W. 2021. Social Media is in Young People’s Nature: Environmental Sustainability, Awareness, Consciousness and Activism during the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era. Paper presented at the Online Conference on Techno-Humanism? North-South Critical Theological Discourses on Technology – 23-24 November 2021.

Beukes, J.W. 2021. Youth, Faith and Environmental Consciousness in Africa: Introducing a New Research Initiative. Paper presented at the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM), Africa e-Conference on, “Developing Youth Ministry in Africa – Challenges and Opportunities”. 2-3 September 2021.

Beukes, J.W. 2020. Diaconal Response Challenged! The Youth as Game-Changing Role-players on Climate Change and Environmental Consciousness. Paper presented at the International Conference on Research and Diakonia, Oslo (online) - 17 September 2020.

Beukes, J.W. 2018. Church, Poverty, Development and Diaconia – A Social Justice Approach. The Seventh Conference for Research in Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi). Conference theme: Beyond Services Towards Justice. Diakonie, Germany, Berlin. 12-14 September 2018. 

Beukes, J.W. 2018. Raising Action-Oriented Leaders that is Relevant in Our Time and Context. A presentation at the Thinking Theology Conference. Zimbabwe, Harare, Zesa National Training Centre, 7-11 May 2018. 

Beukes, J.W., Van der Westhuizen, M.A. & Greuel, T. 2017. Africanised and Contextualised Community Development Informed by Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Trans-Disciplinary Approach. A Paper presented at the NetAct Conference/Workshop in Kenya, 2-7 July 2017.

Beukes, J.W. 2017. A South African Theology and Ministry Training Curricula for Evangelists in an African Context. A Paper and report presented at the Bible School Directors and Heads of Evangelists’ Training Programme Meeting in Rwanda, 26 February – 2 March 2017.

National (local) Conference Presentations

Beukes, J.W. 2024. “Practical theology and practising theology in a time of ecological urgency”. Keynote Address presented at the annual conference of the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa, UNISA, Pretoria, 23-25 January 2024.

Beukes, J.W. 2023. “Practical Theology: On Earth as it is in Heaven”. Presented at the Excelsus Annual Conference, Pretoria – 19-21 September 2023. 

Beukes, J.W. 2023. “Like Sand Through an Hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives”: Youth, Religion and Social Capital In South Africa. A Postgraduate research seminar at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Cape Town – 23 February 2023. 

Beukes, J.W. 2023. Towards a practical theology of social transformation through the lens of lived theology, lived religion, lived spirituality and development. Paper presented at the SPTSA Conference, Stellenbosch University, 24 to 26 January 2023. 

Swart, I., Cloete, A., Beukes, J.W., De Beer, S., Nel, R., & Weber, S. 2022. Going Beyond Youth Marginalisation as a Research Agenda: What is the task for youth-related practical theological scholarship in a complex present-day South Africa? Panel discussion at the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa conference. Bloemfontein – 9-11 February 2022.

Beukes, J.W. 2021. Youth and Environmental Consciousness: Does Religion, Faith and Spirituality Matter? Paper presented at the Andrew Murray Spirituality and Huguenot College Conference on South African Spiritualities: Experiencing God in Nothingness and in Everything - 24-26 November 2021.

Beukes, J.W., Thyssen, A. & Jacobs, D. 2021. Here am I, Send Me! The Youth as Co-Participants and Agents of Change. Paper presented at the Virtual Conference on Faith, Race and Inequality among young adults in South Africa: Contested and Contested discourses for a better future - 4 February 2021.

Beukes, J.W. 2020. Faith Development: Catechism as Helping with a “Code for the Road” – with Specific Reference to a Holistic Congregational Understanding. Paper presented at the Research Group for Youth Ministry - 10 July 2020. 

Beukes, J.W. 2020. Why is early childhood development important? And how can we think about church structures for child and youth ministries? Paper presented at Workshop: In conversation with South African peers on Child and Youth Ministry Discourses within South Africa on 29 May 2020.

Beukes, J.W. 2020. Youth, Faith, Climate Change and Environmental Consciousness: A Case for Sustainable Development. Keynote Speaker at the Seminar (Q-College) on Religion and Sustainable Development: An Empirical Research Seminar. A collaboration between Humboldt University and University of Pretoria. University of Pretoria, Pretoria. 27 – 30 January 2020.

Beukes, J.W. 2018. Church, Poverty and Development – A Critical Reflection on Nancy Frasers Social Justice Approach. Africa diaconia & development conference on Diaconia, Community and Development: Exploring new theories for Social Justice and Inclusion. A joined conference of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Stellenbosch University and Huguenot College. Stellenbosch, 3-5 July 2018.

Beukes, J.W., Thyssen, A. & Jacobs, D. 2018. Here I am send me! A theological approach on youth engaging in the process of unity, reconciliation and justice. Conference Theme: Justice, Reconciliation and Unity – Rediscovering the power of the Gospel. Winter School, Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, 5-7 June 2018.

Beukes, J.W. & Van der Westhuizen, M.A. 2017. Are We Hearing the Voices? Africanization as Part of Community Development. A Presentation at the Practical Theology Society of South Africa’s Conference at the University of Stellenbosch, 18-20 January 2017. Theme: Decolonisation.

Beukes, J.W. & Van Velden, R. 2017. Education of Social Workers from a Christian Worldview in a Pluralistic Society. A Presentation presented at the Evangelische Hochschule Rheinland Westfalen Lippe Colloquium. Huguenot College, Wellington, 6-9 November 2017.

Beukes, J.W. 2015. Towards a Theology of Development in the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA): Embodying Article 4 of the Belhar Confession. A Paper presented at the Colloquium on Theology and Development at the University of Western Cape (UWC), 16 October 2015.

Beukes, J.W. 2015. Called to do Justice: A Bible study on Micah 6:6-8. A Bible study / Devotion at the DiacAfric Conference. A Conference for the Promotion of Missional Diaconate in Africa. 7 & 8 September 2015, Huguenot College, Wellington.

Beukes, J.W. 2015. Spiritual Journey: Who am I and who/where is God? A presentation. Huguenot College; Wellington.

Beukes, J.W. 2015. Spiritual Journey: From Discipline to Practice! A presentation. Huguenot College; Wellington.

Beukes, J.W. 2015. Spiritual Journey: Vulnerability. A presentation. Huguenot College; Wellington.

Beukes, J.W. 2014. “Child and Youth Ministry: Our Story.” University of Stellenbosch, Faculty of Theology. 22 August 2014.

Beukes, J.W. 2014. Spirituality: How to Approach People about their Spirituality without Engaging in God-talk per se? Presented to Western Cape Palliative Psychosocial Forum (Psychologist and Social Workers) in Paarl on 13 August 2014.

Beukes, J.W. 2012. “PARTNERSHIPS in NGOs – A Paarl Case Study”. A Paper and PowerPoint presentation presented at the National Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) Conference in Cape Town (CTICC), September 2012.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

Professional positions and fellowships

Member of the 2023 Conference Planning Committee of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi), (2023 conference in Norway, Oslo) from 2022-2023.

Member of the 2023 International Advisory Committee of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi) from 2022-2023.

Executive member of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi) Board, since 2022 [second term].

Member of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM) since 2022.

Member of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM – African Region) since 2021.

Member of the Community Development and Diakonia (CODE) International Forum since 2022.

Member of the British and Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT) since 2021.

Member of the Theology of Diakonia Committee: Diakonia World Federation (DWF) since 2021.

Editorial Board Member of Religion & Development. Religion & Development is an open-access journal of the International Network on Religious Communities and Sustainable Development (IN//RCSD) since 2021.

Executive member of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi) Board, 2020-2022 [first term].

Member of the International Academy of Practical Theology (IAPT) since 2020.

Member of the International Reference Group for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice 2020-2021.

Member of the International Advisory Board of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi), 2020-2021.

Member of the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa (SPTSA) since 2017.

Member of the South African Missiological Society (SAMS), 2016-2018.

Awards

NRF Grant holder worth R2.1 million for the South African–German Research Hub on Religion and Sustainability (SAGRaS) research project with Humboldt University and the University of the Western Cape as Research partners (2023-2025).

Received a research award acknowledgement (certificate) for the NRF rating achievement from the Executive of the University of Pretoria during the Academic Excellence Achievers Award, a celebration of excellence and achievement among staff, held on 19 October 2023.

Projects

South African–German Collaborative Research Programme (SAG-CORE) On: “The Interface between Global Change and Social Sciences – post COVID-19” Project title: South African–German Research Hub on Religion and Sustainability (SAGRaS). An NRF research project on Religion and Ecology (Environmental Consciousness). (2023-2025)

Treatment Facility for Substance Abuse and Addiction: Saldanha Bay Municipality. A Detailed project plan was submitted to the Mayoral Committee for the Development of a Treatment Facility in the West Coast, South Africa. (2016)

Municipal Leadership-Perceptions: Rural and Urban Development in the Geographical area of the Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa – A Technical report. Hugenote Kollege, Wellington. (2010)

Other