2024 Annual Research Roundtables

AI AND
MACHINE LEARNING

Does AI Facilitate or Impede Human Flourishing?

The 2024 Regent Research Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) will consider if AI technology development helps or hinders human flourishing. Human flourishing in this context is within the context of the Christian goal of increasing life and peace in the earth (Isaiah 9:6-7, Romans 8:6, John 10:10).…more » We encourage submissions that explore the positive aspects of AI, including productivity gains, new business use cases, advances in new technology enabling translation of prose and media into new languages, and an acceleration of lifesaving discoveries. We also encourage submissions on the negative outcomes of AI technology development. AI developments that impede human flourishing include theft of intellectual property, identity theft, a significant increase in energy usage, and a faster rate of substitution of capital for labor. Presentations can be theoretical, reviews of prior literature, or new empirical studies. We look forward to a robust set of new research questions and proposals for the 2024 Regent AI Research Roundtable.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Andrew Root
aroot@regent.edu

BIBLICAL
PERSPECTIVES

Future Frontiers of Exegetical Research

If there has ever been a theme that exemplifies the need for the voice of Scripture, it is human flourishing. As we are inundated with news of global upheaval, it is the Scriptures that give us hope: “May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.…more » The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind” (ESV, Psalm 115:14-16). Understanding human flourishing from a biblical perspective is essential for Christian leaders as our values and behaviors are molded by a Christian worldview.

The Biblical Perspectives Roundtable will be guided by two questions: (1) What does the Bible teach us about God’s redemptive plans for humanity and (2) What is the role of Christian leadership in God’s plans for human flourishing? We invite scholars of all Christian faith traditions to respectfully engage the field of knowledge and understanding of exegetical studies in leadership. We encourage research exploring topics including, but not limited to: (a) the biblical and theological foundations of human flourishing, (b) the role of the Gospel, the Church, and Christian leaders in promoting human flourishing, (c) the hindrances of sin in human flourishing, and (d) unique contributions to the scholarly literature of organizational leadership from a biblical perspective. We also encourage innovative manuscripts addressing matters relating to leading with a biblical worldview in various contexts.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Joshua Henson
joshhen@regent.edu

FOLLOWERSHIP

The Foundation for Christian Leadership and Human Flourishing

In the pursuit of Christian leadership aimed at changing the world, it is imperative to recognize the indispensable role of followership. While leaders often occupy the spotlight, it is the followers who form the bedrock upon which transformative leadership stands. This roundtable discussion delves into the essentiality of followership within…more » the context of Christian leadership, underscoring its significance as the linchpin for fostering human flourishing. By acknowledging that not all followers are leaders, yet all leaders are followers, we unravel the intricate dynamics of this relationship. Through insightful dialogue, we explore how effective followership empowers leaders to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and catalyze positive change. Moreover, we shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of followers, emphasizing their inherent value in driving organizational success and societal impact. Join us as we delve into the heart of followership, illuminating its pivotal role in shaping leaders who are poised to transform the world in alignment with Christian principles.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Debra Dean
debrdea@regent.edu

FORESIGHT

Systemic Futures: Leveraging Foresight for Human Flourishing

Foresight unlocks opportunities to examine potential futures in advance. As Christian leaders, we can apply a Systems approach to bring causal relationships to the forefront to illuminate a rare glimpse into the many forces driving and resisting change. In this Roundtable, we explore the Christian leadership constructs of Human…more » Flourishing from a Systems perspective to identify the principal elements that promote, achieve, sustain, and restrain complete well-being from a personal, professional, and organizational perspective. Our goal is to demonstrate how to leverage Foresight tools and methodologies to advance Christian leadership for Human Flourishing. This multi-media roundtable invites speakers to submit abstracts for video presentations and articles. A featured panel discussion will highlight key insights from the Foresight Roundtable.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Virginia Richardson
virgric@regent.edu

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Human Flourishing through People and Organizational Development

Human Resource Development (HRD) focuses on employee and organizational development through the lens of adult learning theories and organizational learning practices. At Regent University, we explore these topics through a distinctly Christian perspective. This year, we invite scholars and…more » practitioners to reflect on what organizations and leaders can do to enhance human flourishing by implementing HRD principles and practices. Presenters are invited to submit abstracts for video presentations and articles. A panel discussion will be used for each presenter to discuss their research.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Dave Winner
willwin@regent.edu

KINGDOM
BUSINESS

Building Kingdom Culture in Business Organizations

An organization’s culture represents a shared view of “right thinking” and “right behavior.” Organizational culture greatly influences the actions and success of the organization, which in turn affects human flourishing of employees, customers, and others related to the organization.…more »

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. John Mulford
johnmul@regent.edu

ORGANIZATIONAL
LEADERSHIP

Exploring Organizational Leadership and Structure

The 2024 Organizational Leadership Roundtable seeks conceptual and empirical studies on organizational and leadership topics related to human flourishing, such as, but not limited to (a) employee well-being, (b) organizational culture and climate that supports the end state of human flourishing, (c) positive organizational studies that explain…more » how leaders and organizations impact employees’ happiness, (d) inclusion, (e) belonging, (f) organizational identity, (g) organizational commitment, (h) person-organization fit, (i) person-job fit, (j) job satisfaction, (k) employee development, (l) organizational justice, (m) perceived organizational support, etc. Presenters must make a clear connection of the topic to a biblical worldview.

Roundtable presenters will create a publishable article, a 15-minute video presentation for attendees’ reading and viewing, and a 20-minute live presentation, of which 15 minutes is for the presentation and five minutes is for questions/answers.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Bruce E. Winston
brucwin@regent.edu

PROFESSIONAL
COACHING

Partnerships of Honor

The theme for the 2024 SBL Roundtables is perfectly suited for Professional Coaching! At its essence, coaching is a profession honoring the individual. Coaches recognize and acknowledge the unique qualities of each client and work collaboratively with them to facilitate their personal growth and development. We invite presenters to submit their work showcasing the distinct aspects…more » of a biblical approach to coaching and its underlying principles. We challenge presenters to illustrate the effectiveness of models they have developed and applied. Practitioners are strongly encouraged to present case studies and best practices from their experiences. Priority consideration for this Roundtable is given to presentations involving multiple authors. All presentations should demonstrate the interconnectedness between coaching and human flourishing.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Diane M. Wiater
dianwia@regent.edu

SERVANT
LEADERSHIP

Human Flourishing – Reaching Beyond Ourselves

Robert K. Greenleaf, the Father of Servant Leadership, talked about a better ‘time’ in the making– “but if one is servant, either leader or follower, one is always searching, listening, expecting that a better wheel for these times is in the making. It may emerge any day. Any one of us may find it out of his own experience. I am hopeful” (1980).…more »

We share the hope of better times in the making. We know the ONE who gives such hope, our Father in Heaven!

As we focus on human flourishing, we begin to ask questions that seek spaces to foster the right environment and begin asking imperative questions such as how we foster these better times—create safe spaces of human flourishing where followers can grow, develop, become, and continue on their journeys. We further inquire as to how do we as leaders, and followers, reach beyond ourselves to serve others in our unique spaces of life– for vibrant leaders, followers and organizations.

We invite proposals focused on servant leadership, servant followership, and all intersections with human flourishing. This is a wide net, but one with great potential to find those better times and change the world.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Kathleen Patterson
kathpat@regent.edu

TRANSFORMATIVE
INNOVATION

Using Innovation to Encourage Human Flourishing and Improve the Human Condition

As Christians, we should be very concerned with human flourishing as we are encouraged in the Bible to be successful but, more importantly, we are directed to love and serve others and help them to flourish. Innovation is a very important part of what we can do to encourage human…more » flourishing in our world. In this Roundtable, we will focus on the personal and organizational skills that make innovation beneficial to private and public enterprises and what we can do to encourage flourishing. Speakers are welcome to submit papers, conceptual talks, and oral book reviews, all at the intersection of innovation and the Christian faith.

Submit your proposals to the Chair:

Dr. Steve Firestone
sfirestone@regent.edu

Dr. Counted is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Regent University and leads the Abundant Life Flourishing Program. With two Ph.D.s—one in Health Psychology and another in Psychology of Religion—he is a recognized authority in the field of human flourishing. As a Faculty Affiliate of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, he explores psychosocial and neuropsychological factors that nurture well-being. His research has been published in over 70 peer-reviewed journals, making him a leading voice in understanding the intersections of faith and psychology.

Brittany Dunn is the COO & Co-Founder of Safe House Project, where she has made significant strides in combating human trafficking. Her experience on the Virginia Governor’s Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention underscores her commitment to advocacy and social justice. Dunn is also a published author, having co-written “Eradicating Human Trafficking: A Transformative Approach through Collective Impact.” Her innovative approaches to leveraging technology for social good are inspiring and essential for leaders aiming to effect meaningful change.

Justin A. Irving (Ph.D., Regent University) is the Duke K. McCall Professor of Leadership, Chair of the Department of Leadership and Discipleship, and Director of the Doctor of Education program at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He previously served as professor of ministry leadership and director of the DMin program at Bethel Seminary. Irving is the author of Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations and coauthor of Leadership in Christian Perspective. He also serves as one of the pastors at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville.