Rate My Professor A. (Jos) de Kock

Prof. Dr. A. (Jos) de Kock, MBA, is Rector and Administrative Director of the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF) in Leuven, Belgium, positions he has held since 2019 and 2023, respectively, with a second rectorship mandate from the 2024-2025 academic year. He serves as Professor and Department Chair of Practical Theology since 2021, Coordinator of the Master of Teaching Program, and Coordinator of the Institute for the Study of Religious Education and Youth Ministry (ISREYM). De Kock obtained his PhD in social sciences from Radboud University Nijmegen in 2005 with the dissertation 'Arranging Learning Environments for New Learning. Educational Theory, Practical Knowledge, and Everyday Practice.' His academic background includes a master's degree in Religion and Theology from Utrecht University (2003-2008), a Doctoraal in Educational Studies from Radboud University Nijmegen (1997-2000), a Propedeuse in Pedagogy from the same institution (1996-1997), a Master of Business Administration from Vlerick Business School (2021-2023), and a University Teaching Qualification in 2014. Before his full-time appointment at ETF Leuven, he was University Lecturer in Practical Theology (Education and Catechetics) at the Protestant Theological University (PThU) from 2011 to 2018, postdoctoral researcher in catechetics, senior consultant at Hobéon, and held teaching roles at institutions including Theologische Universiteit Kampen, Evangelische Hogeschool Amersfoort, and Driestar Educatief.

De Kock's research focuses on empirical practical theology, research methodology, religious education, youth ministry, catechetics, religious identity development, learning in encounter, children's worship, and theological formation. Key publications include books such as Wait a Minute in Stressful Times: A Practical Theological Account of Learning in Encounter (Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, 2019), Opvoeden is gekkenwerk. 11 uitgangspunten (Royal Jongbloed, 2017), The Five Questions: An Academic Handbook in Youth Ministry Research (with Bård Norheim, Pickwick, 2022), and The Vitality of Evangelical Theology: Celebrating ETF Leuven at 40 (co-edited with Andreas J. Beck and Steven C. van den Heuvel, Peeters, 2022). Recent articles feature 'Spirituality and Theological Formation: Seven Critical Considerations' (Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 2024), 'Leadership in Theological Education in the Time of Coronavirus' (Religious Education, 2023), and 'A Rich Palette of Bible Use' (Teaching Theology & Religion, 2023, with co-authors). He contributes to the field as a board member of the International Academy of Practical Theology and the Religious Education Association, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Youth and Theology, and Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University's Department of Practical Theology and Missiology since 2025.