Theological Writing Center

An important aspect of education for ministry is developing the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in writing in a way that scholars from one’s own and other disciplines will find accessible. To equip students for this aspect of their work, the Theological Writing Center (TWC) at NBTS helps students develop their skills in theological writing, analytical reading—especially of their own work—and critical thinking.

For Students:

Helpful Reference Books

All students are expected to get A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers Ninth Edition, by Kate Turabian, et al. (ISBN 978-0226430577). All students are encouraged to also get and read Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White (ISBN 978-0205309023). Both books are available through on-line retailers. The default style for papers and citations will be Chicago Style unless otherwise specified.

Workshops

The TWC will offer a workshop on “Theological Writing Basics” at the beginning of each term at both campuses and during select Doctor of Ministry intensive weeks. This workshop is available to all students, but attendance by all incoming students, regardless of program, is expected. The workshop will cover:

The basics of theological writing,
Expectations of the faculty,
Why a standard theological writing approach is important, even when it is uncomfortable, and
An introduction to tools available to help academic theological authors.

D.Min. Project Writing Workshops

Small-group writing workshops for Doctor of Ministry students working on their doctoral projects will be offered for candidates who have reached the project phase. They will be organized at the beginning of each fall term for students beginning their project proposals, and will meet regularly with the TWC director, on-line, according to a schedule agreed upon by the group, until the final projects are turned in.

Proofreading Partnerships

Students will be encouraged to form proofreading partnerships with one another. No one can reliably proofread one’s own work, as our minds, knowing what we meant to write, simply gloss over errors and omissions. Learning to work with a partner in proofreading and developing such a relationship is an important skill for ministry.

Office Hours & Contact Info

The TWC director will be available for individual help by appointment throughout the year. Email the director at jbrumm@nbts.edu to make an appointment. Appointments can be either 30 minutes or 60 minutes long, and may be in person, by telephone, or by Zoom video conference. Please be respectful of not only the director’s time, but also the time of other students the director could be helping; please keep your appointments or contact the director as soon as possible if you cannot.

For Alumni, Faculty, and the Entire NBTS Community:

Having a New Book Celebration at NBTS

An author of a book that relates to one of the disciplines taught at NBTS is welcome to apply to have a “New Book Celebration” in Gardner A. Sage Library. The celebration will be arranged by the Theological Writing Center. Celebrations for books by alumni will be held at the beginning of spring terms when there are books to celebrate, while books by faculty will be celebrated at the beginning of fall terms.
Click here for more information or to apply to have your book celebration at NBTS.

Contact:

Rev. James Brumm, Director of the Theological Writing Center
Phone (732) 247-5241
Email: jbrumm@nbts.edu