Stefan Paas

Prof. Stefan Paas is a Full Professor in the Department of Lived Religion and Society at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. He holds additional positions as Professor of Missiology at Theologische Universiteit Utrecht (since 2009) and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria (since 2022). His research focuses on missiology, secularization dynamics, religious communities, and contemporary Christian practices in urban contexts.

Key research interests include clergy roles, missionary strategies, climate religion intersections, and soteriological frameworks. He has contributed to UN Sustainable Development Goals through studies on inclusive religious practices and urban theological engagement.

Recent publications explore evangelism in Western Europe, climate theology, and religious narrative construction. His work bridges academic theology with public engagement, evidenced by over 38 media contributions, including TV appearances and podcasts. Notable awards include the A.F. de Savornin Lohmanprijs (2007) and a collaborative KNAW science communication award (2021).

Paas has supervised 15 PhD theses, focusing on missiological and practical theology topics. He actively participates in academic activities such as organizing conferences on urban Christianity and hosting international visiting scholars.