Thomas Popp

Professor Thomas Popp serves as President of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg (EVHN), a position he has held since October 1, 2022. Previously, from 2013 to 2022, he held dual roles as Professor of Practical Theology (Diaconia) at EVHN and Training Leader of Rummelsberger Deacons and Deaconesses. His academic authority stems from his professorial rank and ongoing theological leadership within this church-affiliated university focused on social work and diakonia.

His educational foundation includes:

• PhD in New Testament from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2000)
• Habilitation in New Testament from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2009)
• Specialized training in community counseling (1998-2000) and volunteer management (2010-2011)

Professor Popp's research centers on the intersection of theology and social practice, with particular emphasis on:

• Practical Theology and Diaconic Service Models
• Biblical Theology, especially New Testament Hermeneutics through diaconic lenses
• Community Development and Volunteer Management Systems
• Theology of Recognition and Coexistence (Konvivenz)

His scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on applying theological insights to contemporary social challenges, with recent publications (2021) addressing education, family dynamics, humility, and self-care within diakonic frameworks. These works appear primarily in church-social work handbooks and theological journals, reflecting his commitment to practice-oriented theology.

Professor Popp maintains significant connections beyond academia:

• 17-year tenure (1996-2012) as Officer in the Office for Community Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
• Leadership role (2013-2022) training deacons for Rummelsberger, Germany's largest charitable organization
• Board membership (2007-2010) at Evang. Bildungswerk Nürnberg focusing on biographical work